chayes

Trying to find a property to stay in Killarney and came across this castle in Trallee. Which would you choose. It's just a base to do day trips from, but the castle is so pretty and just $125/night. Would it be more advantageous to stay in Kilarney to be able to walk in town or stay by the lake?

chayes

I Just read that Killarney was a major tourist trap. My book recommends somewhere like Kenmare. I am spending 2 nights in this area and want to drive around the 3 peninsulas (maybe). Even take a trip to Skellig Michael. Should I skip staying in Killarney? What would be the best location for a central hotel to this area? Thanks

Padraig

Ballyseede is outside Tralee, in a rural setting. For me, that is a point in its favour. But if you want to be within walking distance of pubs or restaurants, you might think it a disadvantage.

It's almost as nice as the pictures suggest, but very few places fully match their websites. I haven't stayed there, so can't comment on the accommodation side. It's certainly a nice place to pop into for a coffee break or a snack lunch.

They cater a lot for weddings, and if there is a wedding booked in on your preferred dates, I think you should forget it (that's a general guideline for hotels in Ireland, but some hotels attract a great deal more of that type of business than do others - particularly when they are picturesque).

Padraig

Two nights gives you one peninsula. You might manage a second on the way in to Kerry.

So many people are now opting for Kenmare to avoid over-touristed Killarney that Kenmare is now almost as busy.

chayes

If that is the case, what would be s good location. I'm not interested in pubs and nightlife. I can only do one peninsula in that amount if time??? Which is the most beautiful. I will be there 1st week of Oct.

Tony2phones

There is only one book that says Killarney is a major tourist trap. Guess you din't send it back unopened.. ok but don't believe everything you read and less when written by folk who do their "on the spot research" via telephone from their offices in N Edmonds.

Ballyseede is as far out from Tralee as the Lakes are out of Killarney. Killarney is the central touring base gives access to Iveragh, Dingle and Beara which would get my vote. Kenmare is also a great base for Beara.

If you decide on Tralee then seeing the Dingle peninsula is the easy option, go over the Connor pass into Dingle then the Slea head loop and back along the southern edge of the peninsula.

chayes

Well thanks for telling me. Rick Steves is letting me down. If I stay in this area 2 nights, isn't it possible to drive around 2 of the peninsulas?? Any suggestions of where to stay in Killarney? Oh so many decisions. Haven't even started looking for a place in Galway yet!

Padraig

Have you written Ballyseede off? I don't think you need to, unless they have a wedding booked in.

chayes

No I haven't. I thought it was too far. I wish I had more time. So much to see.

Tony2phones

If you want somewhere special just outside Killarney consider Aghadoe Heights, sits above the ring of Kerry and the Golf Club. too far to walk into town but I think they run a shuttle into Killarney and you can take a taxi back (but check that info?)

for Kemare Sheenfalls used to get my expense account business, to rich for me in recent years.

From Kenmare you can explore Beara and the Cork peninsulas.

From Killarne the Iveragh (Ring of Kerry)remembering there is only one guide book that advises you to drive face on into heavy traffic, Everyone else including Kerry tourism advises driving the ring counterclockwise.

I generally recommend driving the Dingle peninsula figure of eight between Killarney and Adare/Limerick/Ennis but you could drive the peninsula between Killarney and Ballyseede.

From Tralee then The Dingle peninsula as said in my last reply.

chayes

Oh thanks so much. Looking now. Any recommendations for Galway? Can't decide whether to stay in town or somewhere nice, close to town. My last place to find accommodations. Want to explore south to The Cliffsand The Burrens ...etc from this hotel.

Tony2phones

The Cliffs and Burren are south of Galway in Clare so stay on the Burren? maybe Gregans Castle by Ballyvaugh would suit.. Personally I always give Ennis as the best base for the whole of Clare and the Old Ground or Temple Gate hotels are both right in town. Ennis is a local town with a few visitors rather than a tourist town with a few locals.

There is a lot more to Clare than 1/2 mile of tourist Cliffs and a "Moonscape" some other points in west Clare are on this map. https://goo.gl/UtW24m

chayes

Oh thanks so much! Wonderful��

chayes

That link to the map with all the places to visit is wonderful! I got a room in Killarney at The Fairview and am searching Ennis now. Thanks so much, your advice was so invaluable. I'm so excited.