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My “Best of Ireland in 14 Days” Tour Experience

For 25 years, I led our tours. Now I enjoy taking them. Every year I thumb through the Rick Steves’ Europe Tours catalog and see which tour fits my latest travel dreams. This spring, I enjoyed our Sicily tour (I wrote about my Sicily experience in earlier blog posts), and now we are wrapping up a great two weeks in Ireland .

One thing all of our tours have in common: great travel buddies. We learned long ago that if you promote your tours in the right way, you scare away the high-maintenance travelers — and the fun, easy-going people you’ll enjoy sharing your trip with end up on the bus. That was certainly the case with this merry band of Rick Steves travelers. Diana, Bob, Dan, Marlene, Marcia, Clare, Ed, Taffy, Cindy, Eddy, Demi, Keene, Jennifer, Mike, Kathy, Larry, Chuck, Lynda, Clark, Rebecca, Caryn, Pat, Tom, Ron, Susan, Kathy, and Mike — thanks for joining us, and happy future travels!

We had two guides with us on this trip: The very experienced Declan (with well over a decade of Rick Steves guiding experience) and Dara (after learning from the masters on several apprentice tours, he’s about ready to lead on his own, and will graduate after this last learning tour).

Being Rick Steves on a Rick Steves tour, I was constantly brainstorming with Declan and Dara about ways to bump up the vivid, experiential nature of the tour. For me, it’s the little things that add a lot. Here, after an appetizing cultural intro, Dara is handing out an assortment of local taste treats in an inviting basket (rather than passing around a grubby bag).

With the wind blowing hard enough to nearly fly us like kites, and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher stretching in either direction, Declan fortified us with a wee bit of Irish cream before setting us loose to join the gulls high above the crashing surf. (I love Irish weather. Even in July, every day on this tour was broken clouds, a good breeze, and temperatures in the 60s — notice we had the right clothing.)

Declan posted our itinerary every day. And every day, I marveled at the great efficiency of having a bus driver to do the driving and parking, and a guide to line up each day’s plan. Not a moment was wasted, and we knew exactly how to get the most meaning and fun out of each experience.

You’ll notice that we were staying in a B&B in the town center (beyond where the bus could enter), so we had a shuttle to move our bags to where it was parked. Our first stop was at a remote memorial at the site of the assassination of Michael Collins. Rather than sit for lunch in a big formal restaurant, we had free time at midday in the delightful town of Kenmare. After that, a farmer and his border collies were ready for us, with a sheepdog spectacle and a close shave. We were in Dingle with time to relax before a town walk, dinner together, and an evening full of live trad music in the pubs. Lots of experiences and stress-free efficiency — that’s the beauty of Rick Steves’ Europe Tours .

This is Day 77 of my “100 Days in Europe” series. As I travel with Rick Steves’ Europe Tours, research my guidebooks, and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences across Europe. Still to come: England, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, and more. Thanks for joining me here on my blog and via Facebook .

Rick Steves' Ideal Ireland Itinerary Hits All The Must-Visit Destinations

If anyone is qualified to curate the perfect, all-inclusive tour of Ireland, it's Rick Steves . The travel expert, author, and TV personality is a specialist when it comes to traversing Europe's diverse cityscapes and backcountry, and Ireland is no exception. According to Irish Central , Ireland is one of the world's top five best countries to visit, and for a good reason! With so many coveted cities and coastal escapes, it can be hard to squeeze in the best of this country in the short amount of vacation time we have to spend. Steve's personalized itinerary doesn't skip out on any of Ireland's trendy locations, crafty pubs, seaside cities, and charming historical sites. Kinsale, the Dingle peninsula, the Aran Islands, Galway, and Belfast are all part of this legendary 14-day excursion through the Irish countryside and picturesque coastlines.

The journey begins in the heart of Dublin, one of Ireland's most fascinating cities. From there, travelers will move through Killarney National Park to the northern tip of Ireland and ending in Belfast. This tour is available from Spring until Fall, so travelers can budget for the time of year that works best with their schedule. Spring and Fall tend to be the best times to travel to this nation, given the reduced crowds in the shoulder seasons. Yet, Steves recommends summer because of the longer daylight hours, allowing you to pack in all the best sights, tastes, and smells. Fortunately, the Irish landscape is captivating year-round, with a fresh canvas of wild, untamed wilderness to explore.

