We plan to leave Dublin around noon and drive through The Burren to Doolin. Depending on the time we get to Doolin we may visit the Cliffs when we get there or the next morning. Either way, we will spend the night in Doolin.
What is the best route from Doolin to Dingle? I see posts which talk of going through Limerick to Dingle. Other posts speak of taking the Tarbet ferry to Tralee and on to Dingle.
Does anyone have a route preference and why?
Where should we stay in Doolin?
Thanks.
If it were me, I would visit the cliffs when you get to Doolin. In the afternoon, the sun is on the cliffs, so the views can be better. Also, sometimes the morning can be foggy. I have not stayed in Doolin, so I can't comment on that, but I did stay at Moher Lodge, a B&B just on the other side of the cliffs from Doolin, which was wonderful. I would take the coast road and take the ferry at Tarbert (or Killimer, I never can remember which one is on that side of the river). It saves driving around through Limerick, and it's fun. You can get out of your car while crossing, and there are places to sit up top. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, but you might have to wait a bit for the next ferry.
Greetings from Paradise...
Either way is fine, you'll enjoy either, via Limerick or via the Ferry at Killimer.
However, if you ant my professional opinion, here goes.
I have taken this route possibly more than any Irish person alive and I would never take the Ferry option.
Heres why.
1. You wont even see Limerick anymore if you don't want to, its bypassed by a short tunnel under the Shannon.
2. You'll get to see Bunratty Castle and Adare heritage village.
3. The road is way better. (prone to car sickness? go via Limerick)
4. In my opinion its marginally quicker
5. The Ferry is fun, but not if you miss it and are stuck in the very uneventful parking lot for an hour.
6. The Ferry costs around €15, the Limerick bypass tunnel around €2, thats €13 more for dinner, or Guinness, in Dingle!
7. There is an ugly old power station dominating the entire 20 minute journey across the Shannon.
Whichever way you choose, enjoy, drive safe, and "keep it between the ditches"!
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves Ireland Tour-Guide
Dingle & Derry
