Kinsale to Dingle

This route isn't really doable in a day, particularly since it won't give you any time at all to see anything along the way. The drive by itself, without any stops, will be over 5 hours, maybe more like 6 when you factor in the roads you will have to take on that route, and all of the winding around some of them do. The more direct route, up the N22 to Killarney, takes about three hours and is a straighter, faster road. Along this route, too, are lots of works of public art. When this stretch of road was built, the art works were put there to appease the spirits that were disturbed during the building. They range from Celtic symbols carved in a rock face, to a huge statue of a rearing horse, to a bull's head, and lots of other things to spot along the way.

Several years ago we drove from Kinsale to Kenmare, did the Ring of Kerry (but not the part up by Killarney), and then drove to Dingle. We made several stops along the way. It was a long day, but we enjoyed it.

Your proposed route is beautiful. You will be tempted to stop often to admire the view or take a short walk. Give in to the temptation and do it! Break up the drive by spending the night in Kenmare. If the weather is clear when you are driving between Tralee and Dingle, be sure to go over Connor Pass. You may not get another chance for a good view from the top.

Thank you for your responses. They were very helpful. Is the N71 the most scenic to Killarney leaving Kenmare? Jane

Yes, it is.