Oh, there will be lots of yelling, but we're still married and we loved our 2 trips driving around Ireland.

We did the drive the other way, from Cobh to Kinsale, and we did take the ferry, but that part was quite easy. Here's part of our trip report, scroll down to the Cobh part

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/ireland-beginning-of-trip-report.cfm

We also stayed at Knockeven House, see our photos, and enjoyed our time there. John & Pam were very gracious hosts, helpful in every way. Say Hi from the Payton's from Oconomowoc, WI. As you will read in our report, we emailed them to ask them to make dinner reserv. for us. They chose Farmgate Restaurant in Midleton (a short, easy drive) for us and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

On our first trip we went to Muckross House and enjoyed very much. How much time are you taking to drive from there to Cobh?

When we stayed in Kinsale, we drove west along the coast to Timelouge Abbey and Baltimore, The Beacon. Both were very picturesque. Obviously, if your trying to save time, you'll take the motorway.

We used this site for point to point directions. They were spot on. It's free and so accurate.

http://www2.aaireland.ie/routes_classic/

Have a wonderful trip. Ireland is so beautiful.

http://www.farmgate.ie/midhome.htm

Here's Farmgate

Taking the ferry is not necessary.

Just take N22 to Cork, get on N25 at the first roundabout when you approach Cork.
Follow N25 (as part of Cork's South Ring Road, motorway) to the "East" or Rosslare/Waterford.
Right after the river tunnel "make a right" at the roundabout to stay N25 towards Rosslare/Waterford.
After appr. 10kms you'll have the exit for Cobh signposted.

It will be easier to find this than to find the ferry going to Cobh when coming from the West.