drive from dingle to westport

I have experience driving from Galway to Dingle. The stretch of road from just south of Galway to just past the Cliffs of Mohr are very narrow and twists through hills. It was the only place in Ireland I felt uncomfortable driving but the Irish certainly managed well. Your planned drive is easily within reason for a one day drive. You would probably have time to see the Cliffs and arrange your route to take you through some of the Burren. You'd probably not want to try to stop in Galway on your way up. Check out the route on http://www.viamichelin.com/.

We drove from Lisdoonvarna to Dingle and it took longer than we expected-not a difficult drive and little traffic. We chose to cross the Shannon by ferry as that seemed to shorten the drive. Finding the road that led to the ferry was very tricky but that was before GPS was around. We had terrible weather and it was in late May so that was a surprise but anything goes with weather in Ireland-can have four seasons in a day.

Taking the most direct route from Dingle to Westport, it's going to take you upwards of five hours. This is one case, though, where I wouldn't recommend the ferry across the Shannon. Taking the roads necessary to get there actually adds time to the drive even though it lessens the distance by a little. Check out the route at www.viamichelin.com.

Does the route you plan to take go over the Dingle Pass? I have driven all over Europe and I would avoid the pass and take another route even if it is longer. The locals said the road was 'no problem.' But, it was narrow and winding and a white knuckle drive for me. All the rest of the roads were no problem. However, even though I drive a manual at home and everywhere else in Europe...when I am on the wrong side of the road and the wrong side of the car (or the correct side?) I pay the extra for an automatic.