Greetings! Two weeks from now I will be on a driving tour along the west coast of Ireland with my signficant other. We are staying two nights in Dingle, with the next two nights in Kinsale. We plan on driving along the southern coast to get from the dingle peninsula to kinsale/cobh/cork. We had talked about stopping for a bit (appx. 2-3 hours) in Killarney or possibly Kenmare, but will also be passing through Glengarriff, Bantry, etc. along the southern coast. Any suggestions? Would it be wiser just to plug straight through to Kinsale, or is there a must-see stopping point? Thanks!
p.s. -- We have already decided not to see the Ring of Kerry this time, so please don't suggest that (we had to make a time decision and it just didn't fit.
Posted by
New York, NY
319 posts
Killarney National Park is the must see on this drive. If you're interested in old mansions, you can see Muckross House. If you're interested in the rural Irish way of life back in the day, you can go to Muckross Traditional Farms on the same site. And the views are phenomenal.
Kenmare is a better town to stop in for a rest and a bite to eat than Killarney.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Michigan, USA
162 posts
Well, lucky for you you can still get to see a part of the ROK on your drive from Killarney to Kenmare over Moll's Gap. This is a beautiful section of the trip. I would stop for photos at Ladies View and also at Kissane sheep farm just before you get to Moll's Gap. This is a family run sheep farm. If you are there at the right time you can watch sheep herding and shearing demos. http://www.kissanesheepfarm.com call ahead and see when they will be doing the demos. It is a fun way to learn about the wild mountain sheep that seem to be all over the roads in Ireland.
Kenmare is a great town to wander around in for a bit. Then the drive on from Kenmare is quite scenic too. As you get closer to Kinsale take the side rode that goes to the ancient Drombeg stone circle. It is in a neat setting overlooking the green fields and water. Before you get to Kinsale take the road that heads out to Old Head. This is a private golf club at the end of the road -- but the rugged coastal views are beautiful. From there it is a short drive into Kinsale.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
By all means do not plug straight through. Plan to spend all day on this drive. Your delightful dilemma will be choosing from among many beautiful places to stop or to take a walk. The section from Killarney to Kenmare is particularly lovely. You'll want to stop for some of the views between Glengarriff and Bantry, too. For one major stop I'd pick Kenmare over Killarney. It's much less touristy.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I agree -- Kenmare is much, much better than staying in Killarney.
Posted by
westminster, md, usa
196 posts
Dingle is Beautiful! If you do the Dingle Peninsula you are wise to skip ROK. On the road out of Dingle toward Killarney you can take a few min to enjoy the beach at Inch...look at the symetric waves... then on to Killarney...the time you spend in Killarney will depend on how early you leave Dingle. One thing not to miss on the way out of Kilarney toward Kenmare is Torc Waterfall. The car park for Torc falls will be on your left, just about 1 km or less from the Muckross House exit. I really would then plug on to Kinsale... if you can check out the Mizen Head Light house on the Bantry Peninsula... once back on the road to Kinsale there is a really COOL namec Ross Cabery...you have to check out the 'Dromberg Stone Circle' just ask the locals and they will point the way. Signage(road signs) are not that good in Cork; as in other areas of Ireland, unless a miracle has occurred recently; so just be very aware of signs in Cork. Remember U will have more daylight to drive because of long summer days; so don't sweat it... The thing to remember is that it may look like the distance isnt that great when you are looking at a map of irish roads, however, the road and the time it takes to travel; especially for the first time can be deceptive. Give yourself pleanty of time to enjoy this drive and stops... Have a wonderful time!!! :)
Posted by
Milwaukee
194 posts
I would definitely recommend stopping in between Dingle and Kinsale. It would be a hefty drive to do in one day, and there is plenty along the way.
I would recommend stopping for the night in Kenmare, too. We didn't stop there as we spent a night in Killarney. But we didn't like Killarney all that much, so I would recommend Kenmare. Definitely stop in Killarney National Park (Ross Caslte in Killarney was one of our favorite spots), and drive a little into the Beara Peninsula if you can. We thought it was beautiful, and will definitely go back next time we're there.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
We will making the same drive in early September. Just wondering if it's best to reserve in advance in Kenmare at that time of year or can we plan to find accommodations when we arrive? Have a great trip Bryan! Thanks!
Posted by
New York, NY
319 posts
Sharon,
It's really up to you. You should have no trouble finding a place to stay when you get there. If you want to stay in a specific place or have peace of mind, then you could reserve beforehand. It's a personal preference. I prefer to have things set up ahead of time, but others prefer to be more spontaneous.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Sacramento, CA, USA
158 posts
Just as others have said......Killarney National Park is so beautiful............Muckross House is most intereting.......
If you end up taking a stop for Valentia Island you won't be sorry.........
Enjoy..................
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1819 posts
We stayed at a place called Tahilla Cove, about six miles west of Kenmare, right on the bay. We really liked it--friendly, excellent food. You might want to google it and see if it appeals to you. It was an excellent location for Beara, Glengarriff, parts of Killarney if that appeals to you. The Beara peninsula is not crowded and very scenic.