drive from dingle to killarney national park (or vice versa)

1:15 sounds about right. It's not too far to base for a Dingle or Kerry loop route. The biggest question is how many stops you plan to make, and how long they will be, to decide whether it's a good day trip or not.

I always add about 25% to ViaMichelin's estimates. In that area, you are likely to encounter smaller regional roads, with the possibility of farm equipment or trucks, sheep in the road, or narrow spots that slow you down.

Thanks for the responses. I hope it is a straight drive to the Park and not much stopping on the way. I haven't done much reserach on the Park itself but I would like to see the Gap of Dunloe (just outside the Park) and enjoy the beautiful scenery within the Park. Having a one year old will probably cut down on hiking. I have read about a carriage ride in certain parts of the Park and/or Gap. I am used to knowing exactly where I'll be on what particular night but I'm going to try to relax my usual preparation with the little one along. Right now I'm looking at about 15 days. About a day and half in Dublin and then driving to see the Rock of Cashel and keep going west. After a few days in Dingle drive north, see the Cliffs, maybe stay in Galway. I'm thinking somewhere around Connemara slowing down again for a couple days. With time and the little one cooperating a slow drive up to Donegal and continuing to Giant's Causeway would be perfect.

If you're in Killarney, you can cross the street from St. Mary's Cathedral and be in the National Park. I haven't taken a carriage ride but I've seen carriages all around Killarney center - I expect a tour of the Park is a normal request for them. A ride to Ross Castle from the Cathedral, through the park, would be nice - it's not much more than a mile.

You can also get directions and driving times at www.maps.google.com. They show the drive from Dingle to the park to be 70km, driving time 1 hr 11 min.

In my experience, Google Maps is a little less accurate than ViaMichelin. And driving in Ireland can be slow in ways that a measurement of miles can't indicate. I would still add 25% to get a better idea of the time it really takes.

Loved driving in Ireland. Going over Conner Pass to Dingle, had to pull way, way over to let tour bus pass, we held our breath like that would help. Then got to top and had to wait for herd of sheep. Best though was in tiny town, truck in front of us got out of truck, waved to us he would only be a minute as he went into store to buy newspaper, what could we do but laugh, agree what anyone says, regardless of taking pictures, be prepared for any trip to take longer than anyone says.

Hi Mike, I think the best way to travel with a baby is to pick a few areas and do day trips. Killarney is a great spot for this and if you can stay at a self catering for a few days it's so much easier! You have a fridge and microwave etc. Also a place with a pool is a bonus. I would plan your accommodation ahead of time with a minimum of 2, preferably 3 nights per stop. Remember all the stuff you have with the small one! Makes packing a lot more work (fun too!) Enjoy your holiday! Sherri

We were in Ireland last April. The Dingle peninsula is worth several days- be sure to drive the whole way around rather than staying just in Dingle. The Blasket Island museum at the tip of the peninsula is fascinating. I would not try to cover too much ground with a child - you'll end up spending SO much time in the car. Definitely eliminate Dnonegal and any further north than part of Connemara. Distances are deceiving and can take much longer than you expect. If you see Killarney, Dingle area, county Clare area, and part of Connemara you will have done plenty! Have fun! J blake

Mike - your itinerary is almost identical to ours from 2 years ago. I would agree that the drive from Dingle to Killary is a little over an area. There is a gorgeous beach to stop at about half way - Inch Beach. It's awesome. Once you get to Killarney, be sure to see the Muckross house. Tour takes about an hour. And just a bit down the road is the Torc Waterfalls. It's short, easy little hike to the waterfalls from the road. Amazing. I've never seen so many shades of green. If you don't have a place yet to stay in Dingle, I'd highly recommend the Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast. Denis and Mary are great hosts! And Mary prepares a great breakfast! www.lighthousedingle.com The Slea Head drive which is well documented in Rick's Ireland book is one of the most amazing drives. But it does take 3 - 4 hours. Well if you stop at all the places we did like the Beehive huts and the pre-historic fort! Safe travels!