Hello, My husband, daughter and I are flying into Cork on one day and have to drive up and meet more family at Shannon airport the next afternoon. What route should I take with things to see along the way and any ideas on a spot to stay for the night?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Although it's well west of the direct route from Cork to Shannon, I'd recommend driving via Kenmare and spending the night in Kenmare. There are two scenic routes to get there.
Take the N 71 along the coast (Cork-Clonakilty-Skibbereen-Bantry-Glengarriff-Kenmare).
Take either the N 22 or the more scenic R 618 to Macroom. Then take the R 584 over the Pass of Keimaneigh to where it meets the N 71 between Bantry and Glengarriff. Take the N 71 on to Kenmare.
Day 2: The section of the N 71 from Kenmare to Killarney alongside the national park is gorgeous. Take N highways from Killarney to Limerick and on to Shannon.
You can get distances and estimated driving times at either www.viamichelin.com or www.aaroadwatch.ie. Increase viamichelin's estimated driving times by 50%.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
When does your flight arrive and how long do you wish to drive that day?
Posted by
OP
SK, Canada
59 posts
Hello. Our flight doesn't arrive until about 2:30pm and driving doesn't bother me. Just am unsure of where we should go in that short amount of time before heading to Shannon. Thanks for your suggestion!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Even with your afternoon arrival at Shannon you could spend the night in Kenmare. Just take the fastest, most direct route: the N 22 from Cork west to the junction with the R 569 and the R 569 into Kenmare. That way you still could enjoy the beautiful drive from Kenmare to Killarney in the morning.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1863 posts
I also recommend Kenmare. It is big enough to have some shopping and good restaurants, small enough not to be a parking nightmare. There's even a stone circle right next to the city centre. From there, you could easily drive around either the Ring of Kerry or the less known but equally beautiful Beara peninsula. We stayed at Tahilla Cove, a lovely B and B right on the edge of the bay. It is about six miles west of Kenmare.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Since you arrive late in the day you might consider visiting Blarney castle and its beautiful grounds. There is a great B&B nearby called The White House.
Along the way from Cork to Shannon you might want to turn off toward Liscarroll to see the donkey sanctuary there.