Jill

Is it at all reasonable to drive from Galway to Dingle in one day, using the ferry at Killmer? This seems to be my longest distance in one day that I've planned ... thanks for any advice/suggestions!

mikey

You do not say when you are going but it is doable. If it is in December when it is only light out from 9 - 4:30 and possibly icy, you will not have much time for sightseeing.

Deb

I've done it. It is a long day but we drove through the Burren stopping along the way, saw the Cliffs of Moher, etc. We did use the ferry at Killmer.

bill

It is doable, but there is great stuff to see in between and that may slow you down. Also, an excellent point on time of year. <BR><BR>Another thing to check is what time you need to check in at your B&B. Many B&Bs have a 4-6 PM check in time and it is certainly appropriate to call any B&B and let them know if you will not be able to check in during that time period. That's considered a common courtesy.<BR><BR>Bill

Jill

Thanks to all ... Bill - I read your advice often - as I've been reading this site frequently to help me plan for (hopefully) late May of 2003. (I like to plan ahead!) So it will likely be May - no problem with dayight. I've read about being at a B & B by 6 pm - that would be my preference at any rate - hoping to arrive by then if we leave by 10 a.m. or earlier. Will have already seen west side of Burren on way up ... hope to be able to mosey down the east side a bit on way to ferry.

bill

Jill:<BR><BR>You are not at all early on your planning. We are traveling in May also and I have a pretty good idea of the itinerary. I try to keep it kind of loose, but more and more we are stayin longer in individual areas, so I like to book a specific B&B that I know will be nice and I can stay for a few days.<BR><BR>By the way, I believe the Killimer ferry leaves every hour on the hour heading south. Cost was &euro;13 this year for passenger car and all passengers.<BR><BR>Bill

Mina

Thanks Jill for posting this question...I'm planning on doing a similar itinerary so the info is helpful.<BR><BR>I have a question...I'll be driving from Doolin to Dingle, and if my memory serves me correctly, I should be taking the Tarbert ferry. Would that be the easiest way to go?

mikey

Mina<BR><BR>Yes, That is the same ferry that bill mentions. See www.shannonferries.com It runs from Killimer, Co. Clare to Tarbert, Co. Kerry

John

Hi all:<BR><BR>Did that trip from the Cliffs to Dingle in 2000. Nice trip. Ferry worked out well (gave the driver, me, a bit of a break!) Took the 'conner pass' going in and the main road comming out! Connor Pass is awesome!! Took my time and had a nice day in dingle. I even had time to do the "rick Steves" tour of Dingle..Highly recommend it! Went on to West Cork after Dingle..now that was pushing it!!<BR>JOHN

Mina

Thanks Mikey...I couldn't remember if it was one and the same. I will check out the website for times and fares.<BR><BR>

marylouise

Hi Jill,<BR>It's a long day of driving but doable. We spent the first night of our trip in 2000 in Salthill,CO Galway. We left there right after breakfast,visited family in Loughrea (an hour southwest) for 2-3 hours,lunched in Kinvarra then headed toward Castlegregory on Dingle Peninsula via the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Tarbert-Kilimer Ferry. We found our cottage quite late! About 11 PM! It was a very long day of driving for my husband...the hero of the day! We knew this when we made the plans but wanted to fit in the family rendezvous. It was worth it and the days after were not at all as jammed! The ferry was a nice feature! The day's travel will be a push but it can be done.<BR><BR>Bill, isn't this May your fourth trip in as many years?? I'm so jealous! Your website was fun to read and a nice reference, I saved for future use. Great photos! 18 days in Ireland...how cool is that! <BR><BR>marylouise

bill

Hi Marylouise:<BR><BR>Actually, this will be my forth trip in 5 years. I went to Scotland and England in between there somewhere. I'm glad you liked the website. It took too long to put together, but was fun because I got to revisit so much of the trip in my mind as I went through it. It's a small mind, but it's the only one I have.<BR><BR>Bill

Rick

We were there during the last three weeks and did the drive from Ashford Castle (Cong, 20 miles or so north of Galway) via the ferry in about 4 and a half hours to Dingle. Nice drive and the ferry cost about $12 as I recall. Luckily we got there just as it was about to leave, otherwise we would have been another half hour to the trip. We did not stop anywhere on the trip as we had seen the Cliffs/Burren on a previous visit. Good fast road.

Jane

Made the same trip this August, from Letterfrack in Galway to Kenmare, County Kerry. It was around 5 1/2 hours, using the ferry. So it should be shorter to Dingle. We didn't stop in County Clare because we'd already stopped there before Galway. The longest part was getting through Killarney, which you won't have to do.<BR><BR>Definitely doable.