Hi, Amy & will be driving from Dingle town to Kenmare, where we will stay the night. Does anyone have any experience on the route which would take R561 toward Castlemaine and then on thru Killarney and Molls Gap into Kenmare? Then we will be driving from Kenmare to Kinsale and we would like to go thru Glengarriff, Bantry and Skibbereen. It is obviously difficult to get a sense of what such a trip would be like from a map. Any suggestions and thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Andy
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If the weather is bad and you don't get a chance to drive over Connor Pass on your way from Tralee to Kinsale, then definitely do it on your way to Killarney, if the weather is clear. I haven't driven the R561 between Dingle and Castelmaine, but I have driven the N71 over Molls Gap from Killarney to Kenmare. It's a gorgeous drive! You'll want to stop more than once to admire the view or go for a short walk. I have also driven the N71 between Kenmare and Cork via Glengarriff, Bantry, and Skibbereen. It's a lovely drive. When you get to Clonakilty, take the R600 to Kinsale. I haven't driven it, but I've read reports from people who say it is a beautiful stretch. The Ireland map on viamichelin.com says the section between Timoleague and Kinsale is especially scenic.
Posted by
Anchorage, Alaska
103 posts
We drove the R600 from Clonakilty to Kinsale and it was fantastic, I'd highly recommend it.
Posted by
OP
Mt. Vernon
94 posts
Thanks for this, Laura. It is a curious process staring at a map, trying to figure out what a given route is really like. I am now more excited about this stretch of the trip.
If you don't mind my asking, where were you before Clonakilty? Thanks again, Laura. Andy
Posted by
Anchorage, Alaska
103 posts
Andy, We were in Ireland for 4 days in December of 09, spent 2 nights in Kinsale and drove from there to Clonakilty and back. Loved Kinsale in December, can't imagine it in summer :)