Driving route from Kenmare to Ballyshannon
 

Hello:

We will be driving from Kenmare to Ballyshannon and would like to know if it is easier/quicker to take the Tarbert ferry or drive the AA Ireland suggested route through Limerick?

We will leave Kenmare early on a Saturday morning (about 7 AM) in June and drive straight through. We will not be stopping in Ennis/Cliffs of Moher /Galway as we have visited there before.

We are more interested in an easier, quicker drive than saving the cost of the ferry charge.

Thanks!

That is a 250 mile drive straight up through the Shannon Tunnel M/N 18 and N17, N4, N15. On a good day 6 hours on a rough one closer to 7. factor in lunch break etc and you might be touching 8 hours.

1st question why drive all that way? 2nd question why set off at 7 am??

You are self catering the 1st week, get some breakfast and hand over the keys hit the road between 9 & 10 you will still get to Surf central for 6pm

And for what its worth, I have lived around Clare/Galway for 10 years travelled here for 40 before that and there are still places I haven't seen.

We would like to visit Celtic Weave in Ballyshannon, which is not open on Sunday, so need to get there Saturday afternoon, so we have will have long drive that day. We have a collector in our group, who would like to stop as it is only available in Ireland. It's the only long driving day during our trip and will stop if we see something interesting.

Leaving at 7am because we are all early birds (especially the driver and navigator) and hope to miss traffic as well.

We are overnighting in Donegal and then moving to the Giant's Causeway area for the rest of our trip.

Taking the ferry can be interesting if you arrive at the dock just after it "sails" and you have to sit there while it makes the round trip.

Also adds at least 20 miles in distance 40 minutes minimum (due to the R v N&M roads, + ferry)could be 70 minutes and costs €18 as opposed to €1.80 for the Tunnel.

The Shannon ferry is great for anyone wanting to see south west Clare, loop head and other gems but unfortunately not ideal for this 250 mile dash.

Tony: Thanks! Will take the tunnel.