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Ireland in May
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Jan 12, 2020 13:38:08   #
JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington
 
I will be in Ireland in May for a couple of weeks. Mostly likely more time along the west coast and then north to see the Giant Causeway. I will have a rental car...hope to adjust quickly to left side of road driving.

I would appreciate suggestions on areas I should consider for landscape/scenic photography along with a few castles, etc. I have been looking at internet information and am starting to look at a few travel books. Almost too much information, so your personal experiences could be very helpful.

Thanks,

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Jan 12, 2020 14:08:20   #
Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana
 
Castles and villages, please.

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Jan 12, 2020 15:00:44   #
happy sailor Loc: Ontario, Canada
 
Port Rush, very near the Giants causeway has a beautiful sea wall and harbour, great little pub right by the harbour very old makes a great picture, little tiny basin at the top of the harbour were the dinghies are moored makes a great shot with good reflections. There is also the ruins of an old castle very near the causeway as well.

Donegal is very picturesque as well nice place to visit.

Watch out for sheep are the roadways in the country.

Have a great time

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Jan 13, 2020 06:07:04   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
JFCoupe wrote:
I will be in Ireland in May for a couple of weeks. Mostly likely more time along the west coast and then north to see the Giant Causeway. I will have a rental car...hope to adjust quickly to left side of road driving.

I would appreciate suggestions on areas I should consider for landscape/scenic photography along with a few castles, etc. I have been looking at internet information and am starting to look at a few travel books. Almost too much information, so your personal experiences could be very helpful.

Thanks,
I will be in Ireland in May for a couple of weeks.... (show quote)


From Galway stay on the coast and visit Connemara and Connemara National Park. The region of Connemara has numerous coastal towns and villages worth exploring. Clifden is a neat little town which has Clifden Castle and some great pubs.. The park is gorgeous - with everything from mountain hiking with incredible views, to heathland, lakes and bogs.

https://www.connemara.net/welcome-to-connemara/

Near the Giant's Causeway there is another castle, Dunluce Castle, which is about 3 miles from the causeway. Driving is not all that bad, but most of those country roads are extremely narrow, with a hedgerow on one side an a steep dropoff on the other, and no guardrails or shoulders. Make sure you rent a tiny car. I made the mistake of renting a BMW 5 sedan and it felt like I was driving a tour bus - especially when a tour bus or lorry (18 wheeler) was in the oncoming lane. Most rentals are standard shift - the automatic ones are extra cost. All you need is a VW Polo or Up!, or a Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, Opel Corsa, Citroen C1 Peugot 107, Nissan Micra. You can get these at the airport and pay under $30/day.

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Jan 13, 2020 06:11:54   #
Whitbyrover Loc: Lincolnshire, UK
 
Hi, beautiful time of year. As the Happy Sailor said, Donegal is beautiful but don't forget on the west coast, Conemara- fantastic for seascapes and mountains. Fairly close to the Giants Causeway is Dunluce Castle, superb! There are many ways and castles along the north coast. If I were to pick out one place it would be Ballintoy Harbour. Used in GOT it is also special in its own right. Don't forget the beaches to the west. If you get the chance take the ferry across to Rathlin Island. Very scenic and you may get some early puffins!
Hope this helps, have a great time
Steve

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Jan 13, 2020 06:56:38   #
tpd3
 
When you rent the car, ask about "walk-away" insurance. It is 100% coverage whatever happens. And something will happen!

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Jan 13, 2020 07:04:26   #
ejpeters Loc: New Jersey, USA
 
Hi, you will love it there. I found that there were photo opportunities everywhere I looked. We would just stop the car where ever I found something that looked nice and walk around. The Coast Road has so many little villages along the way to stop in. The beaches along the Coast Road were beautiful!
Also Doolin is a beautiful little village.
Enjoy!
Eileen

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Jan 13, 2020 07:16:26   #
Buildrt Loc: Sarasota Fl
 
You have lots of good advice on places to visit so I'll just address the driving. I've been to Ireland several times the last time was last spring May & June spent in a small cottage just South of Lettermore in Connemara. I have never had any problem with getting used to driving on the left, You need to be very conscious of it for the first day or so but after that it seems easy. The only area I continued to have a problem, and not that big a deal at that, was the round-a-bouts where they go clockwise and we go counter clockwise, especially the double lane one's around Galway city. The roads in Ireland for the most part are much improved from my earlier visits. You will find the drivers in Ireland drive very fast for the roads and,at least in Connemara, there are quite a few 1 way stone bridges which can be a little tricky. You'll get used to it very quickly and hace a great time, you'll find them the friendliest people in the world.

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Jan 13, 2020 07:33:13   #
BobBobThompson
 
My wife and I went with a group on a vacation last year in May to western Ireland. It was awesome! View 3 posts of my photos on my Google blog at: (1) http://www.bobthompson.me/2019/02/may-9-11-ireland-vacation-post-1-of-3.html, (2) http://www.bobthompson.me/2019/01/may-12-18-ireland-vacation-post-2-of-3.html, and (3) http://www.bobthompson.me/2019/01/may-19-23-ireland-vacation-post-3-of-3.html. The posts are not accessible by phone, only computer.

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Jan 13, 2020 07:50:11   #
Dannj
 
Dingle is well worth a visit. Many consider the Dingle Peninsula more scenic than the Ring of Kerry.

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Jan 13, 2020 08:02:09   #
steve49 Loc: massachusetts
 
You are landing in Shannon Airport? ( The western side )
If you go out to the end of the Ring of Kerry to Part Magee it is possible to take a ferry out to the Skellig Islands... which would be a treat. A lot of great ocean scenery out there also.
It should be beautiful in May. Have a great trip.
As noted above... there is a great loop out toward the end of the Dingle Peninsula with a lot of beehive houses and ancient churches and construction. Gallurus Oratory is on this loop.
If you are driving across the country the Rock of Cashel is worth a stop for sure.
Driving in the country... the roads are really narrow and speed limits fast.
Beautiful country... bring lots of film.

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Jan 13, 2020 08:03:47   #
rustfarmer
 
Dingle is a must see. We found exploring small side roads on the West coast fun. Signs saying "Pier" will often lead to a tiny quay and old ruins.

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Jan 13, 2020 08:03:48   #
rustfarmer
 
Dingle is a must see. We found exploring small side roads on the West coast fun. Signs saying "Pier" will often lead to a tiny quay and old ruins.

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Jan 13, 2020 08:17:57   #
pappleg
 
Cliffs of Mohrer and Galway in addition to the other suggestions. If you like oysters Irelands' are the briniest I have ever had

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Jan 13, 2020 08:24:05   #
02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD
 
Be most careful when crossing the street!! We are used to looking to the left before crossing, cars will be coming at you from the right!!!

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