Ireland.
This 12-day trip through Ireland’s west coast was a mix of charming villages, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
Notes from Dana.
Number of Nights - 12
Time of Year - August 2024
Type of Trip -
Road Trip / Family Travel
Itinerary
Adare - 2 nights (includes night in flight)
Dingle - 3 nights
Galway - 3 nights
Sligo - 3 nights
Dromoland Castle, Fergus - 1 night
“It “rained” almost every day we were in Ireland, but the showers were quick, followed by sunshine that lights up the landscape. Pack a wind-resistant raincoat, a sturdy umbrella, and waterproof walking shoes—you’ll need them!.”
— Dana
Hot Tips.
- Weather Reality: It “rained” almost every day we were in Ireland, but the showers were quick, followed by sunshine that lights up the landscape. Pack a wind-resistant raincoat, a sturdy umbrella, and waterproof walking shoes—you’ll need them!
- Authentic Stay: I can’t recommend staying in a traditional Bed & Breakfast enough. We stayed at one found on Airbnb (sorry, keeping this gem a secret!), and it was pure magic—one of the highlights of our trip.
- Underrated Sligo: Sligo might not be on every tourist’s radar, and the town itself didn’t blow us away, but the surrounding countryside is some of the most beautiful we saw in Ireland. Don’t skip it!
Day 1 (Sunday Evening): The Journey Begins
- Departure: We flew direct from Boston to Shannon with Aer Lingus—super easy and stress-free.
Day 2 (Monday Morning): Arrive in Adare
- Arrival: Shannon Airport was a breeze—small, efficient, and no fuss.
- Accommodation: We stayed at The Dunraven Arms in Adare. Booking a room for Sunday night meant we could check in as soon as we arrived Monday morning, and that early nap was a lifesaver!
- Food Note: The food at The Dunraven is exceptional—don’t miss the brown bread at breakfast; it’s addictive.
Day 2 (Monday Afternoon/Evening): Falling in Love with Adare
- Exploration: Adare is as charming as they come, with its thatched cottages and medieval sites. We took a guided tour of Desmond Castle—if you’re into history, it’s well worth the hour.
- Café Find: We grabbed a snack at The Good Room across from our hotel—delicious sandwichs and coffee, the perfect spot to refuel.
- Dinner: Dinner at The Dunraven Arms was a treat. Despite the white tablecloths, it’s family-friendly, with everything from chicken fingers to more refined dishes.
Day 3 (Tuesday): Onward to Dingle
- Road Trip: The drive to Dingle took us about 2.5 hours, but we made it a point to stop and enjoy the journey:
- Listowel Castle: This 15th-century castle was a fascinating detour. The tour offered great insights, and the town itself was so quaint.
- Ballybunion Beach: A slight detour brought us to this breathtaking beach. We stretched our legs and took in the incredible views.
- Arrival: We stayed in a cozy self-catering Airbnb in Dingle. After settling in, we headed to Murphy’s Pub for dinner. The seafood chowder and fish & chips were everything we adults hoped for – and the chicken goujons (aka chicken fingers) didn’t disappoint either.
Day 4 (Wednesday): Discovering the Dingle Peninsula
- Slea Head Drive: This coastal road is narrow and winding but worth every nerve-wracking turn. Here are some memorable stops:
- Fairy Fort Ring: Yes, there’s a fairy fort, but we stopped for the animals. Feeding the alpacas, sheep, and goats was a blast.
- Dunquin Pier: The walk down to the pier is steep but so worth it. We rewarded ourselves with coffee and brownies from the charming guys in the trailer at the top—don’t miss this treat!
- Krogers Pub: The most western pub in Europe did not disappoint. A couple of pints of Guinness and a hearty lunch were just what we needed.
- Star Wars "Last Jedi" Meditation Rock: If you know, you know! A peaceful hike up to the cliff where they filmed—no crowds, just stunning ocean views and a moment of serenity.
Day 5 (Thursday): A Day with Horses in Dingle
- Riding Adventure: If you love horses, this is a must. We rode through Dingle’s hills with jaw-dropping views and friendly guides. The ride ended with tea, scones, and a visit with their pack of adorable dogs.
- Lunch: We refueled at James Long Pub in Dingle—giant chicken sandwiches and Guinness. It hit the spot.
