Going to Ireland in September..What are the driving conditions around Dingle Bay, Ring of Kerry and further Northwest? Are there mountains with NO guard rails, etc etc...

The Ring of Kerry had rather treacherous roads, I believe. We were on a CIE tour about three weeks ago and the bus driver was constantly thanking the "women of Ireland" for building the roads he was travelling on. The roads in the rural areas are hardly ever perfect, I found. Motion sickness can occur when you are travelling for a while-- perhaps, though, that was because I was on a large coach. And there are some spots in the rural areas that don't have guardrails, but our driver didn't seem to have a problem at all, and the weather we were travelling in was horrible, on the bad roads. I'm not sure how it would be with a car, but I would imagine if you are not used to the wrong side of the road and possibly a gear shift utilized with the left hand, you might find it difficult. Have fun in September! Ireland is really great.

The RIng of Kerry is an easy drive. Anyone who calls it treacherous must be a very inexperienced driver. I was very disappointed in it. I was expecting something like the Amalfi coast, but it was quite tame.<BR><BR>Do, however, drive in the direction that the tour busses do, so that you won't be meeting them on the trip (they go counter clockwise).<BR><BR>The Skellig RIng at the end of the Ring of Kerry is a 'scarier' drive. Much of it is not two lanes wide, but there is almost no traffic. The buses are not allowed there.

Cheryl: Can't imagine the reference to "treacherous". There really aren't any Mountains as we know them. They are hills. The roads are basically fine. I haven't driven in bad weather, but I can't recall anything that was in any way death defying. Relax and enjoy yourself.

I agree that the Ring of Kerry is an easy drive--you have two full lanes, and although you may experience some traffic, nothing to scary at all. Now, we did find the drive over Connors Pass on Dingle Peninsula to be a bit harrowing at times. First, you are at a much higher elevation, and the roads are much narrower. We were a bit scared we might get squished by the big trucks passing us! So, we just took it slow and it was well worth it!

As a Yank, let me give you the best advice I have ever received regarding driving on the "wrong" side of the road: Just pay attention, follow the traffic, and, when you stop for a traffic light or a stop sign, take an extra moment to decide where you want to be when you get through this next intersection. I didn't drive Kerry, but did do Conner Pass in a mid-size car. Stop at the lay-bys to take pictures and keep at it. Don't miss Conner Pass: it is worth any adventure to get to see it.

The Ring of Kerry is easy driving for Ireland and there are stone walls everywhere for protection. Connor Pass is narrow but don't miss it. We much preferred the Beara scenery (and Healy Pass) to the Ring of Kerry. We were just there for 17 days and only once did anyone have to back up for passing. Be certain to get an automatic transmission and as small a car as you feel comfortable with. My husband says next time, we'll go smaller for less stressful driving.