Due to limited time on my upcoming trip with my cousins in mid August, we have a choice for our last two days in Ireland, based in Adare. Our choices are between making the Dingle loop trip as described in Rick Steves' travel guide, spending the day in Killarney national park and Muckross House, and seeing the Rock of Cashel. I have to drop one of these things. Which two would you pick?
Posted by
Kansas City
272 posts
We were in Ireland in August a couple years ago. I'd choose the Dingle loop, although we didn't make it to Killarney. We drove the loop ourselves, but it might be more enjoyable for all, if you hire a driver.
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1194 posts
Hi from Wisconsin,
Dingle is quite nice, but depending on the season can be crowded. The next pennisula down is Beara. Last I was there it was still empty. In land a bit is Gogane Bara. All three are great. Dingle has the Connors Gap. It is possible to do bothin a day. As they are so close to each other.
Killarney, the city, was way too touristy. Worst place in Ireland.
Cashel is a long drive away. But has more stuffed in a small area than anywhere else if you are looking for "old" buildings. Clonmacnoise could be closer. It too has a pile of stuff and the Shannon River.
I would head to County Clare and the megalithic monuments. Heading west from Killinaboy take the first road that heads north. Keep your eyes open there are wedge tombs, portal tombs, a 4th century castle remain, and other megalithic sites. And it is like going back in time. This is what Ireland looked like 40 years ago. That drive from Killinaboy to Ballyvaughan is great. It is the road headed north just west of Killinaboy that has a major zig-zag in it shortly after getting on to it. Google it and it is a faint line. County Clare has the Burren. Read about it. Some nice Irish towns inthe areas too.
Ennis is a good medieval city. Maybe the best in Ireland for a small town
wayne iNWI
Posted by
15 posts
I would drop the Rock of Cashel personally. Dingle loop Slea head drive is very nice. We drove it twice and had no issues, plenty of stops to pull over and explore and see the scenery.
Killarney national park is beautiful as well as the Muckross House, I would probably skip the farm tour at Muckross. Torc waterfall is pretty and fun to hike.
I would skip the town of Killarney all together and head south to Kenmare. Killarney is a tourist trap and a gathering ground for people doing the Ring of Kerry.
I would look into doing the Beara peninsula as well.
Killarney/Galway was our least favorite towns due to the crowds/tourists/traffic
Posted by
44 posts
If you do the Dingle loop, it's far and away worth it to invest in a private driver. Amazing how much more you can see when someone else is driving. The driver's also know the history behind every other rock on the route and can take you "off route" to incredible places you'd never be aware of except with an experienced driver.