Hi, everyone. On my first trip to Ireland, I had time to see either the Dingle Peninsula or the Ring of Kerry. When I would ask other travelers, I was surprised at how passionately they felt one way or the other. But often they had seen only one of them. I finally chose Dingle and am happy that I did, but I still haven't seen Ring of Kerry and I'm wondering if I should make sure I see it next trip ('07). Just out of curiosity, those of you who have seen both, which did you enjoy most and why? Thanks.

As you must already know, this question comes up a few times a year. Yes, I think you should see the RoK. My wife prefers it to Dingle in that it is a bit more lush and there is a variety of scenery. I think the north side is less interesting. My other suggestion though is to drive through the middle of the ring from the road between Molls Gap and Sneem. Sorry, I don't have my map here with the road number. The very narrow road up to the pass is wonderful and then leads back down to Lough Caragh. You may think you're lost a few times, but you'll get there. You will see VERY little traffic and the scenery is spectacular.

Also while on the Iveragh Peninsula, take a boat trip out to the Skellig Rocks. This is a very special trip and they may not continue these forever. The shortest and fastest boat trips are from Portmagee. I traveled with Joe Roddy and Sons and their dog Winkle.

Bill

woj - I actually didn't know, as I'm kind of new to the board. I'll try and find the other threads since I am curious.

I did drive a tiny part of the Ring once and turned around because of the buses, then drove to Sneem (beautiful) and went on to Kenmare.

Thanks for your reply.

I have done both and after driving dingle the ROK just couldn't compare...and it is so much longer. The slea head loop is a fraction the size of ROK but we spent about the same time...seemed like on slea head we couldn't help stopping at every turn cause each section was even more beautiful than the last...I mean ROK is nice, but after seeing the dingle the day before guess we were spoiled. I was almost bored with the northern section...the southern section was more scenic.

I do love the inland section of ROK thru killarney national park past ladies view and moll's gap on way to kenmare...the mountains, views of the lakes, and th wooded sections are magical.

if you like scenic drives I would suggest...
beara penisula/healy pass,
the section of ROK thru the park (noted above),
doo lough valley (going from westport to clifden),
sky road outside of clifden,
coastal roads in donegal

I would put all of the above on my must see list before doing ROK