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5 Days In Ireland From Shannon (‘Slow-Trip’ For Those Using Public Transport + Good Fitness)

5 Days In Ireland From Shannon (‘Slow-Trip’ For Those Using Public Transport + Good Fitness)

Planning a 5-day Ireland itinerary using only public transport can be a pain in the backside… So, we’ve done all of the hard work for you!

We’ve spent 25+ years travelling around Ireland…

The itinerary below has taken that experience (and the many mistakes we made along the way) to create an itinerary that we’re confident you’ll love!

In a nutshell, this 5-day itinerary:

  • Has been meticulously planned for those only using public transport
  • Has an hour-by-hour itinerary for each day to save you time/hassle
  • Follows logical routes that take you to hidden gems, tourist favourites and great pubs and restaurants

Who this itinerary will suit

Who this itinerary will suit

Now, before you scroll down, take 10 seconds to look at the graphic above – each of our road trip itineraries have been tailored to specific needs.

This road trip is specifically for those of you:

  • Starting in/near Shannon
  • Using public transport and organised tours
  • Looking to explore at a slow pace
  • With a good level of fitness (i.e. it includes long walks and hikes)
  • Remember, we have hundreds of different itineraries here if this one doesn’t suit you

An overview of this itinerary

map holder image

The map above gives you a very high-level overview of where this route will take you.

It uses several bases (e.g. Cork for 3 nights) and provides you with day-long road trips you can head off on, so you avoid having to change accommodation constantly.

Now, I’ll stop rambling on – here’s a day-by-day insight into each of the days below!

Day 1: Arrive in Shannon and head to Limerick

King John’s Castle

Photos via Shutterstock

Day 1 of this 5-day Ireland itinerary is going to be very dependent on the time that you arrive into Shannon.

For this itinerary, we’re going to make an assumption that you’ve landed in the morning and are ready to explore from mid-afternoon.

You’re going to be spending one night in Limerick City before moving on to Killarney on day 2.

Recommended accommodation in Limerick

Stop 1: Bus or taxi to Limerick City

Shannon to Limerick

Photo top right: Via Bus Eireann. Others via Google Maps

Welcome to Limerick City! You will be staying in Limerick tonight and the last night of your trip, so try to make the most of this beautiful city. You can take the bus or a taxi to get to Limerick City from Shannon. We have outlined your options below.

Option 1: Bus

You can take Bus Eireann or Expressway into Limerick City. The buses leave just about every hour and cost around €10.

Option 2: Taxi

A taxi from the airport will take you around 22 minutes and cost anywhere from €35 to €50. There is information at the airport about getting a taxi.

Stop 2: Lunch

Hook and Ladder

Photos via Hook and Ladder on FB

It’s probably close to lunchtime by now and we’ve got a couple of suggestions for you. We usually head to Coqbull, The Buttery, or the Hook and Ladder when we’re in the city. Coqbull is a casual dining restaurant serving up top-notch burgers and wings. The Buttery is our go-to for brunch, and the Hook and Ladder (the one on Sarsfield Street) has delicious sandwiches and a mouth-watering vegan burger.

Stop 3: King John’s Castle

King John’s Castle

Photos via Shutterstock

Head off to King John’s Castle, a 10-minute walk from the centre of the city. The 13th-century castle sits on King’s Island, on the banks of the River Shannon. The castle is in fantastic condition and is one of Europe’s best-preserved Norman castles.

King John’s Castle was built under the orders of King John, the “Lord of Ireland” and Richard the Lionheart’s brother. It was built in between 1200 and 1212, with numerous repairs and extensions over its 800-year history.

The castle was a military stronghold with solid curtain walls, turrets, and strong fortifications. However, despite this, it sustained heavy damage during the 1642 siege of Limerick (the first of five Limerick sieges during the 17th century). There’s a fantastic exhibition on the siege inside the castle if you’d like to learn more.

Most people spend around one and half hours visiting the castle and visitor centre. You can have a look at the interactive exhibits, try on historic costumes, and in the summer, play Medieval games in the courtyard!

Stop 4: St Mary’s Cathedral

St Mary's Cathedral

Photos via Shutterstock

The next stop is St. Mary’s Cathedral. It’s a 3-minute walk from King John’s Castle, and you probably passed it on your way to the castle. The cathedral was founded in 1168, making it even older than King John’s Castle and the oldest building in Limerick that’s still in use today!

