We'll be staying in Kenmare, County, Kerry for 4 days next Spring, and we're wondering whether we should commit one of those days to Kenmare -> Cashel round trip. Any and all comments greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Massachusetts
404 posts
Are you staying anywhere before or after Kenmare? It would be a great stop to make it you were heading from or to Dublin. We enjoyed the Rock of Cashel a great deal, but that would really be a big day of driving. If not, you could consider stopping in Cork to or from Kenmare to break it up a bit and add some interest to the day.
Posted by
OP
Maine Coast
35 posts
Thanks, but we'll be flying in and out of Shannon. Been to Cork once before. OK, but not our cup of tea. Turns out that we found we much more enjoy the small town and rural parts of Ireland.
Posted by
Massachusetts
404 posts
Agreed, Cork has some enjoyable stuff, but isn't a must do. Well, we liked the Rock of Cashel a lot. But I'm not sure it's worth 5-6 hours in the car when you are only there for 4 days.
Posted by
OP
Maine Coast
35 posts
Thanks, Steve!
Posted by
19 posts
While I thought the ROC was a great site, it has some construction going on now. Since you like rural, and you are in Kenmare I would do the ring of beara. I also went on that drive, which takes a day, if you are like me and stop at every great view, and the scenery was spectacular. it has almost no traffic as it is more remote and tour busses do not travel on the roads. If I was in Kenmare and had to chose one I would do the ROB.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Concur with KRD: If you're looking for an enjoyable day trip after spending time on the Ring of Kerry & Slea Head Drive, might suggest a driving tour of the lesser known (but just as pretty) Beara peninsula just to the south of Kenmare. For a true "off the beaten path" experience drive out to the end and take the cable car over to Dursey Island. Interesting walk/hike among the ruins of one of the areas hardest hit by the famine. The cable car itself is an interesting experience - capacity, as posted, is 3 people and a cow.
Posted by
Killarney Co. Kerry Ireland
75 posts
If you do go to Rock of Cashel, Go see Cahir Castle also
Nearer to Kenmare you have Ross Castle Killarney, Muckross House /Folk Farm and National Park Killarney
Posted by
OP
Maine Coast
35 posts
Thanks for the suggestions, folks! I'd been thinking about the Beara peninsula, and now you've convinced me that it's a "must do." I really appreciate your inputs!
Posted by
KS, USA
677 posts
We were a little underwhelmed by ROC. Maybe it was the scaffolding it was under (April 2014). I would definitely recommend spending your time closer to where you'll already be at...so much great stuff there! There's plenty to keep you busy!
Posted by
1529 posts
I recommend muckross house and farm. esp if you are there in spring before bus tour season cranks up......