Driving directions from Cliffs of Moher to Dingle

To clarify my original post, the RS recommended route using the ferry in Killimer, is more direct to the Burren. Not sure which route to take to get to our final destination in Dingle.

The route via Limerick is on good fast roads but is probably a bit boring. The route taking the ferry is shorter but roads are slower. It is probably the more interesting route to drive - and has the bonus of the ferry!

Thanks so much! We are leaving for Ireland in a week. Can’t wait!

Actually, there's more to recommend the coastal route south from the Cliffs than just the ferry crossing.
On a sunny day a trip down the N67 is one of Ireland's prettiest scenic drives, with lots of pullouts along the way to enjoy the dramatic seascapes and take some photos. The village of Kilkee is quite pretty too and features a nice cliff walk that we frankly prefer over Moher - not least because we usually have it all to ourselves. It's a good place for lunch or a cup of coffee too.
Once across the Shannon the drive down to Tralee is pleasant enough, and Tralee would be another candidate for a break from driving to grab lunch.
From Tralee the more direct route into Dingle would be the N86, but the more scenic way would be to swing north and come into the town via the Conor Pass - a dramatic cut thru the hills that necks down to a single lane in places, and which is best done in sunny weather and only after you've had a chance to preview the route by using the Street View feature on Google Maps to see what you're in for. It isn't for the faint of heart if the weather turns sour.
The coastal route will take longer but is worth it if you're not particularly pinched for time and want to make a day of it.

That sounds amazing. Thank you!

Might add that if you're really up for an off-the-beaten-tourist-path adventure consider driving down to the end of the Loop Head peninsula south of Kilkee ... all the way to the lighthouse where there's a gorgeous shoreline walk that wraps around the lighthouse. It's an "R" (rural) road but in good condition and along the way there are detours to a couple of "holy wells", including one dedicated to St. Kee - for whom Kilkee is named (Kil is the Gaelic name for church).
While walking the cliffs walk at Kilkee keep an eye out for a statue of the actor Richard Harris (the original Dumbledore among other roles) who was quite a local athlete in his youth and who lived along the road heading out to the cliffs parking lot.

hi,Robert
Where is a nice cliff walk in the Kilkee?
Thanks,

Robin: the Cliff Walk begins at the Diamond Rocks Cafe at the end of W End Road. If you face the beach looking out to sea it'll be off to your left. It'll be pretty obvious on Google Maps.

My husband is a little nervous about the drive in terms of cliffs and windy roads. I was looking at a map. We are coming from Kinsale to Dingle. What would be the best way to go to avoid those beautiful cliffs. Any info would be much appreciated. Maybe the N22 to the N86

Tell husband not to worry - From Kinsale to Dingle, you don't need to go anywhere near ‘those cliffs’. The Conor Pass is not for the faint hearted. We made the mistake of driving it in mist. It was clear when we left Dingle, but the mist came down as we climbed up the pass. Husband was muttering all the way "I an NOT enjoying this..." Fortunately there was no other traffic around and no one else daft enough to be driving it in those conditions...

The route you suggest is fine. It has the advantage of not driving along the narrow country roads to avoid Cork.

Take the N22 through Killarney to Killorglin. Then turn right onto the N70. You can stay on this to Tralee to pick up the N86, or else take the R561 to Dingle. Either road will be fine.

You don't say where else you are driving in Ireland...Depending on where you are going it can be difficult to avoid the narrow windy roads. You will find them if you do the Slea Head drive. Take care, drive slowly, noting possible passing places in case you need to back to pass oncoming traffic. (And know how to reverse. It's surprising how many people can't.) Expect the unexpected - this includes everything from sheep, campervans, the little old lady who drives in the centre of the road and freezes when seeing another car, or the boy racer...

thank you so much for the info. That's wonderful. I just told my husband. It's funny when we were in California, he was saying the same thing "I'm not enjoying this". lol . We are landing in Dublin, going to Cork, Kinsale, Dingle, Galway and then Belfast and then finally back to Dublin. I'm not worried about the other roads as I see a lot of alternatives were you can take the mainland. Again so appreciate your feedback

Be sure to let rental car agency know you are traveling to Belfast.

Have a wonderful time. Relax and take it slowly !

Hello again, i was just curious why I have to let the rental place know I'm going to Belfast. Is it because it is Northern Ireland?

Yes. Ireland and Northern Ireland are two completely different countries.. (You are aware that Ireland uses the euro, but Northern Ireland uses Pounds sterling? ).

Adding to Wasley's note: yes, you do need to notify the rental car company of your intention to take the car into NI to ensure that you don't inadvertently negate your auto insurance, and some companies will hit you with a small surcharge for the privilege of doing so.