We have a wedding at Kilkea resort, 30 minutes from Kilkenny. We have around 9 days to tour after that, and will spend 3 nights in Dublin at the end. We like slow travel, settling into a place, so I am questioning my itinerary and thinking I should skip Doolin and Cliffs of Moher and add time to Kinsale and Kenmare. I've read that the Cliffs of Kerry might be more enjoyable, since not as crowded. I also read someone's review that Kenmare was not his favorite, so where else, if not there? We like nice hotels with fun bars, small towns and great scenery. We will have a car, but may decide to get a driver for some tours if recommended. I've shown hotels I'm considering.
Currently:
Kilkea to Kinsale Trident Hotel, Perryville, Actons
3 days Kinsale
2 days Kenmare Sheen Falls, Lansdown (Brook Lane and Park Hotel no availability)
3 days Dingle Pax Guesthouse, Dingle Skellig, Brenners
2 days Doolin
3 day Dublin
Thank you
Posted by
Germany
237 posts
When not Kenmare
Did you have a look at Parknasilla Resort near Sneem 25km west of Kenmare on the Ring of Kerry?
A bit outside of little village of Sneem
Beautiful spot . Hotel with Lodges and Holiday Homes
The Kerry Cliffs are great but you have to pay a few euros for entrance (on private property)
Do the Skellig Ring Drive then (part of the Wild Atlantic Way)
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Looks lovely! I will check! Thank you!
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2550 posts
A lot of people on this forum do seem to have taken against Kenmare complaining it is 'full of Americans'. However it does have a lot going for as it is an attractive busy town with a good range of shops (not all geared to the tourist!), places to eat etc. It is also a lot more convenient if you are wanting to visit Beara Peninsula, ( well worth doing) and Sheep's Head peninsula hasn't yet made it onto the tourist itinerary and is still relatively unspoilt.
Cliffs of Kerry charge admission so that means they are a lot less busy than Cliffs of Moher, which are always thronged with visitors. I'd definitely recommend them over Moher which I always feel are very over rated (and best seen from the sea).
2 nights in Kenmare only effectively gives you just over a day to explore the area. That's not very long. I personally would be inclined to skip Doolin and add the two nights to Kenmare. do sheep's Head on the way from Kinsale to Kenmare. That then gives a full day for Ring of Kerry, a full day for Beara Peninsula and then another day for the rest of Killarney National Park - Gap of Dunloe, Killarney Lakes, Ross Castle, Muckross House and gardens along with the traditional farms....
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you. We would prefer to get to know area better, so that makes sense. . Any hotels you would recommend in the 4 / 5 star range? Last I looked, Sheen Falls and Landsdown were only available options.,
Correction. Park Hotel has room.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2550 posts
Sorry can't help with hotels as we were self catering... Is the Sheen Falls across the bay from Kenamre? If so this will be a lot quieter and looks to be a much nicer location. The Landsdown would be good if you wanted to be in Kenmare.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Yes, Sheen Falls appears to be across the bay
Posted by
Germany
237 posts
When you want to stay in Kenmare and not in Sneem I vote for the Park Hotel
In walking distance to the town center but quiet location
For SheenFalls Lodge you need transportation into town (over the river)
Brook Lane direct on the road (Ring of Kerry) sometimes loud and busy although I must say we had the best breakfast on our Ireland trips there :o)
When you look for private drivers I can recommend Gerrit and Esther from Sneem Kerry Experience Tours
or
Paul Brown a retired Guarda man at Kenmare Taxi and Tours