We'll be driving from the Dingle Peninsula and hope to get to Kinsale that night. Or would you recommend stopping closer to the Beara Peninsula and going on to Kinsale the next day? I think the Ring of Kerry will be too long a drive..is the Beara Peninsula more doable in a shorter period of time? How do the two compare? Will appreciate any suggestions.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
Judy- I'm going to answer, though I don't actually have direct knowledge as I went up to Connemara rather than down south.
Dingle to Kinsale is only a 2.5 hour drive, so it is not a stretch to stop places along the way. I have had friends go to the Beara Pen and loved it, smaller, less touristy, and beautiful. Doing a simple google maps, it looks like adding Beara would only be about 2 hours onto your driving time, even if you went onto Kinsale. Here is a link to the Gogole map:
In my mind, any day with under 5 hours of driving is fine. Of course, it also depends on how much you will be doing on the days before and after. You don't want to get road weary!
Posted by
CA, USA
333 posts
Dingle to The Ring Of Kerry to Kinsale is doable. It would take about 6-7 hours if there isn't much traffic on the Ring and you didn't stop for too long.
You are probably looking at maybe an hour less difference to tour the Beara Peninsula and then on to Kinsale.
Personally, if I was going to see the Dingle Peninsula anyways I would skip the Ring Of Kerry and Beara, drive through Bantry and take the road through Skibereen to Kinsale. It's a lovely drive through County Kerry and County Cork.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1863 posts
We have visited all three peninsulas. I would suggest this: Leave Dingle early enough to get to Killarney and sign up for the Gap of Dunloe jogging car-return by boat trip. While it might be a bit touristy, the scenery is spectacular and your driver might enjoy a break. Continue on to Kenmare for the night. Kenmare has several nice restaurants and isn't so touristy as Killarney.
Next day, drive around the Beara, then continue on to Kinsale.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If a feeling of remoteness appeals to you, I'd suggest skipping the Ring of Kerry in favor of the Beara Peninsula.
I agree with Cynthia. Even if you don't do the jogging cart/boat ride in Killarney National Park, at least see a bit of the park on foot and allow time to stop for the gorgeous views between Killarney and Kenmare.
And I agree with Tyson about the route to take to Kinsale after you've driven around the Beara Peninsula: Glengarriff-Bantry-Skibbereen-Clonakilty on the N 71 and the R 600 from Clonakilty to Kinsale. Allow time to stop and admire the view or walk on the beach on this coastal route.
Posted by
OP
Hartland, WI, USA
23 posts
Thank you all so much for your suggestions. You've really dimensioned it for me...I have a better idea of just how much we can handle in a day. Judy
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2450 posts
You can go from dingle across the eastern part of ring of kerry and see ladies view of the lakes/see lovely little town os sneem and then on to kinsale if you want
Posted by
Bloomingon, IL
18 posts
We loved the Beara. If you like to hike Gleninchaquin Park has a really cool stone circle and a waterfall to hike around. We only went as far as the Staigue (sp.) Fort on the Ring of Kerry, that was enough - too crowded for us. Dingle and Beara peninsulas were amazing. We also parked at the Gap of Dunloe and walked up the road awhile to see the views and the jaunting cars as they passed us - wish we'd had more time to walk or bike all of it.