We are making our second trip to Ireland next summer and I want to concentrate on the southwest, which we missed last time. We have seven nights.
3 nights Dingle
3 nights Kinsale
1 night Shannon area for flyout
OR
3 nights Dingle
1 night Killarney
2 nights Kinsale
1 night Shannon area for flyout
Just wondering which itinerary we should do. Would like to see Gap of Dunloe/Killarney NP.
Thoughts??
Thanks in advance!
Posted by
1172 posts
If you want to do the Gap of Dunlop and Killarney, then I would have nigh in Killarney for sure...
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
Diveloonie,
I live in the Southwest (Waterville on the Skellig Coast/Ring of Kerry) and am excited you want to explore the area a bit more!
I see you're planning 3 nights in Dingle yet none along the Ring of Kerry. I see you're a diver! I suggest less time in Dingle and add an experience or two along the Iveragh peninsula (Ring of Kerry) and Skellig Coast region. Specifically - you can go diving in Derrynane with Vinnie Hyland, a local guide/artist/musician or around Valentia Island or the Skelligs (yes! You can dive near the Skelligs!) - at the same time your kids (which you say don't dive) can do a beach exploration walk with SeaSynergy in Waterville, or do a sea-weed walk with lunch at Atlantic Irish Seaweed.... or go horseback riding along the beach in Derrynane, or Waterville, or Rossbeigh beach. Also good in case weather holds you back from the dive.... Another reason the Iveragh peninsula may be worth the time is Star Wars. If your kids are into that, nothing beats a stop into The Skellig Experience and then a boat ride (long) out to Skellig Michael, whether you get a landing spot (limited) or just boat around the area!
I spend two nights a month in Killarney (for Toastmasters) so have gotten to know it, well. If you DO want to do the Gap, I suggest (since it's summer and the sun comes up way before 6 a.m. and sets close to 10 pm) to do the Gap early or late. It's PACKED in the summer in the day time. Jaunting cars (horse and carts) and regular cars, bus tours and cyclists and walkers all compete (and I mean compete!) with each other on this ONE LANE ROAD and it can be, mid day in summer, a less than stellar experience. Another great alternative is the drive from Sneem to Killarney as you finish up the Ring of Kerry loop. Beautiful views comparable to Gap of Dunloe, as are some of the hill walks near Sneem! Oh, there's so much to do!
I'm assuming you're flying into Shannon, as well as out, when I suggest this: rather than the itinerary above, if you DO stay a night in Killarney - why not first night in Killarney, 2nd two in Kinsale, then work your way UP in the Shannon directions. Because if you end in Kinsale then fly out of Shannon - that's a LONG drive on the last day of the trip....
Hope this helps!
Susan
ExPat in Waterville