The cathedral contains six chapels, but if you’re pressed for time, the Lady Chapel is a must-visit. The Lady Chapel contains its original pre-reformation altar, which is four metres long and weighs three tons. During the mid-1600s, the altar was removed and dumped by Oliver Cromwell’s troops when they captured the city. But, by some miracle, it was recovered in the 1960s and reinstated to its rightful place.

Another highlight of St. Mary’s Cathedral is its misericords (small wooden carvings). They are the only complete set in Ireland and the only remaining pre-Elizabethan carvings.

Stop 5: The Hunt Museum

Hunt Museum 

Photos via Tourism Ireland’s Content Pool

It’s time to walk another 3 minutes to the Hunt Museum. Again, you probably already passed it on your way to the castle.

The Hunt Museum was established after John and Gertrude Hunt decided to donate items from their personal collection to the people of Ireland.

The museum has a large collection with over 2,500 artefacts, including pieces from Ancient Egypt and Stone-Age Ireland. Highlights of the collection include works by Picasso and dresses by famous Irish fashion designer Sybil Connolly.

Recently, the museum launched the “Museum in a Garden”, a beautiful garden dotted with 3D printed replicas of historical artefacts (you can grab a ticket online here).

Stop 6: Dinner, drinks and live music

Nancy Blakes

Photos via Nancy Blakes on FB

There’s some excellent restaurants in Limerick and there’s some mighty old-school pubs in Limerick, too.

Our Limerick food recommendations

Our absolute favourite spot for dinner is the Curragower. It’s right on the banks of the River Shannon with beautiful views of King John’s Castle across the water.

Grab some delicious pub grub like the roasted lamb rump or the lightly breaded scampi, then stick around for some pints after dinner.

Otherwise, we also like SpitJack (the rotisserie pork belly is a customer favourite) and The Locke (they have a delicious steak and ale pie and great vegetarian options).

Our Limerick pub recommendations

For drinks, again, we love the Curragower but Tom Collins is another lovely pub.

Another great trad pub is Nancy Blakes and depending on the night, they might have some music on. However, if you don’t mind heading a little out of the city centre, then Charlie Malones is a must-visit.

In our opinion, it’s one of Limerick’s best-kept secrets, with a real old-school pub vibe.

Limerick is a great city for trad music. The Locke often has music and even dancing on some nights if you’re lucky! Dolans is also great, but it’s a short walk from the city centre.

Day 2: Killarney

Muckross Abbey 

Photos via Shutterstock

It’s day 2 of your 5 days in Ireland itinerary and today, you’ll be heading to Killarney.

You’ll be spending three nights in this peaceful town which sits on the outskirts of a beautiful national park.

It’s a long-ish journey to Killarney from Limerick, so grab a hearty breakfast before you get on the road. The Story Cafe is a lovely little cafe with a cosy interior and some great food.

Recommended accommodation in Killarney

Stop 1: Get the bus or train to Killarney

Limerick to Killarney

Photos via Google Maps

You have two options to get from Limerick to Killarney. We tend to opt for the bus, as it’s direct and an awful lot quicker.

Option 1: Train

You can technically take the train from Limerick to Killarney, but we recommend that you take the bus instead.

The train between the two takes at least three hours and has two changes (usually Limerick Junction and Mallow). The bus is a lot quicker and more straightforward.

Option 2: Bus

We recommend that you take Dublin Coach to Killarney. I know what you’re thinking, Dublin Coach? But I’m in Limerick going to Killarney! That’s the name of the bus company.

They are big green buses that are comfortable, affordable, and quick. The trip from Limerick to Killarney takes one hour and 40 minutes leaving from Arthurs Quay in Limerick City and arriving in the middle of Killarney.

The bus stops a couple of times, so make sure you get off at the right stop.

Stop 2: Arrive in the town and try and check into your accommodation

Killarney Lakes

Photos via Shutterstock

Welcome to Killarney Town! If you can, try and check into your accommodation – this will likely depend on when you arrive, as some places won’t allow you to check in until the afternoon.

Once you arrive, if you feel like stretching your legs a bit, consider grabbing a coffee to go from Bean in Killarney and then going for a little wander.

