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3 days in Southwest - Dingle? Kenmare? Kinsale? itinerary help

We have a trip in July (yes, I know late in planning!) where we will land in Dublin (from Paris, so no jet lag) at 11:30am on a Wednesday and fly out of Dublin on Sunday at noon. We will have done Dublin before so want to head straight to the southwest, but I'm trying to decide where to base ourselves and/or if best to move nights and if so where.

Thinking stop in Kilkenny for late lunch and then onward. Would like to see quaint and scenic vs. big towns and thinking Cork(for English market)/Kinsale, Killarney Nat'l park, maybe ROK or skip that and just do Dingle peninsula instead, and somehow fit in seeing Cliffs of Moher. Focus will be on scenary, food, pubs and people.

Was thinking about 1 night (Wed) in Kenmare or Kinsale and then 2 nights in Dingle (Thurs/Fri) with Saturday morning setting out to drive up to the Cliffs of Moher and end up staying in Athlone or somewhere more near Dublin for a shorter drive Sunday morning to the airport. Is that too aggressive? Will Dingle have good pub scene? Is Kenmare better to stay 2 nights v. Dingle? Anything not to miss in that area? Thank you!

Posted by
349 posts

Dingle > Kenmare.

I would also recommend the Dingle peninsula versus The Ring of Kerry if you have to choose for a day trip.

There are lots of good pubs in Dingle.

Dick Macks pub is a must visit.

Also, Foxy Johns pub and hardware.

Posted by
349 posts

I'm sure others will chime in but I think you are stretching yourself Way Too Thin and you're going to spend all of your time in a car. Ireland particularly in some of the areas you're wanting to go is not always easy to get around in.

Posted by
346 posts

I agree with Vicky on all of that. Add O'Sullivan's to the list of great pubs!

Posted by
88 posts

Hello! I would skip Kinsare and go straight to Dingle Peninsula for 3 days. It's a long journey there! That way you can relax and take your time driving the peninsula. Kinsare is cute but not enough time for both. Enjoy!