We will arrive in Cork on Thursday afternoon on May 8. Will pick up rental car (any suggestions for preferred companies) and drive to Killarney. Spend the night and do Dingle Peninsula on Friday. Return to Killarney for the night. On Saturday we want to go to Staigue Fort and then return to Cork and stay in Kinsale. Sunday will be a day trip to the Rock of Cashel and then on Monday a tour of the Midleton Distillery (the main reason we are flying in and out of Cork).
Tried to figure out how to fit in Inishear Island but the travel time between locations is just too great.
Does this sound like a good use of our time? We don't want to have to change lodging every night but could make one more stop if needed.
Also, we will want to leave baggage in Edinburgh while we are in Ireland. Any suggestions besides leaving it at the airport?
Thanks.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
For what you have identified that you want to do, albeit rushed for my taste, your plan is sound. The logistics of Inishear would demand more time.
The only suggestion I would make would be to consider spending the first two nights in Killorglin (better situated), as you didn't mention any interest in Killarney itself.
As for the rental car, IMO, all rental car companies in Ireland have some issue or another. The most important thing is to buy the extra full insurance coverage and bring your deductible to zero. Tires are not covered, so carefully inspect them before you accept the car.
Can you not ask your Edinburgh accommodation to keep your extra luggage until you return?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
388 posts
We would agree with Diane. You will be spending quite a bit of time driving. Also, Inishear sounds a little too ambitious for the amount of time you have. You can look up driving times at www.viamichelin.com or use maps.google.com. Another alternative to Killarney is Kenmare which is about 35 minutes one way.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Kenmare is just too far for touring the Dingle Peninsula as a day trip, IMO. I drove several days last June in that corner of Ireland, using Kenmare as a base before moving on to Dingle, then County Clare. That whole area is slow going. Given the OP's plan and tight timing, getting closer to the Dingle Peninsula and to the top end of the RoK for a base makes more sense.
For the driving time, take whatever estimate is given and times it by 1.5 at least... No kidding.
BTW, you will enjoy Kinsale, it was one of our favorites!