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Talk About Ireland / Travel in Ireland / Planning a Trip to Ireland / Dingle versus Cliffs of Moher (and a car question)
Posted:  06 May 2008 15:57

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My wife and I will be visiting Ireland for two weeks this fall in October.  In planning our itinerary for our last few days, we're trying to decide between either (a) 2 days/3 nights in/around Dingle, or (b) 1 day/2 nights in/around Dingle plus 1 day/1 night at Cliffs of Moher.  Basically, is it worth leaving Dingle to see the Cliffs, or are we better spending more time in Dingle and leaving the Cliffs for a future trip?  We drive back to Dublin from either location for our return flight.

Also, earlier in the trip, we'll be leaving Dublin mid-morning to drive through southern Ireland.  Do you think it's better to rent a car in Dublin City center (where we'll be staying), or take a taxi to the airport and rent from there?  We're stopping first in the Wicklow Mountains.  I don't know that I will have huge issues driving on the "other" side of the road (we're from America), but I've heard that the M50 is pretty backed up with congestion and construction, so perhaps it's better to just head south (slowly) from the city center on the N81.

Many thanks for your thoughts and advice.  This site has been a tremendous resource as we plan our trip!

Chris
Posted:  07 May 2008 04:34

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Chris,

Because you are planning on heading south from downtown I would get your rental car at a closer office to where you are staying (or a short taxi ride from it) and take N11 out of town south towards Bray.  Unless I am missing something, I'm not sure that you would want N81.

As for your other decision, how much time do you have to get back to Dublin?  If it's all day then you can easily make a quick trip north from Dingle up to the Cliffs to see them then head from there over to Dublin.  You are looking at a three hour drive from Dingle up to the Cliffs via the car ferry at Tarbert.  Then another 3 to 4 hours from the Cliffs  to Limerick then straight on to Dublin. With an hour or two at the Cliffs it is an All Day Affair... but a really nice drive.

If you do not have all day (or don't want to take all day) then just in Dingle and enjoy the town and peninsula.  There's plenty to keep you busy and it's a nice place just to hang out as well.  One day in Dingle is not enough time, IMO.

Hope this helps!

Safe travels,

Wendy
Posted:  07 May 2008 13:11

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Thanks Wendy!  It had not occurred to me to see the Cliffs on the same day as driving to Dublin, but it does sound manageable (especially with an early start from Dingle).  We might just give it a shot.

Again, thanks for the advice.  DoChara is a great resource!

Regards,
Chris