I’m planning a visit to Ireland in May, 2019. Among the places I’ll visit is Kenmare and the Ring of Kerry. I’ll be traveling by car. In researching the area, I’ve found an apparent conflict in the Rick Steves Ireland book (2018 edition). He recommends getting an early start from Kenmare, but the route he suggests is clockwise on p. 217 and it’s counterclockwise on p. 234. At another point on p. 234, he says to go clockwise. I want to assume clockwise is the best way. Is that right?
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2815 posts
From Kenmare you'll want to drive clockwise anyway, if only to avoid the traffic snarl getting in and out of Killarney.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks Robert! I appreciate the advice.
Posted by
Vermont USA
359 posts
They've widened many of the roads and the traffic isn't near the problem it once was. You really can go either direction without a huge problem. Killarney is the pits for traffic and is best navigated at times other than the main departure and arrival times of the tour buses. To have a nice break definitely take the Skellig Ring offshoot of the. ROK.....no tour buses allowed ....far less traffic and fantastic sights.....the Cliffs of Kerry ( FAR better than Moher), St. Finans Bay, Skellig Chocolates, McCarthys Castle, the Abbey ruins etc.
Clockwise is nominally better in our view but it's a lot easier now than it used to be.....So either direction will work. Wait till you see the coast near Caherdaniel - you're going to love it !!!! Have a great trip !