We have 3 days planned in the Kinmare area & obviously want to maximize our time. On one of these days, we have reservations on a Slea Head Archeological tour. Since this is an event we will complete, should we opt out of a Ring of Kerry or Beara drive? Would these be redundant?
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
If you're staying in Kenmare you'll have to drive at least part of the ROK getting to Dingle and Slea Head. The more direct route is north via Killarney, but then you run the risk of getting caught in the congestion caused by the tour buses getting underway in the morning. The longer way around is the more scenic, with the possibility of stops along the way at the Gap of Dunloe and/or the very pretty Skellig Ring Road just west of Portmagee.
Personal opinion only, but we love the Beara peninsula because of the relative lack of tour bus congestion and the spectacular seascapes we can enjoy at our leisure as we meander around. Honestly, Beara is the kind of place that you rent a car in Ireland for in the first place - can't imagine being right next door to it and not visiting.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks Robert. Yours is the information I was looking for.
Ring of Beara, here we come!
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
603 posts
Where do you stay on the Beara Peninsula? Or do you home base in kenmare? Thanks
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Renee: Kenmare is a good base since it's central not only for Beara but also for the ROK and Killarney NP. It's only about a 1+15 hr drive from Kenmare to the tip of the peninsula where the Dursey cable car is located, and maybe 45 minutes to the top of Healy Pass on the way to the main town of Castletown-Bearhaven. There are B&B's and self catering places dotted all around the peninsula if you fancy a more extended stay, otherwise Kenmare is as good a base as any for a quick day trip.
For hikers, the Beara Way is one of the prettiest we've seen and can be done in bite sized chunks as day hikes.
Note that many of the "R" roads can be quite narrow - only one lane wide in many places requiring approaching traffic to give way to permit safe passing. It's no big deal once you get used to it but it can be a daunting experience for a first timer.