Dublin and Kinsale

What better introduction to Ireland than beginning in the nation's capital? Day one of this tour educates travelers about the history of Ireland, from Viking raids to British slavery. Of course, members still have plenty of time to wander the city on their own agenda, taking in the wonder of this vibrant town. If you want the expert's opinion, Steves recommends perusing iconic promenades like O'Connell Street, Temple Bar, and 14 Henrietta Street, as well as historic sites like the 700-year-old Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library, which houses intricate artifacts from Asia and medieval Europe.

The five-hour bus ride from Dublin to Kinsale directs travelers through sweeping emerald plains and medieval ruins that form part of Ireland's ecclesiastical heritage. Upon arriving in Kinsale on Ireland's southeast coast, guests will be enamored at this town's colorful streets and breathtaking harbor. According to Steves, Kinsale is the culinary capital of Ireland, so indulging in some of the city's local favorites is a necessity. Jim Edwards and the Whitehouse are two of his favorites for seafood!

Killarney National Park and Dingle

The rugged mountains and glistening lakes of Killarney National Park might just be one of the most enamoring sights along the entire tour. Embracing 24,710 acres, this national park is home to Ireland's largest forests and has become a designated Biosphere Reserve. The Mossy Woods, Old Kenmare Road, and Derricunnihy Church are just a few of the gems nestled inside this sacred preserve.

Taking the famous Slea Head Drive (Steve's pick for the most beautiful road in Ireland), journey through some of Ireland's most photogenic landscapes in the Great Blasket Centre, leading to the Dingle Peninsula. Situated on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, this remote stretch of paradise has been coined as "the most beautiful place on earth," according to National Geographic. Creative energy runs wild on this peninsula, and Holden Leather Goods is a local artisan favorite run by a local creative. Given its flourishing dairy industry, high-quality products like milk and ice cream are ubiquitous on this coastline. Murphey's Ice Cream, in particular, delivers some of the best ice cream you'll ever taste, crafted from local dairy cows native to the region.

Moher and the Burren

On the road to Galway, stop in County Clare to walk atop the towering Cliffs of Moher. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, these mesmerizing bluffs are coated in a rich layer of greenery that contrasts beautifully with the aquamarine seawater. The spectacular views are met with a thriving music scene in Ennis, the leading city of County Clare. Less than an hour from Ennis in County Clare, The Burren possesses an unparalleled diversity of flora and fauna, according to Steves. The topography houses several unique indigenous species and rocky moonscapes that support its bountiful ecosystem. With a limestone-heavy topography, locals in The Burren engage in what they call the "Winterage, ” where cattle are turned out to graze during the wintertime, encouraging them to prepare fresh soil and foliage for spring life to bloom. Like many cities in Ireland, the warm, hospitable culture of The Burren is complemented by a strong agriculture scene, with a particularly famous history of producing smoked salmon.

Galway and the Connemara Countryside

When visiting the Aran Islands in County Galway, Steves recommends heading straight to Inishmore, the largest of these islands that's home to iconic landmarks such as the ancient Celtic fortress, Dun Aengus and several enchanting castles . Just up the coast from the Aran Islands is the unspoiled scenic vista of the Connemara countryside. Located on the northwestern corner of county Galway, it's a region untouched by human hands, its natural beauty preserved over the centuries. Lakes, rivers, woodlands, and meadows coalesce on the vast, open landscape. Given its stunning organic scenery, this region is rich in outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, cycling, and horseback riding. It was also the filming site for "The Quiet Man" in 1951. Some of the highlights Steves guides travelers through are Ashford Castle , the town of Cong, and Westport in County Mayo. Heading north on the backend of this trip, wander through the lush seaside resort town of Portrush, which is home to sandy golden beaches as well as the famous Dunluce Castle .

