We will arrive in Shannon 9/30 and drive to Doolin where we have booked 1 night in B&B (considering booking a 2nd night). Our next stop will be Killarney. I had driving directions via Ennis and Limerick, but then read about ferry crossing Shannon River to Tarbert. Would that be a better way to go? We then have 3 more nights not booked, but have 2 nights in Dublin booked, 10/5,10/6 and on the 7th will fly to London. We want to visit Kinsale, Kilkenny, and Wicklow on our way to Dublin. Considering booking our 3 available nights in Killarney, Kinsale, and Kilkenny. Suggestions on routes to take? It was suggested to take N71 from Killarney to Kinsale for the scenery.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Shannon airport is already north of the river, and beyond Limerick, so backtracking from there to catch the ferry would be counterproductive to get to Doolin. You could work it into your later journey from Doolin to Killarney however. It would be the more scenic way to go - not sure whether it would necessarily be quicker since the alternative would be to jump on the Motorway and the N-21...both better roads than the lanes you'll be traveling from Tarbert. If you're in a hurry to just get there then the Motorway is probably the way to go. If you're looking for a leisurely scenic drive then I'd suggest the ferry.
The N-71 to Kinsale is a very pretty although sometimes meandering drive, with many opportunities for pleasant stops and short side trips along the way. You won't make very good time but, then, you probably won't care.
FYI, Saturdays seemed to be "biking day" on many of the roads when we were there last year. Can slow your progress considerably if you happen upon a large group of cyclists out for an extended ride. Can just be part of the experience or, if you're intent on making time, a royal pain...depending upon your perspective. Wouldn't see them on the Motorway, but I do recall seeing them on some of the "N" roads.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
If you are talking about going from Doolin to Killarney via the Tarbert ferry instead of around past Limerick, YES, it is the best way to go. It cuts a bunch off of your driving time, keeps you from having to deal with Limerick, and is just fun to do. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. And yes, N71 is the best way to get to Kinsale. Rather than Kilkenny, though (personal bias), I would head toward Dublin via Cahir and Cashel instead. You really should see Rock of Cashel, and Cahir castle is on the way. If you want to look at alternate ways of getting anywhere, use www.viamichelin.com. You plug in your starting point and destination, and it will give you alternate routes that you can look at, plus estimating your driving times (add 25% in Ireland), fuel costs, and tolls, if any. You can also choose stopping points along each leg, so you can customize your map/routing to suit what you want to see along the way.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Yes, my question about the ferry was the drive from Doolin to Killarney. Thank you for confirming my guess that the best route would be via the ferry. I will consult with my travel companion whether or not to include Kilkenny in the trip as we had planned, or take the advise to travel another way to Dublin.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Nancy, I will try the via michelin site again. When I tried earlier to find out the driving distance between Kinsale and Kilkenny I didn't get an answer. Also, because of your suggestion, we may travel another way to Dublin. We were interested in Kilkenny because we read it is the most authentic medieval town dating to the 13th century.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I'm not a Kilkenny fan, particularly. What they mean by it being a medieval town is that the streets are still laid out like they were. There is no city wall or anything. The "castle" is really more of a mansion. We enjoyed the Design Center next to it, but really weren't impressed by anything else.
Regarding ViaMichelin, the Kinsale to Kilkenny route popped right up for me. Not sure what happened with you.