My husband and I will be flying into Dublin on Feb 29, spending 3 days in Dublin visiting my son at UCD, and then we will make our way to Killarney via the southeast. We have spent time in the southwest and Gallway areas but have never been to the southeast. Would appreciate itinerary recommendations.

We will be leaving Dublin on Monday morning March 3 (renting a car that morning -- should we pick up at Dublin City Centre or go back out to the airport?). I was thinking about heading to Kinsale for 2 nights. Are there sites we shouldn't miss between Dublin and Kinsale? Any recommendations for a route and how long it will take to drive? Favorite hotels, restaurants, and things to do?

We will head to Killarney/Castleisland from there. Again, any suggestions on what to see on the way? How long will that part of the trip take?

Thanks in advance for the help.

My not to be missed between dublin and kinsale would be...

glendalough

jerpoint abbey (just outside of kilkenny)

rock of cashel

also could visit kilkenny castle, cahir castle (not far from cashel on way to kinsale)

in kinsale...charles fort was interensting...don't know how enjoyable walking around in february

near kinsale...midleton distillery was a fun stop (especially if you like whiskey...volunteer for the taste test...if you are not the driver!)

after dingle...kenmare is our favorite town...if you haven't driven beara peninsula/healy pass...wonderful.

scenic drive and interesting stops on coastal road between kinsale on kenmare...then could go on to killarney (wonderful drive between kenmare and killarney via moll's gap/ladies view/park).)

Chip ... Thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate it.

Charles Fort was really interesting - I enjoyed a good few hours there (not walking on the parapet though!). The views of the water were beautiful. It was in June though, and perhaps one of the hottest days in June Ireland saw last year.

The Head of Kinsale was also stunning - if you have a car I would recommend stopping there.

I'll ratify chip's suggestions, and add Kells Abbey (not far from Jerpoint). Another spot I loved was on the southern end of the Ring of Kerry - Strawberry Fields Crepes Restaurant... mouth watering...