When you’re ready, it’s time to explore the area and we’ve three different ways of exploring for you to choose from.

There’s endless things to do in Killarney but a combination of the options below will help you see a good chunk of the area.

Personally, I think option 1 combined with option 3 is the way to go!

Option 1: The self-guided cycle

Muckross Abbey 

Photos via Shutterstock

Killarney National Park is big and, while it’s a joy to ramble around, it’s the perfect spot to explore by bike (we’re speaking base on personal experience here).

You can rent a bike online in advance and then pick it up from the collection point on the Muckross Road.

You then cross the road and head straight into the park. There’s very few inclines and it’s a wonderful way to get around to Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and the Lakes of Killarney.

Option 2: The jaunty

Killarney

Photos via Shutterstock

Another great, and very unique way to explore Killarney, is via one of the traditional jaunting cars (i.e. the horse and cart).

On this 1-hour guided jaunty tour you’ll:

  • See Ireland’s highest Mountain Range – the MacGillycuddys
  • Trot past the 15th-century Ross Castle
  • See the impressive St Mary’s Cathedral
  • Learn about Killarney from a traditional Jarvey guide

Option 3: The Lakes of Killarney boat Cruise

Killarney Lakes

Photos via Shutterstock

Arguably one of the most popular tours in Killarney is this 1-hour (and very reasonable) boat tour that takes you around Killarney’s lakes.

The tour takes place on a glass-covered boat with heating and it gives you a completely different perspective of the national park.

You’ll drift by the 6th-century Innisfallen Monastery, see the highest mountain in Ireland and, at times, see Red Deer and White Tailed Eagles.

Stop 3: Dinner, drinks and music in Killarney

The Laurels

Photos via The Laurels on FB

Freshen up at your hotel, then head out for a well-deserved dinner!

It’s been a long day and luckily enough, there’s plenty of places to kick back in for a fine feed and a tipple.

Our dinner recommendations

There are some exceptional restaurants in Killarney. Our favourites are the Mad Monk (they serve amazing seafood like sizzling crab claws and deep water prawn tagliatelle), Kitty O’Se (splash out on the Seafood Tower to share), and Murphy Browns (hearty Irish dishes like roasted duck and fish and chips).

Our pub recommendations

There’s some mighty old-school pubs in Killarney, too. For post-dinner drinks, head to JM Reidy’s, the Laurels Pub, or O’Connors.

They all have a traditional pub feel and are a great choice for a pint. JM Reidy’s has a lovely courtyard which is great in the summer, and O’Connors is perfect if you feel like cocktails.

If you want to hear some live music, JM Reidy’s and O’Connors often have live music sessions.

Day 3: The Ring of Kerry

ring of kerry loop

Photos via Shutterstock

It’s day 3 of your 5 days in Ireland, and today you’re heading off for an adventure on the stunning Ring of Kerry!

Be prepared for some amazing views and lovely beaches (if you’re visiting in the summer, you may want to bring swimming clothes and towels).

We’re going to recommend that you take this 7-hour Ring of Kerry day trip that’ll take you to all of the route’s highlights.

We’ll take you through the stops below, but note that 1, you may not always physically stop at all of these sights and 2, these tours are subject to change, so always check with the provider in advance.

Stop 1: Killorglin

Killorglin

Photos via Shutterstock

Killorglin is a lovely little town on the Ring of Kerry. You’ll just be passing by, but keep an eye out of the window as it’s lovely.

The town is known for its annual Puck Fair, the country’s oldest street festival. It’s held every year in August, and following tradition, the fair starts with crowning the “king” goat

Stop 2: Dingle Bay and Inch Beach

Inch Beach

Photos via Shutterstock

As you pass through Killorglin, you’ll be driving alongside Dingle Bay and passing by Inch Beach, a long spit that juts out across the bay from the other side of the water.

Inch is one of Kerry’s most popular surf spots and you should be able to see surfers attempting to tame the waves here from afar.

Stop 3: Skellig views

Skelligs View

Photos via Shutterstock

As you make your way to Waterville, you’ll be passing by Ballinskelligs Bay, where on clear days, you’ll be able to spot the Skellig Islands off in the distance.

There are two islands – Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. The former shot to fame in recent years when scenes from a Star Wars movie were filmed on the island.

