Can anyone tell me how long it actually takes to drive from Dublin to Dingle? We only have one week, so I am considering going straight to the airport and going to Dingle. Jet lag is not a problem for me. In Dingle I am considering the Milestone Bed & Breakfast. All the reviews I read were very positive. After that I thought we might head for the Galway area. Any suggestions for towns or lodging would be appreciated. Thanks.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Www.viamichelin.com shows it as 4 hr, 27 min from Dublin to Dingle, but I'd add about 20% to that time for stops, delays, and narrower roads. Dingle to Galway is 3 hr, 39 min +.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2712 posts
It took us over 8 hours to get from Dingle to Dublin when we did it a few years ago, but we ran into road construction. Also when we got near Dublin in late afternoon, the traffic was hideous.
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
If you are in a hurry you might check into the Ryan Air flights from Dublin to Kerry Airport,where you an get a rental car and drive on to Dingle.
Have you driven in Ireland before?
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10218 posts
Okay, I'm convinced it will be too long a drive since we don't arrive until 9:30ish in the morning after a long period of traveling. Now I have to decide whether to go with my first idea of staying in Kilkenny, or going to the Cork area, which is my brother's suggestion. Any other suggestions?
Posted by
Sacramento
39 posts
You should head for Kilkenny, and I'd recommend Carriglea on Archer's Avenue (right across from the Castle). You can take the M50 around Dublin and head through the Wicklow mountains, stopping at Glendaough, Glencree, maybe Powerscourt.
When you leave Kilkenny the next day, you can likely detour to Cashel to see the Rock and then head on to Dingle.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10218 posts
Thanks for the suggestion Dan. I will contact Carriglea to inquire about a room there.
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
Andrea, If you have not driven in Ireland before, take it easy the first day. Think Big Sur with half the width and no hard shoulders - and that is the main, undivided roads! Round Dingle they are even narrower and more twisting - the great views are more than compensation, however.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10218 posts
Iain, I will certainly keep that in mind. I am a little nervous about the driving. I have driven on many small, winding roads, but driving on the "wrong" side will take some adjustment. I think we have decided to stay the first night in Kilkenny to break up the drive. I was just wanting more than one full day in Dingle. Maybe we will stay an extra night in Dingle and skip the Doolin/Cliffs of Moher area this trip. There's always next time...right???
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
It's not the "wrong" side, it's just the "other" side. (They think we drive on the "wrong" side, too.) :)
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10218 posts
Nancy - that was a joke about the "wrong" side. I realize that is the "right" side for them. It's just the "wrong" side for me! It's kinda like anyone who speaks differently from how you speak is the one with the accent. Me, I don't have an accent...it's you who has one!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I know, I thought it was funny to hear my Irish friend complain about driving on the "wrong" side when he visited here.