We'll be going from Dublin to Kerry in a couple of weeks. Is the scenery on that route particularly pretty, so that we should definitely consider train or car? Or should we just be concerned about getting from Point A to Point B, in which case, the plane is the fastest way.
Thanks!
Amy
YES, the scenery is particularly pretty! You'll not only see Irelands "40 Shades of Green", but a number of castle ruins, Norman towers, and charming little Irish towns along the way. And a plane isn't necessarily faster when you consider going through security, waiting for the flight, getting back out of the airport on the other end, etc.
We drove it and it was lovely even though it was raining (lightly) half the time. Driving in Ireland is pretty low stress even if you are driving on the other side ot the road. I put a sticker on the windshield "right shoulder to the center line"...simple but it works. Traffic is light and the Irish are very low key and polite in driving and everything else. If you aren't comfortable driving a stick you MUST specify an automatic and it will cost more. Also the second driver is quite pricy (in the U.S. a husband or wife is free but not in Ireland). That said if you're the only one driving it's not nearly as much fun. As for travel times well, Ireland isn't all the big you know so a car is a great way to travel. Distances are short from point A to B but factor in alot more time to travel the equivalent of 50 miles in Ireland vs. 50 in California (non-rush hour ha ha).
Thanks Nancy & Marie!
All we have time for this trip is a little Dublin and the Kenmare/Ring of Kerry/Dingle Peninsula stuff. I have no concerns about our ability to drive -- hubby is a great driver. I was more wondering how our time is best budgeted.
Thanks again!
By car is fun, convenient, and an experience you will never forget. Roads are narrow, wet, winding, and scary. Drivers park in the middle of the lanes in towns, large tractors drive half on and half off the road at full speed, large trucks are everywhere and beware the roundabouts, they can be dangerous. The car rental companies have the hubcaps tied to the wheels due to large number of tourists running off the shoulder of the roads and losing them. Like I said it is an experience you will never forget and it was a lot of fun, just be careful.
By car is definitely the way to see the Irish countryside. You'll be free to travel at your own pace and you'll enjoy great views all along your drive.
