I am flying in to Dublin on February 2nd and planning to drive to the Dingle Peninsula. I initially wanted to make the drive in one day, after being told it would take 4-5 hours. After further reading, it is clear this will take 6-8 hours, so I'd like to split up the drive. Can someone provide me with a neat area along the way that would be worth seeing and staying in? I ideally want to be in a scenic town with small pubs and restaurants. Good music would be fantastic. Upon looking at he map, it appears Limerick may be a good option? How about making the drive to Killarney from Dublin? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Any specific recommendations on pubs or places to stay would be awesome
Posted by
Connecticut
337 posts
Hi Steve, You could easily get to Dingle in a day (4.5 hours according to Google maps), even with a few stops along the way. But while Dingle is beautiful, it would be a shame to blast through the rest of Ireland without seeing any of it. Kilkenny is a pretty city, and is mostly motorway from Dublin. The Butler House is well worth the small splurge. Cashel might be another option. A tiny town, but the Rock of Cashel is fantastic. Those would be my suggestions. Limerick doesn't have much character. Adare is a beautiful village near Limerick, where you could probably stay. Have fun!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I would suggest Cashel. It is a tiny town but has a couple of great pubs, one of them in a Norman tower house. On the following day you could head down to Cahir to see the castle there, too. I would NOT suggest spending any time in Limerick. Via Michelin shows the drive to Dingle from Dublin airport at 4.5 hours, but it's more accurate to add about 25% to their estimates (as well as Google maps') to get a truer picture. In some areas you will be on narrower roads, which are slower to drive.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2369 posts
Agree with Cashel, loved the Rock, well worth a stop and an overnight. Yes you can drive to Dingle in about six hours from Dublin but to me your idea of a stop is best considering you don't want to arrive at dusk. Skip Limerick. As Nancy said, add extra time to what maps tell you.
Posted by
Carrollton, Texas, USA
81 posts
Definitely agree with stopping in Cashel. That's what we did on our way to Dingle. I'd say it's about halfway. And the Rock of Cashel is worth the stop. It's a small town with lots of good pubs. We loved staying at the Ard Ri House Bed and Breakfast. If you don't have place to stay picked out in Dingle - we absolutely loved the Lighthouse B&B. Denis and Mary are great hosts!!! Be sure you do the Slea Head drive while in Dingle. Safe travels. www.bandbireland.com