The Antrim Coast and Belfast

Steve's Irish tour concludes along the Antrim Coast and Belfast. According to Steves, this region of Ireland is famous for it's captivating imagery and rugged beauty that's grabbed the attention of iconic news outlets. Old Bushmills Distillery is a must-visit when in this Irish county, as it's the oldest distillery in the world! The main highlight of this coastal region is the Giant's Causeway, a series of basalt columns formed by volcanic activity more than 60 million years ago. What better way to close out a well-traveled road trip than in the historic town of Belfast? Fun fact — this is also the town where the famous Titanic ship was built, and the Titanic Belfast tour is not one to be missed! With a lively arts scene, make sure to check out some of the city's most famous murals before sitting down to dinner or drinks in an authentic Irish pub. After a group dinner, the last day of the tour is left in the hands of guests. Strolling through St. George's Market or touring the sacred halls of Belfast Castle are just two of the town's most coveted attractions that won't disappoint!

Best of Ireland in 14 Days Tour

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• Dublin, learning about its rich history from the days of Viking raids
• Enjoy scenic drive along the forests, mountains, and lakes of Killarney National Park
• Experience walk along the local paths and lanes, hire a bicycle and pedal the scenic 30-mile Dingle Loop
• Enjoying the beautiful Irish countryside
• Enjoy dramatic Cliffs of Moher, where you'll find yourself leaning into the wind

What's this trip about?

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Travel themes.

• Hiking & Walking
• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

• United Kingdom

Attractions

• Dingle Peninsula
• Educational/ learning
• Historic sightseeing
• Land expedition
• Short Cruise

Trip includes

• A small, friendly group of 24–28 people — half the size of most tour groups
• Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of Ireland come alive for you
• All tours and admissions — at no extra cost — covering at least 29 group sightseeing events, Dublin walking tour, Trinity College, Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol, Rock of Cashel, Kinsale walking tour, Charles Fort tour, Sheep farm tour, Crystal cutting demonstration, Dingle's Slea Head drive, Great Blasket Centre, Gallarus Oratory, Irish musical evening, Burren nature walk, Cliffs of Moher, Boat ride to Aran Islands (weather permitting), Aran Islands minibus tour, Dun Aengus fort, Connemara drive, Cong visit, Ashford Castle School of Falconry, Drumcliff visit, Derry coach and walking tour, Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Old Bushmills Distillery tour, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (weather & season permitting), Guided tour of Belfast, Titanic Belfast…and more
• All group transportation from Dublin to Belfast
• 13 nights' accommodations in memorable, centrally located hotels and B&Bs
• All breakfasts and half your dinners
• All tips for guides and driver
• Rick Steves Travel Store credit to use toward guidebooks for your trip
• Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
• Optional single supplements — this tour has a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for an additional fee
• Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken prior to 2017
• 50% discount on a consulting appointment with our in-house experts to assist with your pre- or post-tour travel plans
• Flexibility should you need to transfer, or cancel/interrupt your tour
• Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing

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Meet your guide and fellow tour members at our hotel at 5 p.m. After a group meeting, we'll enjoy a "Welcome to Ireland" dinner together, followed by an orientation walk through the heart of Dublin. Sleep in Dublin (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Today is all yours...free on the Dingle Peninsula. Take a long walk along the local paths and lanes, hire a bicycle and pedal the scenic 30-mile Dingle Loop, sail for the day to the rugged Blasket Islands, or simply savor your generous Irish breakfast and hang out in town. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

We'll seamlessly cross into Northern Ireland today. In Derry, a local guide will take us on a tour of the town, sharing stories about "The Troubles" and the infamous "Bloody Sunday" of 1972. Then we'll drive on to the nostalgic seaside resort of Portrush, where we'll have dinner together and sleep (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. You can fly out of Belfast or Dublin's handy airports, or take the ferry to Wales for further adventures in the British Isles. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Slán leat!

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Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Rick Steves .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Rick Steves Reviews & Ratings

Longtime Travelers

Terrible Covid Experience

We are in Ireland now, traveling with Rick Steves Tours and a group of 27. Two days ago a member of the group tested positive for Covid, and we had all been exposed....

