Galway, great city for food, music etc. Then up to Achill. Great walking, beaches .

Doolin, Galway, Achill

(and don’t try to see all of Ireland in 7 days)

Dublin ≠ Ireland.  Yes it’s amazing, vibrant, insane, lovely, but there’s a lot more to see.

Donegal? Track down the Star Wars locations there and in Sligo.

Visit a proper Irish bar. Get stoopidly drunk with the locals, stand (or slump) when the anthem plays at kick out time  I like this one, and have staggered home from it many times, but there’s plenty more.

come north, the Antrim coast road and then across lough Foyle on the ferry to Malin Head, then south towards Sligo, gorgeous scenery and gorgeous people, so much to see you’ll have to come back 👍

I doubt a road trip of a week is likely to do the island of Ireland justice.

Take either more time or just concentrate on one area.

I’m looking forward to going back to the UK because we, or rather the GF, can only spend 90 days in the UK. We’ll have to jump over to Ireland for at least three months. Even three months isn’t enough time.

I’m looking forward to going back to the UK because we, or rather the GF, can only spend 90 days in the UK. We’ll have to jump over to Ireland for at least three months

Not sure how you’re gonna get that recorded. When travelling within the Common Travel Area, I’ve never been stamped into/out of Ireland.

+ Kerry – my Swiss buddies thinks it’s beautiful. Avoid the end of September as I’m over then and it’ll rain.

I used to holiday in Ireland each year. The places that have stuck in my mind were Dingle (both the town and the peninsula), the Beara peninsula, Achill and Connemara. I think Connemara is the most achingly beautiful place I’ve ever seen. There is a place called Doolough in Connemara, with a memorial to the famine victims who died there. Is is just so poignant.

https://www.thewildatlanticway.com/sight/doolough-valley/

Apparently, Ireland used to be one of the most heavily populated countries in Europe, until the famine. But now, you can drive for miles and miles without seeing anyone. And there are so many derelict old cottages.

I would suggest too having a think about time of year of the visit — 1. the weather, east is generally drier and sunnier, best time of year here for better weather is usually June though Feb can also be good; 2. some of the places noted above, Kerry, Burren, etc all very nice but very touristy and can be busy especially in the summer.

Less visited counties but very scenic are Leitrim, Sligo and Fermanagh–good for outdoorsy stuff too.

If walking is your thing, note there is no public rights of way network in Ireland, north or south, but cycling is great, as there are loads of minor, very quiet roads and tracks, for this the Ordnance Survey map is your friend :-)

https://dash4it.co.uk/catalog/category/view/s/os-explorer-maps/id/50/

https://dash4it.co.uk/catalog/category/view/s/os-explorer-maps/id/51/

I spent two weeks in May doing the Wild Atlantic Way. I would say The Beara and Kerry Peninsula’s would be a great explore with a trip into Killarney National Park. Connemara national park also stunning with a brilliant visitor centre that has waymarked walks running from it.

The Dingle peninsula is also lovely, the drive around the head should not be missed and Dingle itself is a lovely vibrant town.

Was disappointed with Cliffs of Mohar and The giants causeway to be honest. Rammed full of tourists and not particularly spectacular anyway. The Cliffs of Sliabh Liag where much more impressive. Glenveagh Castle and Gardens plus the visitor centre there is a great day out.

I Loved Ireland and cant wait to go back.