We are driving from Kinsale to Kenmare in a day (September) I'm finding lots of wonderful places to stop. Would love to know what were some of RS travelers' favorite stops. Also, any feedback on Bantry House is most welcome. Extra credit for any favorite budget to moderately priced restaurants for Kinsale and Kenmare, that aren't fish and chips.
Places that have caught my eye are:
Rosscarberry
Drombeg Stone
Lough Hyne
Baltimore
Ballydehob
Mizen Head
Bantry House
Drombeg stone circle was worth a stop, and easy to get to from the main road. It would take only about 20-30 minutes to visit.
Thank you, Stacy, exactly the kind of info I am looking for!
Three Castle Head and Walk on the Mizen Peninsula
Inchydoney Beach near Clonakilty
Regarding Kinsale, last night we had a great meal and listened to some great music at The Blue Haven. Don't know the food prices (RS tour), but beer was reasonable. And not fish & chips.
We were disappointed by Mizen Head and preferred Sheep's Head peninsula.
Don't miss Beara Peninsula and the cable car ride across to Dursey Island.
There is also Garinish Island and the lovely Italian Garden
@Wasley's looks awesome. Take a ferry to Garninish?
@travelerguy and uwe04, thanks for the tips!
I'd skip Baltimore. Nothing much to see except the bay.
Drive over Healy Pass on R 574 from Adrigole southwest of Glengarriff. Lots of interesting switchbacks and dramatic views along the way and from the top. You'll cross from Co. Cork into Co. Kerry. At the bottom of the pass take a break at An Sibin, a restored pub and B&B that once served as an establishment providing "poteen" - illicit spirits. Note the two "gas pumps" across the street dispensing something other than gasoline.
Thank you, David! There goes Baltimore! Found Healy Pass on the Beara Pennisula, looks great! I should have mentioned that we are less interested in sandy beaches and more into rocky cliffs, vistas, etc. My husband has now said his highest priority is Drombeg Stone and Bantry House. So, I will need to structure the day to get us at Bantry House by 2pm at the latest.
We are very interested in Beara and Sheepshead Peninsulas, which we could visit the following day from Kenmare, though hopefully we could see Sheepshead before Bantry House.
I should clarify that An Sibin is at the western end of Healy Pass at a "T" intersection. Can't miss it on the left. If you don't take photos of the gas pumps I'll never speak to you again! The Beara and Iverah peninsulas are gorgeous.
Got it, David. I've been looking for the restaurant for a website. I can only find a phone number. It looks fun and tasty! Was hoping to find out days, hours and if reservations are needed. Thanks so much for the tip!
