DIY: Ireland

Family vacation – the words mean something different for everyone. Some people associate it with lots of booze and headaches while others think of arguments. In the Marino family, our vacations are mostly full of beaches, pasta, booze and some disagreements, being that we are Italian we have some strong opinions. For 2016’s big trip was decided as Ireland. A bit of a different type of trip than our normal excursions. As the resident traveler, event planner and moderate control freak I took on the planning.

Here is our itinerary if you are looking for an adventure.

Day 1: Dublin

• Flight: United arrived at 11am
• Hotel: Jurys Inn
• Activity: Free Walking Tour at 3pm

Day 2: Killarney

• Transportation: train from Dublin, 2 hours, 19 euro
• Hotel: Killarney Plaza Hotel
• Activity: Hop on Hop off Bus
• Restuarant: Laurel’s

Day 3: Killarney

• Activity: Ring of Kerry Tour
• Restaurant: Murphy’s Ice Cream

Day 4: Blarney Castle

• Transportation: Private Transportation from Cronin Coaches
• Activity: Blarney Castle for the Blarney Stone

Day 5: Galway

• Activity: Mass
• Restaurant: The Huntsman Inn
• Hotel: The G Hotel

Day 6: Galway

• Activity: Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands

Day 7: Dublin

• Transportation: Train from Galway to Dublin
• Hotel: Jury’s Inn
• Activity: Guinness and St Stephen’s Garden and Once the Musical

Day 8: Dublin

• Activity: Trinity College, Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Jameson Factory
• Hotel: Jury’s Inn

Day 9: Fly home

“Think you’re escaping and run into yourself. Longest way round is the shortest way home.”  James Joyce