I would really like to position ourselves to see these sites with a 3 night stay.
I was thinking of staying just a mile out of Kenmare, but I keep wondering if there is a better Irish experience than the Kenmare area? Seems I read a lot of people don't love it. I was thinking of staying on one of the peninsulas but then driving would be far to go to the other areas, right?
Where would you stay to see those sites?
Thanks again for all the help!
We liked Kenmare. It is the most convenient location for Beara and ROK, plus it has lots of places to eat and good pubs. Another plus was that a few of the pubs offered an earlier time for music as well as a later time. Several years ago we stayed at a small inn called Tahila Cove, located a couple of miles west of Kenmare but still in a convenient location. You might check if it still has good reviews.
Another vote for Kenmare. While it has some detractors, it doesn't get the amount of criticism heaped on Killarney. We stayed at the Ashfield B&B, a comfortable walk or very short drive into the "downtown" area for restaurants, etc. Here's the website: http://www.ashfieldkenmare.com/ Mary, the proprietress, is gracious, serves a great breakfast, and is deserving of the awards on the walls of the well-furnished common areas. Kenmare worked well as a base for our stops on the ROK, access to the Ring of Beara drive (plot a route taking you over the spectacular Healy Pass), the National Park, and the highly entertaining Kissane sheep dog demonstration, mid-way between Kenmare and the Park. (Info here. http://www.kissanesheepfarm.com/ If interested, be sure to consult the calendar on the website; the schedule for demonstrations seemed a bit random.)
Rockcrest House B&B gets good reviews and is a 5 minute walk from the TI on the NW side of town. They have a car park. I probably walked past on my way to the stone arched Roman bridge. I think Kenmare is central to the 3 areas you want to tour and offers historical sites, music and restaurant possibilities in the evening.
I was looking at the Sea Shore Guesthouse, which is more rural. I like the idea of being in a quiet area. But, we would probably need to eat in Kenmare unless we find dinner before coming back to the B & B. I would love music, a decent dinner etc. The location seems good for all the sites, unless there is a better spot.
Thank you!
Found our notes from Kenmare and dining:
Kenmare is ideal and while not perfect is WAY WAY WAY better than Killarney. Personally we prefer the Sneem, Caherdaniel (yes the Blind Piper Pub is excellent) or Waterville areas on the ROK to Kenmare but Kenmare does offer a lot and fantastic access to the great stuff near Killarney, the incredible south side of the ROK and Beara. If instead of just south of Killarney you could stay just north in the wonderful Kilorglin, Castlemaine area which gives equal access to the stuff near Killarney but also wonderful Dingle and Slea Head........and not far from the south side of the ROK and Skellig Ring. Depends on what you prefer seeing Dingle or Beara.
Avoid Killarney as much as possible. Kenmare is excellent, not perfect but really good....and if you prefer a smaller more wild Ireland place consider Sneem or Waterville in the south or Castlemaine to the north. Have a great trip !
The Sea Shore Farm Guesthouse looks like a winner - close enough to Kenmare to be handy for lunch or dinner yet away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
The location is convenient for day trips to the 3 places you mention - in particular for leisurely drives along the southern part of the ROK, the Skellig Ring and the beautiful Beara peninsula.
Good choice I think.
We do prefer a smaller more wild Ireland, and we will be staying near Dingle for 4 nights, so we mainly just need to access the ROK Beara and Killarney Park. So it does seem like Kenmare (outside of town) maybe best. I'm wondering if there is a small wild Ireland location that would access all of those? Or even be able to add our Kinsale days with our Kenmore days at a location to reach all of them? That would give us 5 nights, or maybe that wouldn't really be doable with driving times.
I really think you're over analyzing this ... trying to find the "perfect" place to stay. Kenmare is about as central to all of your areas of interest as you're likely to get, and the place you've found looks very nice. Suggest just booking it and moving on.
Regarding whether to extend your stay there at the expense of somewhere else - that'll be your call, but I wouldn't sacrifice the time in Kinsale to do it. Better (IMO and as I suggested previously) to take a day from Dingle - as lovely as it is (it's everyone's favorite for a reason) spending 4 days there would be overkill by a day or two. You can only drive Slea Head Drive so many times, and even with side trips to explore the Blaskets and maybe the northern part of the peninsula you'll pretty much have covered everything within 2 or 3 days.
Just my 2 Euro cents...
Do you really think I'm over analyzing........Ha ha ha!! The story of my life!
Thanks for the reality check. I hope it helps the dysfunction I have!
No problem. I'm much the same and so can recognize the symptoms.
Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.
I liked Killarney. Maybe it's because I was there in May? I wasn't expecting to like it but it's a nice town. I had no trouble finding good food and lodging. Traditional sessions are easy to find and I enjoyed walking to the lake, through the park, from right across from the church.
If Kenmare is significantly better, it must be really nice.
Thanks Brad!
We finally decided to stay in the countryside but very close to Kenmare, so hopefully we'll get the best of both worlds.
