My husband and I are traveling to Ireland (via Dublin) mid October, staying six nights and want to make the best out of seeing the Southwest. Interested in seeing Kinsale area and also Killarney National Park and Dingle Peninsula. Is there one city central enough to stay in for us to make our base? Or are we better off staying couple nights in Kinsale and then couple in Kenmare or Killarney area? We plan to end the trip with two nights in Dublin. Thanks!
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1862 posts
I would suggest two nights Kinsale, two nights Kenmare, two nights Dingle. Moving isn't that big a deal and will save you a lot of time instead of backtracking....Our last trip to Ireland (18 nights) we divided the nights 2-5-2-2-5-2. Frankly, we got a bit bored with the two "five night" accommodation spots and prefer two or three night stays.
Posted by
OP
boston, ma, USA
5 posts
Thanks, Cynthia! I'm really leaning towards staying in Kinsale and Kenmare for two nights each. Can you do Dingle Peninsula as a day trip from Kenmare? Thanks again. Lisa
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Kenmare to Dingle town is close to a 3 hr drive, so that would be six hours just getting there and back. You would be better off to spend a night so you can drive the peninsula the next day.
Posted by
OP
boston, ma, USA
5 posts
Thanks for your help, Nancy! We'll take that into consideration. Good to know. Lisa
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
The Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula are both easy day trips from Kenmare.
Posted by
Kansas CIty
8 posts
I stayed in a small town called Tralee which was pretty close to Killarney, Dingle and the Ring of Kerry.
Posted by
OP
boston, ma, USA
5 posts
Thanks, Becca. We have decided to stay in Tralee for a couple nights to see Dingle and Killarney National Park. We're also going to do a hawk walk not far from Tralee, so it will work out great. Thanks again for everyone's suggestions. It's been quite helpful. Lisa
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
Lisa, you may be off on your adventure by now, but we just came back and I want to recommend the carriage ride at Killarney National Park. My wife was interested, I was not-but I went for it and we had a really nice time. About 45-60 minutes, gives you a good look at the place, and you have a captive Irishman to chat with. Ours was a very kind older gent, Michael, and he was the highlight for sure. It looks corny on the outside, but we had a blast. Have fun.
Posted by
OP
boston, ma, USA
5 posts
Hi Dave -
I'm definitley going to try to talk my husband into the carriage ride as I can see him not being exactly enthusiastic with it. Sounds like fun. Thanks for the tip! Lisa