Should it be split over 2 days? Is it a one day thing and I’m over thinking this ?
What are your thought ?
Posted by
172 posts
The Ring Of Kerry is one big loop with the most scenic section being the area farthest from Killarney. There is no logical division. To drive it in two days is just to drive it twice. Start early and pull over often to enjoy the view.
We stayed in Kenmare last year. It’s much prettier and more walkable than Killarney.
We actually did drive across the middle of the peninsula just for the fun of it, but I don’t recommend it. From the N70 there is a road that goes around Lough Caragh and continues south. At least it looks that way on the maps. In reality there are many roads, all without names, mostly paved but so narrow that the leaves were brushing against both sides of our small rental car at the same time. And they are not one way roads. We got our “fun” experience with some anxiety and did finally make it across the peninsula in twice the time we expected.
Posted by
OP
Shediac, New Brunswick, Canada
776 posts
Ok so up early and one day to drive it. Will look at Kenmare ( we were going to day trip there) mom wanted Killarney for some reason. Will see what we end up doing. Thanks. Great info.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
A slightly different opinion here.
You could indeed drive the ring as a loop in a single day (many people do) but I think you'd be short changing yourselves on being able to stop along the way and enjoy some of the exquisite sights. The Gap of Dunloe, for example, is worth a half day by itself whether you walk it, bike it, or take one of the jaunting cars to the head of the Glen and back. It's one of the prettiest places in Ireland on a sunny day, especially if you arrive early.
Likewise Valentia Island, the Skellig Ring, and the area around Waterville deserve more than a drive by and a wave.
Going around the other way is also quite pretty. A detour down to the Beara Peninsula would be worth your time - very pretty scenery and no tour buses. The Beara Way hiking route has some very scenic sections if you're into that.
Getting out of Killarney after about 9 AM can be a royal pain, so I'd suggest an early start to be well on your way before the tour buses start to roll and generally clog things up. Kenmare would indeed be a better option.