We currently have both Cobh and Kinsale in our itinerary. We will visit Cobh after a morning at the Rock of Cashel. We are meeting with a genealogist at 3pm, so decided to stay in Cobh for the night. Can we skip Kinsale and save 40 minutes of drive time heading to Dingle, or is it worth the stop & drive? Is there anywhere else we should be stopping as we drive from Cobh to Dingle? We're heading out next week. Thanks!
Posted by
Chicago
505 posts
Though Kinsale is a pleasant town, I believe it is worth skipping since you plan to go to Dingle. Both are seaside towns.
A nice stop in between Cobh and Dingle is Killarney, the second most populous town in County Kerry after Tralee.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
1855 posts
What is it that is attracting you to Kinsale - is there a specific reason or is it just because everyone else goes there?
Are you going via Kenmare? The drive between Kenmare and Killarney is very scenic and is part of the Ring of Kerry. It takes you past Moll's Gap as well as Ladies View . There are also views of Upper Killarney Lake and it is just a short walk to Torc Waterfall. Killarney is always busy with tourists but there there is Kilarney National Park with Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms. Alternatively there is Ross Castle - well worth a visit. If you are wanting a short walk to stretch legs, there are some ideas here.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
First time to Ireland, but grandparents emigrated from Boyle and Newmarket to the US.
So, Cobh was essential as they both sailed from that harbor. Kinsale? Just going there because everyone goes there.
Posted by
Chicago
505 posts
If you're American, drive very carefully in Ireland. The Irish, like the British, drive on the other side of the road. I have rented a car twice in Ireland -- including in inner Dublin on a stick shift -- but it takes some getting used to.
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
610 posts
I'd skip Kinsale except for maybe the Fort and overnight in Kenmare. Killarney is sort of overrun, depending on the time of year.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2715 posts
I liked Kinsale a lot, but it is not essential, and you’ll have plenty to see on your way to Dingle, which is my favorite part of Ireland.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2828 posts
Kinsale is great, but is something of an outlier if you're heading to Dingle that day so I'd give it a miss as well.
If you want to simply "get there" as quickly and efficiently as possible I'd suggest avoiding Killarney completely and going the more northerly route out of Cobh via Mallow. Though it appears to add a few miles to the journey it'll save a lot of aggravation by avoiding the congestion in Killarney town ... which can be maddening, especially during the height of summer.
That said, if you're up for a more leisurely meander that takes in some terrific scenery then Waselys suggestion of going via Kenmare is a good one. The tourist hordes of summer have departed so bus traffic in and out of Killarney will be greatly reduced, making for a much more pleasant drive if you're not in a hurry. The attractions he lists in and around Killarney are all worth exploring. I'd only suggest adding a stop at the Gap of Dunloe if you fancy a walk thru one of the prettiest little glens in Ireland.
Kate Kearney's Cottage is a convivial little cafe & bar located right at the entrance to the Gap and is a great place for lunch before or after a trip thru the glen. There are pony traps for hire just outside their entrance if you want to give one of those a try. For info, it's 3.5 miles from Kate's to the head of the Gap, and on a sunny day there's glorious scenery to be had the whole way up and back.