- Evening: Dingle’s pub scene is something special with plenty of options. Foxy Johns, a pub and hardware store, was a cool spot with intimate live music. The Dingle Pub was packed and lively—perfect for a fun night out.
Day 6 (Friday): On to County Galway
- Ferry Fun: To break up the drive, we took the Shannon Ferry at Tagbert (about 1 hour from Dingle) for a quick 20-minute crossing that let us stretch our legs.
- Stops Along the Way:
- Cliffs of Moher: Yes, it’s touristy, but you can’t visit Ireland without seeing these cliffs—they’re breathtaking.
- Hazel Mountain Chocolate Shop: This place is a hidden gem. The hot chocolate was divine, and the artisanal chocolates are next-level.
- Arrival: We stayed at a B&B in Headford, just 20 minutes outside Galway. The perfect base for exploring. A fire and whiskey were waiting for us when we arrived.
Day 7 (Saturday): Relaxing in Headford & Galway
- Morning Stroll: Ross Errilly Friary is a beautiful medieval site just a short drive from our B&B. We even got a surprise private history lesson from a local historian waiting for a tour group.
- Galway: Galway was bustling with tourists, especially in the Latin Quarter. We had an early dinner at Monroe’s Tavern—great music, family-friendly, and football on TV.
Day 8 (Sunday): Connemara’s Rugged Beauty
- Scenic Drive: The drive through Connemara to Kylemore Abbey was one of the most beautiful stretches of road we encountered.
- Kylemore Abbey: It’s a tourist destination, no doubt, but the estate is stunning, and the history is rich. We explored the Victorian Walled Garden, Gothic Church, and woodland trails—worth the visit.
Day 9 (Monday): Heading to Sligo
- Detour: We made a quick stop in Westport on our way to Sligo—a picturesque town with plenty of shops and pubs to explore.
- Arrival: Our Airbnb was just 10 minutes from Strandhill Beach. We spent the evening walking the dunes and enjoying dinner at The Strand Bar—a great spot with a laid-back vibe.
- Strandhill Tip: You can’t swim at Strandhill Beach, but it’s a surfing hotspot. We loved watching the surfers and taking in the stunning views.
Day 10 (Tuesday): Golf & Relaxation in Sligo
- Golf: My dad and husband golfed at County Sligo Country Club and couldn’t stop raving about the incredible views of Benbulben, Knocknarea, and the Atlantic.
- Dinner: We enjoyed another meal at The Strand Bar and stopped by Mammy Johnston’s for ice cream and coffee before another walk on the beach.
Day 11 (Wednesday): Exploring Mullaghmore
- Mullaghmore Head: This small peninsula offered some of the most spectacular ocean views we saw. While the big waves weren’t in, we had fun making friends with a few horses grazing along the cliffs.
- Castle Spotting: We admired the beautiful castle on the cliffs (Classiebawn Castle), once owned by Lord Mountbatten. It’s a private residence now, so no touring, but the setting is incredible.
- Dinner: The Fish and Bean at Rosses Point had great food and views, though the atmosphere was a bit lacking. We capped the night with our last Mammy Johnston’s ice cream—bittersweet!
Day 12 (Thursday): A Night at Dromoland Castle
- Splurge Night: We went all out for our last night in Ireland and stayed at Dromoland Castle. It was worth every penny—my mom had dreamed of staying in a real castle, and this one delivered.
- Activities: My mom and I went riding at Castlefergus Stables—beautiful countryside and just minutes from the castle. Meanwhile, the rest of the family enjoyed falconry, archery, and exploring the stunning grounds of Dromoland.
- Dinner: Shannigans at the Inn at Dromoland was our dinner spot—a bit more commercialized, but the food was excellent.
- Evening: We wrapped up the night with live music back at the castle, and even a surprise a cappella performance by one of the waitstaff—a perfect ending to our trip.
Day 13 (Friday): Heading Home
- Departure: Staying at Dromoland made our departure easy—a quick 15-minute drive to Shannon Airport, and we were on our way back to Boston.
Unmissable Experience.
Horseback riding in Dingle, driving the Slea Head, and exploring Mullaghmore are just a few of the highlights that made this trip unforgettable.
Packing Essentials.
Don’t underestimate the Irish weather—bring that rain gear and layers. Comfortable shoes are a must for all the walking and exploring..