Other Rick Steves Reviews

This is about the store not the tours.

We purchased two backpacks from Rick Steves Europe. One of them arrived damaged and unusable. Their website says that you must contact them if you receive damaged me...

A Perfect 10

Sicily is Pure Eye Candy :: Will Leave You Wanting More :: Seamless Way To Travel The Island

A perfect "10" for the Rick Steves' Best of Sicily 11-Day Tour. My 1st tour with any company. This was a perfect combination of scheduled time and free time .. with ...

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About Rick Steves

Guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves is America's most respected authority on European travel. Rick took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer. As an 18-year-old, Rick began traveling on his own, funding his trips by teaching piano lessons. In 1976, he started his business, Rick Steves' Europe, which has grown from a one-man operation to a company with a staff of 80 full-time, well-travelled employees at his headquarters in Washington state. There he produces more than 50 guidebooks on European travel, America's most popular travel series on public television, a weekly hour-long national public radio show, a weekly syndicated column, and free travel information available through his travel center and website. Rick Steves' Europe also runs a successful European tour program. Rick Steves lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington. His office window overlooks his old junior high school.

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Rick Steves Ireland (Travel Guide) Paperback – Folded Map, December 13, 2022

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Fully updated, comprehensive coverage for planning a multi-week trip through Ireland
• Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites
• Top sights and hidden gems, from the Rock of Cashel and the Ring of Kerry to distilleries making whiskey with hundred-year-old recipes
• How to connect with local culture: Hoist a pint at the corner pub, enjoy traditional fiddle music, and jump into conversations buzzing with brogue
• Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight
• The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a Guinness
• Self-guided walking tours of atmospheric neighborhoods and awe-inspiring sights
• Trip-planning tools, like how to link destinations, build your itinerary, and get from place to place
• Detailed maps, including a fold-out map for exploring on the go
• Coverage of Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, County Wexford, Kinsale, Cobh, Kenmare, The Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, County Clare, the Burren, Galway, the Aran Islands, Connemara, County Mayo, Belfast, Portrush, the Antrim Coast, Derry, County Donegal, and much more
• Covid-related travel info and resources for a smooth trip
• Print length 616 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Rick Steves
• Publication date December 13, 2022
• Dimensions 4.85 x 1.75 x 8.05 inches
• ISBN-10 1641714573
• ISBN-13 978-1641714570
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What sets Rick Steves apart from other travel guides?

A personal and experienced take - Rick Steves has spent over 40 years traveling Europe and he shares his favorite spots and essential travel strategies with you.

Are these books updated for current travel?

Rick and his team fan out across Europe personally checking and updating each listing in his guidebooks. These are the most accurate guides to Europe!

Why should I use a Rick Steves guidebook?

Rick will point you toward worthwhile experiences and help avoid expensive mistakes. A Rick Steves book is like having a tour guide in your pocket!

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About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rick Steves; 21st edition (December 13, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 616 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1641714573
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1641714570
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.11 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.85 x 1.75 x 8.05 inches
• #1 in Dublin Travel Guides
• #1 in General Ireland Travel Guides
• #5 in Tourist Destinations & Museums Guides

About the author

Rick steves.

Guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves is America's most respected authority on European travel. Rick took his first trip to Europe in 1969, visiting piano factories with his father, a piano importer. As an 18-year-old, Rick began traveling on his own, funding his trips by teaching piano lessons. In 1976, he started his business, Rick Steves' Europe, which has grown from a one-man operation to a company with a staff of 100 full-time, well-travelled employees at his headquarters in Washington state. There he produces more than 50 guidebooks on European travel, America's most popular travel series on public television, a weekly hour-long national public radio show, a weekly syndicated column, and free travel information available through his travel center and ricksteves.com. Rick Steves' Europe also runs a successful European tour program. Rick Steves lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington. His office window overlooks his old junior high school.

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518 First Timer's Ireland; Alan Doyle's Newfoundland Travel with Rick Steves

• Places & Travel

Three tour guides from Ireland share their recommendations for the sights and experiences travelers shouldn’t miss on a first-time visit to their home turf — from fun things to see and do in busy Dublin, to tips for exploring the windswept byways of the Kerry coast. And musician and actor Alan Doyle helps us to understand his native Newfoundland by discussing how his perspective continues to be shaped by his Irish Catholic childhood in a small fishing town.

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• Itinerary for Ire...

Itinerary for Ireland trip this fall - please comment

Well, after a postponement from last fall to this coming October, and with helpful comments from you folks here on this RS forum, here is the proposed itinerary for our trip to Ireland. Please feel free to make any comments. Ten nights, flying in and out of Dublin from Philadelphia Day 1 – Arrive Dublin. Immediately travel to Galway. (Train from Hueston preferred, bus from airport possible) Explore Galway. Sleep Galway. Day 2 – Explore Galway. Sleep Galway. Day 3 – Pick up rental car in or near Galway, head to Burren & Cliffs of Moher. Sleep Ennis. Day 4 – Leave Ennis for Dingle. Explore Dingle and area. Sleep Dingle. Day 5 – Explore Dingle and area. Sleep Dingle. Day 6 – Leave Dingle, drive to Kinsale. Explore Kinsale & area. Sleep Kinsale. Day 7 – Explore Kinsale & area. (Cobh?). Sleep Kinsale. Day 8 – Jettison rental in or near Cork, train to Dublin. Sleep Dublin. Day 9 – Dublin. Sleep Dublin. Day 10 – Dublin. Possible short side trip? Sleep Dublin. Day 11 – Fly home from Dublin.

Miscellaneous, to assist anyone who might be moved to comment: Just my wife and I, 56 and 60. Both physically able. We like walking or strolling, but no interest in serious hikes. We like strolling around a quaint town, shopping maybe, and sitting with a bottle of wine or a Guinness and admiring a view. We would like to get a flavor of Ireland, but without madly scheduling this and that activity. We like to eat out but are not foodies by any stretch. We are “plain eaters”, so larger towns with a variety of restaurants is important. A pizza and a bottle of wine is wonderful. We would like to see/tour at least one classic castle somewhere along the way. For various reasons, I am thinking we will skip any boat rides, such as to view the cliffs, or to go out to Skellig Michael or the Aran Islands. Not yet having researched a car rental, I am hoping that my plan (pick up upon leaving Galway, drop off after leaving Kinsale/Cork area) will work. We would prefer to avoid crowds and super-touristy things, such as kissing the Blarney Stone. (I already have the gift of gab.) As to lodging, we would like to shoot for an average of under $200 per night, if that can be done. No interest in churches, unless there is some overriding reason to visit, and no interest in any kind of sports. Not sure exact dates yet, but likely early to mid- October. Thank you for any comments!

Ashford Castle (now a hotel) would be a side trip from Galway. It has beautiful grounds, but even better, it has the Ireland School of Falconry on those grounds. You can go for a "hawk walk" in which you fly a hawk through the forest and grounds. It was the highlight for my sister of our entire trip! https://ashfordcastle.com/ https://www.falconry.ie/

Nearby is the town of Cong, made "famous" by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara making a film there. It is a pleasant town to walk around or have lunch in.

Thank you Carol, for this comment and good information. I will certainly check it out! Yours is the lone comment on my post, so maybe I should gather that my suggested trip is flawless! Just kidding of course, but I did put it together only after reading the back and forth here for quite a while. Thanks muchly.

It looks good.

In Cong there are the ruins of Cong Abbey. Walk down to the river to find the monk's fishing station . There was a bell to riung t6o let the kitchen know when a fish had been caught.

It is worth doing the drive round the coast of the Burren from Kinvarra to Doolin. This is olne of the most attractove coastlines in Ireland. Have a photo stop at the beautiful Dunguire Castle (unfortunatley it isn 't open in October.)

Thank you for that Wasleys - I like that idea about the drive around Doolin, and that seems like something "doable" for us, and the castle too. Much appreciated.

