Terri

Our family 2 adults and 2 teens will be traveling to Ireland late March. We've decided to stay at a B&amp;B in Kenmare and focus our attention for the entire stay (8 nights) on that region rather than a whirlwind trip. Exploring the Ring of Beara and portions of the Ring of Kerry. Hiking and biking as much as possible. Does anyone have any advice on such a trip? Things to be sure and visit and those we should skip?<BR><BR>Thanks!

mary

I think Kenmare's a good choice as a base. In addition to the areas you mentioned, you'll have good hiking and biking in Killarney Natl. Park and on the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle Town has an interesting 'youthful' feel. Your teenagers may enjoy it more than Kenmare.

bill

Terri:<BR><BR>Beara is a beautiful and much less traveled part of Ireland. You might consider self catering if you are staying in the same area the whole time.<BR><BR>The Inchaquin falls in Glen Inchaquin are specatcular. You can head out to the end of the peninsula and take the cable car to Dursey Island. Healy Pass is wonderful if not an exhasting climb on a bike. There is a beautiful forest park just outside of Glengarriff and the drive between Kenmare and Glengarriff is great. You can get to Barley lake from N71 which is a beautiful and remote &quot;alpine&quot; lake. The road to it is pretty wild.<BR><BR>Be aware that you will probably get a good deal of rain at that time of year so be prepared to make alternate plans.<BR><BR>Here is a website for the Beara Peninsula:<BR>http://www.bearatourism.com/<BR><BR>Bill

Rick

Were there in Sept. Stayed at Shelborne Lodge in Kenmare for two nights, very nice. <BR>And of course, two nights in the Miltown House in Dingle, most excellent. Kenmare was nice and quiet with some excellent resturants.

David D.

Terri,<BR><BR>Bravo to you and yours! You're most wise to opt for a non-whirlwind trip around Ireland. Also, you've chosen one of Erin's loveliest regions.<BR><BR>Kenmare is a small, but lively and amenity-filled town. It contains many fine places to eat, and it's a treat to stroll its streets. Shelburne Lodge is an especially nice accommodation, and features one of the best breakfasts you'll find in the country. It's located a short stroll from downtown Kenmare.<BR><BR>While the Beara Peninsula is remote, attractive, and underrated, its scenery simply doesn't rate with the Ring of Kerry. Do try to &quot;do&quot; both, but make an effort to get an early start when touring the Ring of Kerry. Better yet, stay for a couple overnights at the splendid Glendalough House, located just off the Ring, and make a day-trip to the unforgettable Skellig Islands. This is one of Ireland's true highlights (bring binoculars, seasickness meds, and plenty of film). Before you go, pick up a good Ireland travel guide, like the Rough Guide, and do some brushing up on your Skellig Islands history. <BR><BR>Try to spend at least a day in Killarney National Park, but avoid touring the interior of Muckross House, as there's little to see inside. Still, the grounds are lovely, with walking trails and a first-rate cafeteria. Incidentally, be wary of the park jaunting cars, as they prey upon unsuspecting tourists (rides can be horribly overpriced).<BR><BR>Finally, by all means save at least a couple days for Dingle. Greenmount House, in Dingle, features clean, comfortable lodging, along with breakfasts that rate alongside Shelburne Lodge (that's high praise).<BR>Haver dinner at the marvelous Beginnish, and spend at least a day touring nearby Slea Head. If the weather gods are on your side, take a trip out to the Blasket Islands. The island is very atmospheric and has a fine literary tradition. If you visit the island, make an effort to visit the Blasket museum, located on the mainland. It's a first-rate museum, and it'll makev your visit to the Blaskets all the more satisfying.<BR><BR>Best of luck.

bill

I'm not sure that I would agree that Beara &quot;simply doesn't rate with the Ring of Kerry&quot; I would say it is just as beautiful and there is no more beautiful Glen, than Gleninchaquin. You do have to get out of the car on Beara though. There are some beautiful hikes on Beara including some nice short ones in Gleninchaquin.<BR><BR>Bill

david

If you go to Dingle Town, my strong suggestion is that you stay at Heaton's Guest House. Cameron and Nuala Heaton are the friendliest and most hospitable innkeepers on the planet. Their rooms are lovely (ask for Room 8) and their breakfasts are an event. Try the porridg ewith heavy cream and---Drambuie! I see all kinds of raves on these posts for Greeenmount-- can't imagine it being superior to Heaton's in any respect. And you may even be hugged. They're like that.