Any tips? After a day visiting the Gap of Dunloe, stopping in Kenmare for dinner, then driving to Portmagee for the night so that we can get on our boat early in the morning to SKellig Michael.
Where should we stop along the way if we only have a few hours of sunlight left (we'll be there in july).
we'll be staying across the street from the Kerry Cliffs and will have free access with our bnb stay, so we'd like to be able to do a little walking in there too if we get there with some light left.
bump for some replies please???
if you do not make any stops. the drive should take you 2 hours or so between Kenmore and Portmagee The scenery though is beautiful so it may be hard not to be tempted to stop :)
I can think of 2 options: Sneem or Derrynane.
Sneem would mean probably a little over an hour drive in the morning while Derrynane should be about 30 minutes or so.
hope this helps a little
Here's an answer from a local:
I'm an American living in Waterville. Keep in mind your Skellig Michael boat trip might be cancelled (many days they were cancelled due to weather, lately) so you can explore that day near PortMagee if the boats don't go out.
Kenmare to Waterville is the prettiest part of the Ring of Kerry in my opinion. You won't want to drive quickly. You will, it sounds, be driving off peak as the buses will be gone after 4:30-5:00 p.m. I suggest you stop at Parknasilla Resort if you have time for a walk - it has 6 walking trails, easy for non-hikers, and is beautiful. - it's right on a little bay. A gem.
If you see a sign "Tra" that is Irish for BEACH. If there's a sign, there is usually parking (though it might be for only 2 cars!). You WILL drive by quite a few lovely beaches on that part of the road. O'Carrolls Cove (signs say "Only Beach Bar in Ireland" or something!) is fabulous. Tropical fish like Florida on summer days! Worth a paddle as it's protected and calm most days. Water clear as gin! As mentioned above, Derrynane is spectacular. Turn off at Caherdaniel to get to Derrynane. It's the 2nd biggest national park (I think) and worth a wander. The Daniel O'Connell House will likely be closed at that hour. If you like walking, check out my blog post on walking the Mass Path at Derrynane recently.
There are a few RING FORTS on this drive. Staigue Fort (big, lots of tourists); Loher/Lohar Fort next to Waterville, and another near Cahersiveen (so you can save for the next day).
After you pass Waterville, turn left on the road that says "Skellig Loop" and "Skellig Ring." It's the long way around to Port Magee, but going around that peninsula is beautiful and often missed. If you're uncomfortable with driving a stick shift with your left arm, know that the road near Finan's Bay is steep, wiggly, and narrow for 2 way traffic.
The Kerry Cliffs are spectacular! Do not rush these! I send every tourist I meet, there. I've been over 15 times myself. You're in a good spot!
Enjoy!
Susan
I don't want to put a damper on your plans but the drive from Kenmare to Portmagee is a long one - I've done it many times. The road is also very narrow in places. There are lots of beautiful places to see on the way - as the previous poster has said - but if you are having dinner in Kenmare what time will you be leaving - 7 or 8pm maybe. Would you not be better off heading straight from the Gap of Dunloe early in the day and make a few stops on the way and then having a late dinner in Portmagee.