Stop 4: Waterville

Waterville

Photos via Shutterstock

Keep an eye out of the window as you pass through Waterville and discover why it was Charlie Chaplin’s favourite village in Ireland.

Chaplin first visited the village in 1959, after a recommendation from his friend Walt Disney!

Stop 5: Sneem

Sneem

Photos via Shutterstock

You’ll be making a stop in Sneem, a colourful little village on the Sneem Estuary. The river flows right through the middle of the village and there’s a lovely stone bridge connecting both sides.

The bridge dates back to 1810, with five arches and a staircase down to the water.

Stop 6: Kenmare Bay

Kenmare Bay

Photos via Shutterstock

As you drive out of Sneem on the Ring of Kerry road, you’ll be passing alongside Kenmare Bay, a long narrow bay that borders County Kerry and Cork.

This stretch of road hugs the coast and, while much of it is engulfed by tall trees, offers gorgeous views at times.

Stop 7: Moll’s Gap

Molls Gap

Photos via Shutterstock

Moll’s Gap is also known as Céim an Daimh in Irish or ‘Gap of the Ox’, but it gets its nickname after Moll Kissane, owner of a local shebeen (unlicensed pub).

The pub was established in the 1820s when the road was being built, and Moll’s homemade poitin (a strong liquor sometimes made from potatoes) was a favourite with the construction workers!

Stop 8: Ladies View

Ladies View

Photos via Shutterstock

Ladies View is one of the most popular stops on the Ring of Kerry, with roadside parking directly facing the view.

The viewpoint was named in honour of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting who were in awe when they visited in 1861 during a royal visit.

The view looks out over the Upper Lake with mountains rising up on either side. From Molls Gap and Ladies View, you’ll have views over the Black Valley, an isolated valley which was the last place in Ireland to get electricity!

From the previous viewpoint, try to spot the wonderful lakes of Killarney. There are three lakes in total: Lough Leane, Middle Lake (also called Muckross Lake), and Upper Lake.

Ladies View has fantastic vistas of the Upper Lake.

Stop 9: Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall

Photos via Shutterstock

According to local folklore, Torc Waterfall was home to a man who was cursed by the devil to turn into a boar each night.

When his secret was revealed by a farmer, the man burst into flames and retreated to the Devil’s Punchbowl.

The waterfall is breathtaking, tumbling for around 20 metres down rocks and boulders.

Stop 10: Back to Killarney for the night

Killarney

Photos via Shutterstock

After the waterfall, the tour makes its way back to Killarney.

Our dinner recommendations

There are some exceptional restaurants in Killarney. Our favourites are the Mad Monk (they serve amazing seafood like sizzling crab claws and deep water prawn tagliatelle), Kitty O’Se (splash out on the Seafood Tower to share), and Murphy Browns (hearty Irish dishes like roasted duck and fish and chips).

Our pub recommendations

There’s some mighty old-school pubs in Killarney, too. For post-dinner drinks, head to JM Reidy’s, the Laurels Pub, or O’Connors.

They all have a traditional pub feel and are a great choice for a pint. JM Reidy’s has a lovely courtyard which is great in the summer, and O’Connors is perfect if you feel like cocktails.

If you want to hear some live music, JM Reidy’s and O’Connors often have live music sessions.

Day 4: The Dingle Peninsula

slea head loop

Photos via Shutterstock

Day 4 of your 5 days in Ireland sees you head off on a tour of the marvellous Dingle Peninsula.

The peninsula is on the country’s southwest coast, with rugged coastline, lovely beaches, and rolling green hills.

If you book onto this 6.5-hour guided tour you’ll be taken to the peninsula’s main attractions, including Slea Head and Dingle Town.

Start with a nice breakfast in Killarney before heading on the tour. We’d recommend getting something to eat where you’re staying or heading to JM Reidy’s or the Shire Bar, which both do a great breakfast.

We’ll take you through the stops below, but note that 1, you may not always physically stop at all of these sights and 2, these tours are subject to change, so always check with the provider in advance.

Stop 1: Dingle Town

Dingle Town

Photos via Shutterstock

Dingle Town is arguably one of the most popular towns in Ireland. It’s a colourful place on the shores of the Atlantic with a small harbour, lots of rural Irish charm, and great pubs!

Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, Dingle Town became a port, and by the 13th century, it was hugely busy, exporting more goods than Limerick. Today, its main economic activities are tourism, fishing, and agriculture.

Historically, Dingle Town has had strong ties with Spain, thanks to the Treaty of Dingle (1529), signed by the 11th Earl of Desmond and the ambassador of Emperor Charles V.

The treaty gave Irish citizens rights in Habsburg-controlled territories (Spain, the Netherlands, and Austria).

Stop 2: Slea Head

slea head loop

Photos via Shutterstock

Slea Head is a picturesque peninsula and one of the most westerly points in Europe. The views here are stunning, and you’ll be able to look out to Blasket Island across the Atlantic.

Take some time to admire the views and look out for the iconic White Cross on the side of the road.

Stop 3: Blasket Islands views

Blasket Islands view

Photos via Shutterstock

Although you won’t actually be visiting the Blasket Islands, you will have some great views from Slea Head so it’s worth knowing a little about them!

The Blasket Islands were the last islands in the country that had a significant Irish population. Sadly, due to dwindling numbers, they were abandoned in 1954.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, many writers visited the islands to document the islander’s traditional way of life, and there are several books about them.

All in all, there are six islands, the largest being Great Blasket Island and the smallest, Beginish.

Stop 4: Gallarus Oratory

Gallarus Oratory

Photos via Shutterstock

Gallarus dates back to the 7th and 8th centuries. The stone church is an interesting shape, with the stones laid out at an angle to allow water to run off easily.

According to legend, if you climb out of the building through the window, your soul will get cleansed. The only drawback is that the window is absolutely tiny – 18cm long and 12cm wide!

You can park at the visitor centre and pay a small fee for the audio-visual display and to learn more about the site.

Stop 5: Back to Killarney for the night

Killarney

Photos via Shutterstock

From Gallarus, it’s around a 1-hour-and-20-minute drive back to Killarney.

Our dinner recommendations

There are some exceptional restaurants in Killarney. Our favourites are the Mad Monk (they serve amazing seafood like sizzling crab claws and deep water prawn tagliatelle), Kitty O’Se (splash out on the Seafood Tower to share), and Murphy Browns (hearty Irish dishes like roasted duck and fish and chips).

Our pub recommendations

There’s some mighty old-school pubs in Killarney, too. For post-dinner drinks, head to JM Reidy’s, the Laurels Pub, or O’Connors.

They all have a traditional pub feel and are a great choice for a pint. JM Reidy’s has a lovely courtyard which is great in the summer, and O’Connors is perfect if you feel like cocktails.

If you want to hear some live music, JM Reidy’s and O’Connors often have live music sessions.

Day 5: Back to Shannon or Limerick

Limerick City walks

Photos via Shutterstock

OK, so your final day is completely dependent on how much time you have left/when you fly out from Shannon.

You have two options between Killarney and Limerick, but whichever one you take, you will need to take a second bus from Limerick City to Shannon Airport. You can take Bus Eireann or Expressway from Limerick City to  Shannon Airport. The buses leave just about every hour and cost around €10.

You have two options to get from Limerick to Killarney. We tend to opt for the bus, as it’s direct and an awful lot quicker.

Option 1: Train

You can technically take the train from Killarney to Limerick, but we recommend that you take the bus instead.

The train between the two takes at least three hours and has two changes (usually Limerick Junction and Mallow). The bus is a lot quicker and more straightforward.

Option 2: Bus

We recommend that you take Dublin Coach to Limerick. I know what you’re thinking, Dublin Coach? But I’m in Killarney going to Limerick! That’s the name of the bus company.

They are big green buses that are comfortable, affordable, and quick. The trip from Kilalrney to Limerick takes one hour and 40 minutes departing from the centre of Killarney and arriving at Arthur’s Quay in Limerick City. 

The bus stops a couple of times, so make sure you get off at the right stop. 

If you are going to stay a little longer in Limerick, don’t forget to check out our accommodation suggestions below.

Recommended accommodation in Limerick

And that’s a wrap on this road trip

slea head loop

Photos via Shutterstock

We hope you found the above road trip guide useful. If you have any questions, ask in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help.

Or, if you’d like to browse our other Irish Road Trip itineraries, visit our Road Trip Hub – cheers!

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