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From Dingle to Kenmare via Ring of K -- in one day?

Posted by on

Thanks so much to those who have answered my previous questions in this forum! You've been so helpful. I have one last question. I think.

If I am driving from Dingle (in the early-ish) am, can I fit in a good and thorough trip around the Ring of Kerry that day, if I am stopping in Kenmare overnight? I know it's possible to drive this, in terms of distance, but would I have enough time to explore before dark (and Kenmare)? I guess this would be the traditional RoK route -- from Killarney around to Kenmare. And what do you think the bus traffic would be like in this direction, but probably not hitting Killarney until about 10 am? I was thinking of doing the Ring backwards, a la Rick's book, but this would fit my schedule better. If it seems reasonable.
Thanks heaps in advance!

Posted by
2261 posts

Google Maps shows this as about 175 km, depending on exact route, just under three hours drive time without traffic. So, my concern would be the ish. There is a time change coming on Sat 3-28, sunrise is at 6:24, next day an hour later. If it were me, I'd go for it, but I would be on the road out of Dingle by 5:30 or so-or an hour before "sunrise". You may miss some or all buses and you'll feel free to take some time for stops.

http://www.sunrise-and-sunset.com/en/ireland/dingle/2015/march

Posted by
124 posts

You can drive in one day no problem. I would leave though as early as you can if this drive is taking place in Winter or Spring. If it's taking place in the Summer, then take your time. The buses aren't that bad on the Ring of Kerry much anymore, there are many spots to over take them and/or additional lanes to pass them safely. Many of the forts are a bit off the main road, but worth the additional time it takes to see them. If your an early riser, try and make a stop at Valentia Island. The view from the stop is breath taking on a clear day. You can drive to the stop, there's loads of parking.

Posted by
2261 posts

Julie, I so enjoyed your trip report on TA. We took our first trip in 2013 and spent a week in Ireland to start. Your trip echoes ours in several places-the Cliffs, Gus O'Connors, Conor Pass, Gallarus, etc. Great to read your narration and relive some of that. We had been considering a trip in 2016, thinking of Holland, Belgium , and Northern France, but we've been thrown off that in the last week or two and can't get 'Ireland for three weeks!' out of our heads.

Thanks for posting the link; if you like, here's my Ireland gallery from that trip-what a special, welcoming country it is!

http://thecedarchest.smugmug.com/Sample-Gallery/

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