mmcnamara6

Traveling to Ireland in June for 11 days- flying into Dublin, spending two days there, then driving to Kinsale for two nights, then, on to Killarney for three days. My question is- should we then head to Dingle, Doolin, or Adare or Galway? I have two days to fill once we leave Killarney and make our way back to Dublin. Just don't want to be doing so much driving each day. Suggestions on sights to see, where to stay, and restaurants/pubs to visit? My husband and I will be traveling with our two teens (ages 17 & 18) as well. Thanks!

julies

We really enjoyed visiting Skelling Michael on the Dingle peninsula. I think the adventure aspect of doing this--taking the boat to the island and then hiking up to the ruins--would really interest two teenagers.

I don't know where you are from, but I have to add that as Americans who have visited many mountains and many national parks, Killarney didn't do all that much for us.

You may be interested in the trip report I wrote on SW Ireland. http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...eport-long.cfm

mmcnamara6

Thank you for all of the great information. Selling Michael sounds great! I did leave out about my father also traveling with us. He is 78, so not able to get around like the rest of us. That's why we chose Killarney for 3 days, so we can do day trips from there, and show our kids some of the sights in the area. Is there a must do in the Killarney area for us to do? Day trips, tours, hikes, bike trip? Any recommendations are appreciated!

abram

Make sure you have a back up plan for the day you want to take the boat to Skellig Michael--it does get cancelled due to weather.

In Killarney: Ross Castle, Toc Waterfall, Muckross House and Farms, Gap of Dunloe, Ring of Kerry.

Tony2phones

Skellig Michael is nowhere near the Dingle Peninsula!!! if it was it would not be suitable for a 78yr old no facility boats leave at 10 am from Portmagee on the Ring of Kerry Invaragh peninsula returning at 4 pm.. the islands require you to be fit active and strong of bladder.

Kinsale, Dingle, Doolin are all legends of tourist marketing with Adare's chocolate box Cotswold cottages and Manor making it a haven for US visitors. Galway is a good touring base with access to the Connemara and Inis Mor with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher to the south of the city. But a long drive from Killarney even if you go direct.

I would be tempted to have a day from Killarney for the Beara Peninsula which the size of Dingle gets only a small % of the tourist hordes and gives the feeling of Ireland as Ireland used to be. You can drive round Dingle between Killarney and I would suggest Ennis as a touring base for Clare and the area which was the Shannon Region.

mmcnamara6

Thank you Tony. Although my dad may not go with us on every sightseeing adventure, we would like to include him whenever possible. Thanks for the information and suggestions!

mmcnamara6

Tony2phones- any information on the actual "drive" of The Beara Peninsula? Easy drive, or winding steep roads? I will be doing most of the driving and would like to know the conditions of the roads. Thanks

Tony2phones

Yes some winding steep and some easy roads, no really difficult roads. But one bonus is that they are a little too narrow for a 54seater tour bus so you needn't have the fear of meeting one of those head on, like you risk on parts of the Dingle spur, which also has narrow winding and steep roads.

Fact of the matter is Rural Ireland does have roads which we are perfectly happy driving around despite the fact that the mere thought of them strikes fear into US visitors who have never seen them personally.. If you can drive at home you can drive in Ireland so don't cry shark before you have tied the water.

http://ireland.activeboard.com/t5000...lastPostAnchor

krejaton

Wait just a minute...Skellig Michael is 6 hours and no bathroom?

What do you do if you don't have an iron bladder?

krejaton

And Tony, we will be spending a week on Beara, so thank you for the fantastic info!

julies

If you didn't already, read my trip report I linked because there I discuss rental cars and driving and also cover the Beara extensively.

Sorry about the earlier mistaken location of Skelling Michael. It goes to prove that I shouldn't write these responses late at night when I am tired.

Two books I bought and took with us that helped immensely were Eyewitness Travel's Back Roads Ireland and Cadogan Guides to Southwest Ireland (I'd just buy a cheap used copy). Hope this helps.

Tony2phones

Dont worry Julies.. I have corrected B&B Ireland "The Accommodation People" for Ireland who have Skellig Michael on their version of the Dingle way!!

Skellig Michael FAQ. http://www.worldheritageireland.ie/skellig-michael/faq/

There are times when my disability bites me, If only I were fit enough to cycle the Healy Pass route http://cycleireland.ie/healy-pass-cycle-loop/

krejaton

Excellent stuff, Julies, much appreciated!