We have a party of 5 adults traveling to Ireland in June. We were hoping to hire a driver for the day from Kinsale (near Cork) to see the Ring of Kerry (or parts of it at least since we realize many days can be spent there alone) to the Dingle Peninsula and back. What are people's thoughts? Too much. We have very limited times in that part of Ireland but would love to make a long day trip to those areas.
Posted by
Last Frontier aka Alaska 🏔️
3561 posts
Too much. I would pick the ROK or the Dingle Peninsula not both. And depending what kind of a start you get, it will still be a bit rushed.
Posted by
Vermont USA
359 posts
From Kinsale.......,the Ring of Kerry. Do the south side to the Skellig Ring and back. Still will be rushed but great scenery, wonderful small villages and you could pick a historic sight to briefly visit. It will be a long day regardless but well worth it. Don't even try to do both Dingle and the ROK in one day. I'd have to be hospitalized !!!! :)
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
I agree that trying to make it to Dingle & the Slea Head Drive would be too far to consider for a day trip.
Suggest doing your best to avoid Killarney - the traffic will be murder.
Better to head to Kenmare and then drive the southern arc of the ROK around to Portmagee or thereabouts, to include the very pretty (and relatively uncrowded) Skellig Ring Road and the Kerry Cliffs. It will be a very long day for you from Kinsale, but not an unpleasant one if someone else is doing the driving and if you take it slow. There are any number of interesting stops along the way to stretch your legs, enjoy the scenery, etc.
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
I agree with the above - too much.
An add on to Robert, above -- after the Kerry Cliffs (best place in Ireland!!) I'd say don't finish the Ring of Kerry through Glenbeigh and Killorglin (which I do love but think for your schedule is too much.). Tell the driver you want to come back to Cahersiveen after the Skellig Loop and go over The Block to return to Kinsale. It's Ballycasheen (Bally is pronounced in Kerry, sometimes, as Bah-lah - so it is Ba-lock-a-sheen). When you view a map, this is the road that bisects the Ring of Kerry.
AND for anyone reading this and thinking "oh, yes!" be aware this is a ONE LANE ROAD in parts; very safe; but possibly best driven by Irish (or daring) drivers....
Susan
Expat living in Waterville/Skellig Coast
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all for the posts. This is extremely helpful.