We arrive at Cork airport around noon on Nov.14. Our plan is to drive to Kinsale and then onto Kenmare. We may have to stop overnight along the way as I think the days are pretty short now. Is the drive along the ocean the best and most scenic or is the other route better ? I would also like to see at least a bit of the Beara Peninsula. Any opinions ??

is there any reason you don't overnight in Kinsale... it is a town worth more than the hour or two you would have to devote. I'd tend to go straight to Kenmare and not follow a coastal road. Otherwise, you will spend several hours to get there - and you are already fitting a good bit in to one day.

I have done this drive 5 or 6 times. The drive from Cork Airport to Kinsale is as easy a drive as you will find. About 30 minutes. I would plan on spending the day and one night in Kinsale, lovely village, winding streets and great pubs and food. The drive from Kinsale to Kenmare is also very easy. If you get an early start in the morning you can take a leisurely drive along the N-71 with a detour out on the Beara Peninsula and over the Healy Pass. easily done if you get an early start from Kinsale. Just watch the signs in Bantry Town as the N-71 winds around abit. Have fun.

I agree with John... it certainly is do-able.. .and it certainly is lovely. It's just an awful lot for one day.

Thanks so much for the info. If we decide to strike out from Kinsale after spending a few hours, towards the Beara Peninsula, will we likely be able to find accommodation in one of the smaller towns in the Beara at that time of year...will be Nov.14-16.

I think your taking a chance unless you are very comfortable driving at night on the left hand side. It is going to get dark earlier than you think and your going to be looking for highway markers and such. Easy drive during the day alot harder at night. Collecting your bags, clearing customs and picking up your rental car puts you in Kinsale around 2p.m. Not alot of time to walking around town and get back on the road untill full dark. If you do decide to drive you might try Bantry town. they have a few hotels. you can probably just walk in a get a room. If you really want to drive then Glengariff is further down the road and a short hop out on the Peninsula. Have fun

Thanks a lot for the help. Will probably take your advice and stay overnight in Kinsale. We are heading over to Dingle peninsula, then up to Dublin for flight home and I guess I was getting ahead of myself in anticipation.

good choice, you will love kinsale and the Beara Peninsula and Dingle is on everyone's favforite list. Hope you have good Wx. Have fun

Hi Norval and welcome to Irteland.
For all your journeys could I suggest www.aaireland.com and go to 'route planner' Here you can enter any route you want and you will get directions and mileage.
Enjoy.