My husband and I (in our mid 20's) are planning a mid-May trip to Ireland. It will be our first trip overseas, and I would appreciate help ironing out a few details of our packed itinerary.
Monday- Fly into Shannon from Birmingham, UK, so no jet lag, and we will have gathered experience driving on the left in England. Our plane would arrive around 19:00. Rent car at SNN, then drive to Doolin for an overnight. (would love to drive through part of the Burren, but don't see how we can fit it in. Also interested in Bunratty Castle, but it seems like Rock of Cashel and Killkenny Castle will do.)
Tuesday- See Cliffs of Moher, early lunch in Liscannor at Vaughans Anchor Inn (heard they have good, fresh seafood?) Drive to Dingle using ferry. And via Connor Pass if there's good weather. (aware it will be a long drive, but we will be able to spend 2 nights in Dingle that way)
Wednesday- Do Slea Head Drive and overnight in Dingle again.
Thursday- Do the drive from Killarney to Kenmare, see Rock of Cashel (closes at 17:30, and last admission 16:45) Overnight in or near Killkenny.
Friday- Tour Killkenny castle (opens at 09:30), and drive through Wicklow Mountains National Park to Enniskerry. (what is the most scenic route through mountains?) Overnight in Enniskerry.
Saturday- Drive to Dublin. See Dublin sights. Overnight in Dublin.
Sunday- Dublin sights. Overnight in Dublin again. (suggestions for must-see's in Dublin? So far we have Trinity College and Temple Bar Area. Maybe Christ Church OR St. Patrick's Cathedrals, and possibly Guinness brewery. Maybe a picnic in St. Stephen's Green.
Monday- return car and fly home.
-Does this sound doable?
-Does anyone have suggestions of good, safe B&B's or hotels along our way where we can stay for under 65 Euros/night? It's fine if they're not in the city centers. Also names of good, authentic Irish restaurants would be lovely.
-I would also love any info anyone has on locations we can visit where the movies PS I Love You, and Braveheart, were filmed.
-I've heard certain motorways around Dublin charge toll, but don't have toll booths, and can be a real pain to pay if in a rental car. Is this true, and if so, what are the names so we can avoid them?
Thank you all for any help you can give!!
