Travel Time--Galway to Dingle?

We did a Dingle to Galway this last summer. Left Dingle around 6:00 AM and made it to Galway by 3:30-4:00PM. Stopped at all the places you mentioned, no rushing around. Even went bushwacking through a bunch of fields on the rental car while my GPS decided to play games.

Via Michelin shows that route taking 4 hr 40 min with no stops. A more realistic time estimate would be more like 6 hours. Add to that a stop at Cliffs of Moher, waiting time in case the ferry isn't ready for you to roll aboard when you drive up, lunch, and random photo stops, and it could take you the better part of the day. So it will be a long-ish day in the car, but doable.

Karen,
I've done the drive that you are talking/thinking of doing. My suggestion to you would be driving from Galway to Ballyvaughan (N67 is the road) from there you can take your pick from driving either one of Ireland's most beautiful costal roads (R477) it drops you off outside of Lisdoonvarna which is outside of Doolin. Or you can take the other routes that are in land. These in land routes take you closer to the caves and through Burren. Both Doolin and Burren are small towns, Doolin keeps more evening hours. The Cliffs of Moher is truly amazing, though it is no longer free and you can also no longer walk to the edge. I still enjoyed it. The drive from the Cliffs to the ferry goes by quickly, I didn't go through Kilkee on my trip. I took a more direct path getting off the N67 (the costal route) at the R483, it was very quick. My only other note to say is make sure if you have a clear day and can get to Dingle before the sunset is to drive up the Conor Pass for a great view of the sunset. Side note on the pass if you drive up it from Dingle it's two lands up to the top, if you come from the other side it's one lane and cliffs. :-) I hope this helps.

I did this exact trip year ago in May but we decided to stop in Tralee rather than push over the hill to Dingle. Did the long route from Galway and the Burren wander, lunch at a pub on the coast and a good long Cliffs visit and took the ferry across - all of which I recommend - but got into Tralee while it was still just light. I'll admit there's not too much to recommend Tralee except as stop-over - although we had a lovely dinner there - but after doing the drive the next morning over the pass I was happy we had decided not push on.

One other question - why Galway? We stayed there because it seems like sensible thing to do but to be honest I didn't find much to recommend it. There are no street signs in the downtown area and I found it to be confusing and frustrating. I know some people love walking the medieval city but it probably the least "Irish" city in the Republic. I was re-doing our trip I would have added an extra hour or so to push onto Doolin or some smaller city south of Galway and stay there. It puts you that much closer to Dingle the next day and probably gives you a better "Irish" experience than Galway.

Expect it to be a full day if you decide to do it all.

My $.02US,
=Tod

Many thanks to Warren, Nancy, Sarah, & Tod for all your insights, and help! You all have givien me more to think about! So appreciate your taking the time to respond! Thanks! Karen

Karen,
I am wondering how this plan worked out for you as I am planning to do a similar thing next week. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks