Hi,
I have gotten some great info from you all. I have another question. I will be in 3 counties in September/October - Cork, Kerry and Clare. I will be staying about 4 days in each flying in and out of Shannon. I will be driving.
Can anyone recommend areas/places/B&B's that might be good central places to stay? I don't want to stay in Cork city or Killarney but would rather stay in a less crowded place as a base.
Thanks for your help.
Posted by
New York, NY
319 posts
Dale,
I just got back from two weeks in Ireland, much of it spent in the Southwest. Counties Cork and Kerry had many of my favorite sites of the trip.
While in Co. Cork, we stayed in Kinsale. It's not "central", but it's a gorgeous little town with fantastic food. There are many excellent B&B's there; we stayed at Harbour Hill Farm, which was great.
Kenmare is a good base for exploring Co. Kerry. From there, you can drive the Ring of Kerry, head into Killarney National Park, and even as far north as Tralee is doable as a day trip.
Dingle is a great town where you should spend a couple of nights. You can drive the Slea Head Peninsula, and enjoy great food and traditional Irish music.
I'm not sure Co. Clare deserves 4 days. The Cliff of Moher and the Burren are the star attractions, but you can see them in one day.
Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip!
Posted by
New York, NY
319 posts
FYI, on the Ring: I saw that in another thread you were wondering if the Ring would be crowded. We followed Rick's clockwise itinerary and only saw 1 bus all day. In September, it should be even less crowded.
I would definitely recommend the Ring. It was majestic. I wouldn't drop the Beara or Dingle. Since you have the time you might as well do all three. The coastal peninsulas are for me one of the best things to see in all of Ireland.
Posted by
Sacramento, CA, USA
158 posts
Will you be driving? The Devon Hotel just outside Abbeyfeale would be a great place and set you on your journey ........
Adare is a great base too and Killarney is as well......Killarney would offer more ameneties........but there are more people.........
YOu will love the area!!