BillJ

Hi. I am working up an itinerary for about 10-11 days in Ireland (follows 3 weeks in England/Scotland). Having done some research and read several other posts, have reduced my time in Dublin, and will confine us to the southwest and south, taking in Dingle, Kerry, Cashel, Waterford, and other little towns yet to be determined.

My question is this: Aero Lingus flies from Edinbugh to Shannon, arriving at 14:15. Is it reasonable to expect to drive to Dingle town after arrival and renting a car? Given the time of day, with it staying light very late in early July. Probably can't hope to clear Shannon before 15:00. Then it's 18:00 or so getting to Dingle, if all is on schedule. This would not allow much site-seeing, I understand. Sort of a direct run to Dingle, if you will.

Google maps say 175 km and 2h 40m. with 3 different routes, all about the same distance and time; all coming out at Tralee.

We really don't like to get to B&B's late, but our goal is to do the Dingle Peninsula the next day, stay another night in Dingle, then stay two nights in the Kenmare area for the Ring of Kerry. I would then be heading roundabout back to Dublin for the flight home to the US.

Any advice on the Shannon to Dingle drive, late in the day?

TimS

After you leave the airport, take the new tunnel under the Shannon River west of Limerick. Take the N 69 all the way to Tralee. After you get a ways west of Tralee you'll have a decision to make. If the weather is clear, stick to the north side of the peninsula and drive over Connor Pass to Dingle. You may not get another chance. If it's fogged in or raining, drive the main road to Dingle along the south side of the peninsula.

colduphere

I would be surprised if you could do that in less than three hours (but it has been four years for me). I would guess closer to 3:30. But it's a nice drive and the sun won't be in your eyes.

TimS

The viamichelin site gives an estimated driving time of 2hr35min if you stick to the main route. However, it's wise to increase those times by up to 50%. Expect to average around 40 mph.

BillJ

Thanks all. 175 km is about 110 miles. If I avg 40mph, that's almost 3 hrs. So I guess if I schedule it this way, I'll weigh the risk of late flights. And, when I book accomodations, be sure to tell them i will arrive late. I am going to figure 3.5 hrs.

Thanks for the advice on the north coast vs south coast approach.

BTW, Anyone got a favorite B&B / Hotel in Dingle? Need ensuite, and should be well appointed. We are 3 star minimum.

GreenDragon

Viamichelin doesn't take into account windy roads, poor weather, or other tourists What Tim said. Normally I say average around 35mph in Ireland, but a good chunk of that is good road (mostly before Tralee) and you should make decent time there.

It's kind to let them know your later arrival.

The B&B we stayed at was odd - clean and good location, but the hostess was a bit strange (American, even). Lovely views out to the harbor, though! Blooming Wildflower Cottage. Walking distance to downtown. You can read my review on Tripadvisor here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...nty_Kerry.html

BillJ

What? Strange American? Never heard of that. (LOL)

Thanks GreenDragon. Will check that out.

Late airplane is probably my biggest risk for timely arrival, I surmise.

floridapugmom

BillJ; I HIGHLY recommend Pax House in Dingle. We stayed there for 2 days in October 2010 and just loved it. The rooms are very nice, John (the host) and his staff could not be nicer, the view from the breakfast room is unbelievably beautiful, rates are very reasonable, and Rio the dog is a terrific greeter. You can see mine and other guests reviews on Tripadvisor, plus some pictures I posted. You will not go wrong by staying at Pax House. Enjoy your trip!

ncounty

noting for my trip as well. Thanks.

rs899

It's a lovely ride, but I wouldn't want to be pressed for time on those cow paths, er, roads up the side of a mountain. Hope you have driven on the proper side of the road before, have you?

BillJ

Yes, I have checked out Pax, it looks very nice and is on my short list. I am thinking of staying in Dingle 2 nights, allowing us time for the Dingle peninsula, and not be rushed to get anywhere else. Then go to Kenmare for two nights. ON the way will see Gap of Dunloe (maybe) or Muckrose and the sheep farm. Then the next day do the ring of Kerry.

Blooming Wildflower looks nice down by the water. Uuuuuhmmm! Big decisions.

Well, rs899, I did some driving in Australia a few years back. Scared myself once pretty bad. In New Zealand, made one wrong turn. Other than that, it is not comfortable for me, but we will have been in England / Scotland for two weeks, some of it driving, so I ought to be somewhat used to it. Hopefully!
Am I worried? Well maybe just a little.

annettafly

Looks like you got lots of right-on advice here. We did the southwest of Ireland this past June and found the roads much improved from years earlier. Since you've been driving prior to arriving in Shannon you'll probably be able to go 45mph. The rental car process at Shannon was lengthy.