Hi! My husband and I will be staying at a cottage for 10 days in Bantry, Ireland in May 2013. We'd like to take a few day trips to nearby places, within a 2 1/2 hour drive or train ride. We are considering Dingle, Killarney, Cork and Kinsale. Any other suggestions? We're not the Blarney-stone-kissing tourist types, but we do love history!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Unless you are planning to stay over a night, Dingle is too far from Bantry to be a day trip. It's at least a 3-hour drive, possibly more when you get onto the smaller roads. Add 3 hours back, and you have shot most of the day. Killarney, Kenmare, and Cobh would be doable, in addition to Cork and Kinsale.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
3 posts
Good to know about Dingle. Thanks, Nancy!
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
I would personally go to Dingle because I love it. Yes it will be a long day, but in my opinion, so what? That said, if you do a map search and it says from Bantry to Dingle it might say two hours driving time. Don't rely on that. Found all over Ireland, what is said about driving time and what is reality are two different things. We have been slowed down by tractors, trucks, sheep, etc. but just added to experience. I really enjoyed Cobh, the history of that and Kinsale. Titanic and Lusitania were both there. There is also a statue to Annie Moore, first immigrant from Ireland to land at Ellis Island when it first opened up, or maybe she was first person admitted to Ellis, can't remember. Enjoy your visit.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
ViaMichelin shows Dingle as 2h 38m from Bantry. It is realistic to add 25% to their estimated times even if you don't encounter obstructions along the way. That makes it more like 3.5 hours with no stops. That means seven hours in the car, just to make Dingle a drive-by. In my opinion, that isn't enough time to do it justice. Dingle should really be an overnight so that there is time to see more than the road in and out.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
3 posts
I'm not opposed to staying the night in Dingle, especially since it seems to be on all my friend's to visit lists. Thanks for the Cobh recommendation!
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
If you decide to go to Dingle, leave early in am, take a backpack in case you decide to spend the night so not taking too much luggage, not necessary as already staying in Bantry. We went to a pub think called either six or seven bridges for great music but need to get there early. Enjoy.
Posted by
Goleen, Co Cork, Ireland
69 posts
Hi, there's lots of sights very near by as well. Glengarriff has some great shops, walks and gardens. There's a Bamboo park, The Ewe garden (different sculptures throughout the garden) and a short boat ride to Garish Island which is an Italian garden. Very nice. There's the Beara Peninsula which is a really pretty drive then you can explore Kenmare. Sheep's head for amazing walks. Mizen Head is not to be missed. Keep it for a sunny day. It's only about 45 min from Bantry and it's as close as you can get to America! The views are stunning. From there go the short distance to Crookhaven for a nice lunch on the pier then maybe a walk on Barleycove Beach. Another great day trip is to Baltimore which is a small seaside town that has ferry service to Sherkin Island and Cape Clear. This is also best on a sunny day...Have a great trip! Sherri