We are planning an Ireland/ Scotland trip for this July - nothing like last minute, right? Mostly self-guided is the plan.
It seems like every tour goes to Ring of Kerry and/or Dingle. Is it worth it to fight the crowds and lines of buses to do these loops? We want more laid back, looking at maybe Kinsale, Westport, or Sligo as options.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
3137 posts
The buses and the crowds are typically only issues between about 9:00 AM when they start to roll and 4:30 PM when everyone has pretty much settled in for the afternoon.
If you can manage to get out early you'll have the ROK and Slea Head Drive all to yourselves. If an early morning isn't your thing you can plan your drives for later in the afternoon ... remembering that sunset that time of year is after 10:00 PM so you'll have plenty of daylight to work with.
Kinsale wouldn't be a particularly good alternative if you want to avoid crowds - the little town fills up in a hurry with day trippers resulting in a lot of traffic congestion when trying to get out and about by car.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
976 posts
Westport offers no break from crowds, either, in my experience.
County Sligo is a good choice, as there is a lot to see and far fewer crowds. You'd probably want to have a car to get around, but you can get to Sligo Town by train from Dublin. Another option worth looking at is flying from Glasgow to Donegal and renting a car there to drive down the coast. Ireland West (Knock) isn't far, either, and will have more direct flights from Scotland.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
24 posts
My husband and I drove the ROK last week on our way from Kinsale to Dingle. 75% of the drive is boring.
The Slea Head Drive was fantastic - gorgeous scenery and fun hiking around the Star Wars stop. Highly recommend.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2651 posts
There is a lot more to Ireland than Ring of Kerry and Dingle - don't be afraid to do something different!
Looking at July this year, your choice may be determined by where you can find accommodation.
Kinsale and Cobh are both delightful. Alternatively look at Bantry or Glengarriff - both off the tourist itinerary and give access to the Ring of Beara which is less popular than Ring of Kerry but equally as nice. Don't miss the cable car to Dursey Island. There's also Sheep's Head peninsula which has yet to be discovered (and is much nicer than Mizen which has).
Connemara and Mayo are lovely. To avoid the crowds look at places like Clifden or Louisburgh. There's also Achill Island.
Sligo and Donegal are also worth considering to. I've always passed trhough Sligo without stopping so that is still on the togo list. Donegal is definitely worth visiting with some delightful small villages, Slieve League cliffs , Glenveagh house ...
Posted by
8923 posts
We are doing a 10 day tour of Ireland in mid-July. What is the weather like that time of the year?
We have been to Ireland before, but always in the Fall.