Does anyone know how long the drive will be? We arrive around 8:30 am in Dublin from NYC and were going to spend the night in Dublin before driving down to our rental house in Kenmare. We've been to Dublin, so I'm thinkin maybe we should just push on. There are 3 drivers, so if someone gets tired, it will be ok. Advice? Also, we will continue from Kenmare to Clifnden in Connemara for 3 days. I thought maybe a stop overnight in Inishmore (Aran). Any advice on which ferry to take -- Doolin or Rossveal (outside of Gallway?)
Posted by
Everett, WA
1288 posts
Via Michelin is a great site for figuring distances. It is 342 KM between Dublin and Kenmare. However, only 63 KM are on Motorway...meaning lots of back roads. They say it will take you 4 hours and 19 minutes to go 342 Km (about 200 miles) Having driven in Ireland, I think it will take you longer. I put in Clifdon. It is 324 KM (195 miles) and they say it takes 4 hours 34 minutes- only 12 KM on Motorway. It will take longer than that!! (maybe others will have a better idea, but many times it took an hour to 40 miles. I would allow 6-7 hours for driving. If you get there faster: Yea!!)
Posted by
Everett, WA
1288 posts
We went in 2002. At that time, we read that the Doolin ferry gets canceled for bad weather more often than the ferry that runs out of Galway. It's been 7 years so I'm not sure if that is still accurate. Also, there were a lot more ferry times to choose from if you went from Galway.
Posted by
Richardson, TX, USA
153 posts
From Dublin to Kenmare figure 7 or 8 hours. It is easy to get lost going through Killarney, by the way. From Kenmare to Galway figure 5 hours, and another hour or so to Clifden.
Driving in Ireland is slow going, because there are few multi-lane highways and many tiny towns.
We did the drive from Kenmare to Dublin in one day back in 2005 and it damn near wore us out. I have never been happier to get rid of a rental car and head for the pub.
If you have he option, you might consider going to Connemara first. To the west from Dublin is not a hard drive, you could be there by noon. We did that - landed on an early flight from Chicago, got the car, and drove straight through to Sligo, getting there in time for lunch. It was hard, but the traffic was light.
One caveat - they have removed the toll booths from the ring road around Dublin and if you don't have a toll thing on your car (and you won't) you have to pay either on-line or by phone or in a gas station that has the right little sign on it. The rental car company should give you some info about the new system.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Most of the road from Dublin to Kenmare is N highway, like our two-lane highways. If you're good with roundabouts you shouldn't have any problem. It will take longer than the time that ViaMichelin gives, but nowhere near 7-8 hours. On the drive from Kenmare to Clifden, you can take the Killimer-Tarbert ferry across the Shannon River, which will save you time and miles compared to going around through Limerick, as Michelin routes you. The drive from Killarney to Killimer (or Tarbert -- I always forget which is on the Killarney side of the river) is particularly pretty.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2723 posts
Regarding driving on your first day in Ireland -- I guess it all depends on how you deal with jet lag. Have you had problems before? I am always exhausted when I arrive, and I could never drive that kind of distance on the first day. For me, it would be one hour tops. My husband is willing to do two or three hours. If you are good at sleeping on planes, you may be able to do more.
Regarding having three drivers -- make sure to ask you car rental agency if three drivers are covered. Some firms make you pay an extra daily fee for each person who is driving. Others don't.