Which do you prefer for an overnight stay Cork, Kenmare, or Killarney? This would be for pit stop between Kilkenny and Dingle.

Kenmare.

But without knowing what you like, that is just my opinion and perhaps not what you need. If truly just a pit stop [meaning that you do not want to see the area but just need a bed for the night], I suppose any will do, except you wouldn't want to deal with traffic in Cork city.

IMO, Kenmare. As engolive posts above, Cork is a huge city. Killarney was the least favorite place of our Sept.'10 trip. Heavy traffic, lots of tour buses.

OTOH,we loved Kenmare and www.shelburnelodge.com
Our favorite dinner of our trip was at Mulcahy's in Kenmare.

The Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula was the best scenery of our trip. We loved www.greenmount-house.com

In Dingle, "The Chart House" was cute and good for dinner
The best food was at "Out of the Blue"--plain room, and hard to get into(reserve when you get in town), but the food was fantastic.

Tip:
The N71 from Kenmare to Killarney was the worst drive of our trip. The next time we took the faster road and it was fine.

If you want to read our trip review and see photos from Dingle and Kenmare, click on my name and scroll to the bottom to the trip reports. "Ireland---the land of pleasant surprises" and "Ireland, a fast, musical slideshow"

No brainer; KENMARE.

Enjoy dinner at O'Donnabhains on Main Street http://www.odonnabhains.com/ and then head out to an Irish Music show (plenty around Main street pubs). Perfect Irish Day!

Hey Viajero2 thanks for the nice comments, next time here make sure we meet,
regards O Donnabhains

OMG! A pleasure! Evenings dinners at your restaurant remain one of our favorite memories of Ireland. All the best!

I would choose Kenmare to stay. Be sure to see Killarney 's the Gap of Dunloe? Also check Kinsale near Cork . Pretty fishing village with many great restaurants.The Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula is awesome! Slainte.