What is the most scenic route between Cork and Kenmare. We plan to start the day at Blarney and see the grounds and then visit Cork and Kinsale. Is R618 from Cork to Macroom worthwile? Is this to much for one day?

Is this still the itinerary that has you staying in Cobh that night or have you changes to staying in Blarney?

Bill

Hi,

As a travel agent and someone who love to live in Kenmare, I would DEFINITELY recommend the drive through Macroom and turn at R569 into Kenmare. The road and country is stunning with lots of green hills, sheep and fabulous scenery. The R569 into Kenmare is not very wide, and curvy, but it is spectacular.

It takes a good 3 hours to get a nice, relaxed visit in Blarney. The path up to the castle is steep, but the gardens/park around it are beautiful. The Blarney Woollen Mills is a great place to shop - Belleek china, Irish woollen sweaters, etc.

The restaurant adjacent to the Blarney Woollen Mills is very good, but busy. When you're in Kenmare, there is a small family restaurant just outside of town, below a moderate hotel up a hill - I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but it is just over a bridge out of town. It has the best Irish traditional food that I've had and it is full of families on Sunday night and has Irish music most nights.

Have a great day!
Julia

Hello..I would encourage you to take R618 from Macroom to Kenmare. Have driven that route many times because of the small town of Inchigeelagh, ancestral home of the O'Leary's. You will be following the River Lee, with many delightful small towns along the way. The main attraction would be Gougane Barra Forest Park (home of Cork's favorite saint, St. Finbarr), which is a few miles off the main road. There is a wonderful tranquil lake there with a amall church and cemetary, also a well-known hotel. Also, on the main road, you go thru The Pass of Kiemaneigh...Hope this is of some help. Helen

I would prefer the route via Kinsale,Old Head of Kinsale,Timoleague (wonderful old monastery ruins),Skibbereen,Bantry.If you have time visit Mizen Head or Beara Peninsula.Go to Bantry,Glengariff and then to Kenmare. See www.viamichelin.com for more details.

Would concur with coast road if you ahve time and the weather is fine also take time and go to goughann Barra spelling bit off not too much for one day.