Ambitious plan for sure. We are about 10 years older. We did some similar last May, returning this May to see more, but just a week concentrating on Burren, Doolin, and Beara Peninsula and southwest. -I would take the quickest route to Galway unless there is a scenic preference train vs bus. You might consider a car for the whole trip. That's how we went and it gave us a lot of flexibility. -I would recommend seeing the cliffs from the water, but be mindful of the sea (a lot of chumming the day we went). We took ferry from Galway to Aran islands that passed the cliffs on the way back. There's also ferries/tours from Doolin. Doolin is supposed to be a great trad music place, we missed, but for sure this time. -I preferred Ring of Kerry to Dingle. One highlight of our whole trip was Gap of Dunloe Road which traverses the ring, just one gorgeous spot after another. If you chose Kerry, I'd suggest Kenmare as a stop. -If you get to Cobh, the Titanic museum there is worthwhile, her last stop before she perished. -Dublin. So much to see and do. We did see the Book of Kells, but that was a lot of time, and there's lots to see all over Dublin. -Side trips from Dublin. Wicklow Park and Glendalough to the south. Have not visited but hear amazing comments. Belfast, a little longer, if just to see the big Titanic museum, which is where she was built, but all Belfast is wonderful too. You will so enjoy this trip. One last thing.....We started with 9 days, then 11, finally settled on 14, and still not nearly enough. If you don't think you'll return, make this one as long as you can!

I think your overall plan is fine. I'd suggest a few tweaks. Day 1, the direct Aircoach from DUB to Galway takes 2 hours and will save you time vs. the train. But maybe you're train buffs or don't like buses. Day 2, you could spend all day exploring Galway, but it might be a better use of time to get going to the Burren, Cliffs, and Ennis. Galway is a nice place but a full day seems like too much given your overall timeframe.

The rest of it looks good to me, and if you skip the full day in Galway you'll have another day for Dublin and/or a day trip from there. (Consider Newgrange as an alternative to Glendalough.) Dublin has a lot to offer.

Wise to miss the Blarney Stone. I did. Can't imagine a less enjoyable tourist experience. But if I lacked the gift and believed the hype maybe I'd kiss the damn thing.

Thanks again to all who commented! It is much appreciated. Dick, your suggestion that the bus to Galway makes more sense than the train registers with me. I figure that right after an overnight flight it would be a more pleasant process to just get on coach from right there by the airport. Thanks to all.

I think your itinerary is just fine. I would not advise you to pick up a car in Dublin upon arrival and drive to Galway because it’s dangerous just after an overseas flight. The bus is definitely the way to go. Someone suggested Ashford Castle. We were in Ireland last August and decided to go there as a day trip from Galway. I had looked into the School of Falconry and it was quite expensive, and with 4 people it was not in our budget. We thought we could at least stroll around the grounds. We were stopped by an employee at a guard shack at the bridge to the castle and were told that without a reservation at the hotel we could not proceed. We did enjoy walking around Cong and had lunch there. Another Castle suggestion would be Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. We stopped there on our drive from Dingle to Galway and really enjoyed it. https://www.bunrattycastle.ie/ We love Dingle and have been there twice. We also really enjoyed staying in Kinsale. You should have no trouble staying under $200 a night unless you want to stay somewhere high end. B&B’s would be a good way to go.

Andrea, we also attempted to go to Ashford Castle and were stopped at the guard station. If you make a reservation for lunch or dinner there, you can get in. Sadly, I knew this, but this overlooked this detail in our planning. But do it in advance, there was no availability on the day we arrived.

For me, this is too much being behind the windshield of a vehicle, in other words, too much driving. Distances on google maps can be a bit deceiving. As much as I love the west coast of Ireland, with 10 days, I would do the east coast of Ireland. Newgrange, Wicklow, etc. perhaps Kinsale, but not all the way to west coast.

Instead of driving to Ennis, I would stay the night in Doolin. It has lots of great B&Bs. If you have any interest whatever in Irish Traditional music or Irish pub life, you should. Hit one of Doolin's great music pubs that night. Gus O'Connor's Pub has great food and music.

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