Kenmare as a base for Beara / West Cork

It sounds as if it is more or less half way between Kenamare and Glengarriff? If so, that sounds an excellent compromise and well positioned for places you want to visit. Sheep's Head and Mizen aren't too far to do from there either.

I agree with wasleys - looks good to me.
The further away you get from the ROK the less traffic you'll encounter, and in most places along the peninsulas you'll probably have the rural roads all to yourselves which will make for very pleasant meandering by car.
Know that some of the "L" roads can be quite narrow - necking down to a single lane in places which can be daunting the first few times you encounter approaching traffic. The rewards, however, will be some of the prettiest scenery in all of Ireland as you explore way off the beaten tourist track. I suggest previewing the rural roads you'll be driving by making good use of the street view feature on Google maps. Really helps me to have done so in advance of setting off for the day - might help you too.

Thanks much for your reassurance. Robert - that's a good idea i wouldn't have thought of. Will do!

One place I highly recommend is Gap of Dunloe Road which runs roughly n-s across ROK. One end is near Molls Gap 9-10 miles from Kenmare and you can do it without the ROK crowd. About 20 miles of beautiful countryside, not well known I don't think. We were told about it by black cab driver in Belfast.

The Gap of Dunloe is wonderful. You can take a jaunting car ride through it or walk if feeling energetic. If planning to drive, do it late in the day after all the jaunting cars have finished.

Thanks for your recommendations!