We will be approaching the Kilarney area coming from Kinsale. We will be sleeping in Dingle but we want to make sure we take in as much as we can en route. ( we will not be touring the ROK)
Muckross house is a must. I would also like to take in some of Kilarney National Park and perhaps Gap of Dunloe either hiking/walking or bikes. I'm not sure how to approach this by car. Where to park? How long to plan for each area? Although we have a car, I'm not opposed to hooking up with an organized tour.
Thanks
Cindy
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
There is ample parking in the immediate vicinity of Muckross House, and there are a number of walking paths varying from short strolls along the lakefront to a more serious hike to a feature called "the meeting of the waters" a bit deeper within the park.
We've always considered the Gap of Dunloe to be one of the prettiest little glens (and hikes) in all of Ireland, and make it a point to stop there for most of a day whenever we're in the area. It's 7 miles round trip - although there's a nice little tea house about a mile down the road that would be a good turnaround point if you're pressed for time. Alternatively, there are jaunting cars available for hire that will take you up and back if you want to tap into your inner "Quiet Man". Plenty of free parking in the vicinity of Kate Kearney's cottage, although I'm not sure about availability by mid-afternoon. Would guess that things would start to clear out after the lunch-time surge departs around 2 or 3 PM but can't say for sure.
As I recall there's also a boat trip across the lake that's supposed to be quite nice but we've never done it. Would need to inquire locally about that.
Killarney town has become a victim of its own popularity, with lots of traffic and a general crush of (other) tourists. Best to give it a miss and concentrate on Dingle and Slea Head drive...a much more mellow experience.
Posted by
Killarney Co. Kerry Ireland
75 posts
That is a lot of driving Kinsale to Killarney to Dingle
Suggest route Kinsale - Macroom - Kilgarvan - Kenmare - Molls Gap - Killarney ( Muckross House) - Dingle
If you travel very early : Kinsale - Macroom - Kilgarvan - Kenmare -- Molls Gap - Black Valley - Gap of Dunloe - Killarney Muckross House - Dingle
Reason: Very Scenic drive Kilgarvan- Kilgarvan - Kenmare -- Molls Gap - Black Valley - Gap of Dunloe , but you must try to reach Gap of Dunloe before 10.00 am or after 5.00 pm as there are a lot of Jaunting cars / horses on this very narrow section in the Gap of Dunloe. You will get past at any time of the day but it might be a lot of stopping .
Posted by
12 posts
We just got back from Ireland. If you want to see the Gap of Dunloe and Muckross house, you probably want at least 2 days in Killarney. We took the boat ride and horse cart in the Gap of Dunloe and really enjoyed it. It is a full day tour. Pick a nice day as you will be outside all day. The Muckross house and gardens take at least 2-3 hours and there is nice hiking near by. We thought that Killarney was ok. We stayed a little outside the center at the Old Weir Inn and liked it very much.