Dingle vs. Beara Peninsula?
 

I've read that the Ring of Kerry driving route is filled with tourists and buses and seen where either driving the Dingle or Beara peninsula is recommended if you want a scenic route without all the traffic. Seems like the Beara one is the "road less traveled" which is what I would prefer. Has anyone driven it or have any preferences between Dingle and Beara? I'll be coming from the area around Shannon airport--any idea of how long to get there?

ttt

I haven't been to Beara, so I can't compare, but I did the Slea Head drive on Dingle last June. There were definitely people around, but it wasn't packed or anything. Definitely worth the drive. We only did the Killarney-Kenmare stretch of the ROK, and that was plenty for me - much more traffic and more rock walls.

It took us probably about five hours to get from Dingle town to Ennis, which included getting lost in Tralee and a detour just after the Killimer-Tarbert ferry. Hope that helps!

In my opinion I would rather do either one over the ROK. Dingle will be more crowded but in several trips I have not found it to be overly crowded. When you encounter a tour bus just pull over a little bit and let him pass. Beara is great and a lot less crowded. The views are spectacular and Healy Pass is great. If you have time you can spend a morning out on the Sheepshead for more great sea and cliff views but be aware that the roads out on the Sheephead are a little narrow. The time of year will have alot to do with the size of the crowds. Have fun

I haven't done Dingle but the Beara was beautiful and felt very isolated. Now granted it was February, but our B&B owner recommended it because it's not as touristy as Dingle or the Ring of Kerry. We loved it.

Tracy

I can't comment on the Beara peninsula because I haven't been there. We did the Slea Head drive on Dingle last June and it was spectacular. Not only was Slea Head filled with spectacular scenery but there are also lots of wonderful stopping locations (ring fort, beehive huts, gallarus oratory..). Our group prefered this drive overall to the ROK.

I'm afraid I can't comment on the time needed to travel from the Shannon Airport as we didn't travel that route.

I saw way more traffic while touring the Dingle Peninsula than when touring the Beara Peninsula and Ring of Kerry. That said, the traffic was nowhere near a level that detracted from enjoying the views or the drive itself. Dingle does have better views, but Beara is definitely a "road less traveled" with some very nice towns along the way. If you are coming from Shannon, then loop around Dingle and overnight either around Dingle or even Kenmare, from where to pick up the Beara Peninsula route.

My main interest in all these routes was the opportunity to visit Stone Ages structures along the way, which I think it truly is what makes these routes so unique. The scenery is OK, anybody who has traveled around Maine, California, and even New York State will have seen even more breathtaking scenery, BUT STONE AGE STRUCTURES?! That was what REALLY blew me away!

Several years ago we made the choice to drive the Beara instead of ROK and we're glad we did. Little traffic, beautiful views and a favorite picture at the tip of one of those makeshift roadsigns indicating the number of miles to Moscow, London, etc. When looking through our pictures everyone stops at that one and asks "Where's this?"

On our next visit, I would love to have the courage to take the cable car across to the next island, although I'm not even sure that's meant for nonresidents. A lovely, lovely way to spend a relaxing day in the countryside.

--Annie