We will be in the Iveragh Peninsula area Monday May 6 which I understand is a bank holiday—actually staying in Killorglin. Aside from banks being closed are there other closures or watch outs we need to consider?
Thanks,
Katheryne
Posted by
Florida
509 posts
I can't comment on closures but I would expect that dining establishments would be open to accommodate the holiday crowds.
On that weekend in 2018 we failed to anticipate the crowded roads and wound up scuttling plans to visit Glendalough en route from Dublin to Kilkenny. A massive traffic snarl in and around Glendalough tied us up for an hour and a half, and we had to readjust the itinerary. I would suggest early starts and modest travel plans for the weekend. Perhaps scheduling an ROK tour with the highly recommended Paul Brown would at least relieve you from driving responsibilities. http://www.kenmaretaxitours.com/home.html
A week or so later, we "self-drove" a wonderful day trip on the Beara Peninsula; in hindsight, I wish we had hired Mr. Brown so I could have seen as much of the countryside as my wife did.
Posted by
OP
Chattanooga, TN USA
566 posts
rca, thanks for relating your experience. Initially my concern was only for Monday, but now I am thinking about our driving time on Saturday from Kilkenny to Killorglin. I think I'll allow extra time for heavy traffic. We are planning to stop off in Cashel along the way.
Posted by
Florida
509 posts
Our experience at Glendalough was on the Sunday of the long weekend. FWIW, we encountered the heavy traffic only near Glendalough; otherwise the drive -- including through Sally Gap -- was OK. I suspect you'll be fine as long as you avoid the major sites, e.g. Muckross House/Killarney National Park. Another plus for the Ring of Beara is the total absence of tour buses; I believe this is because the roads are particularly narrow.