Molly Donnelly

I was wondering if anyone knew how long it takes to travel by car between Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula and how long we should spend there to do it justice? Same question for Killarney and the Ring of Kerry? We want to give ourselves plenty of time to see each and was thinking of using Killarney as a staging point. I have two small boys and it would be easier to try to stay in one place for at least a couple of nights. Any suggestions for good hotels/B&Bs/farmhouses in the Killarney area? Thanks for your help.

David

My wife and I just got back from Ireland and we stayed about 20 min. east of Killarney in Kenmare which is a beautiful little town on the last leg of the Kerry Peninsula and at the top of hte Beara Peninsula. We drove from there to Dingle and I think it took about 2 hours, so from Killarney give yourself about 1 1/2 hours to get to Dingle itself. Very pretty drive aroun the peninsula as well.

alan

Just got back yesterday... <BR> <BR>Killarney is a good staging point, but is a very touristy town. I'd agree with using Kenmare or maybe Kilorglin as a starting point. <BR> <BR>Try to take a day to do each drive. It's well worth the time. Definitely drive up Connor Pass on the Dingle Pen. <BR> <BR>When driving Ring of Kerry, drive out (or take the ferry) to Valentia Island and drive the 'Skellig Ring'. Very few tourists and great views. <BR> <BR>

Mary Beth

Molly -- My husband and I had a wonderful day trip on the Dingle peninsula, the highlight of which was meeting his cousin Niamh Utsch, the goldsmith with a shop on Main Street. She has young children, so would be a good reference for youthful activities. I also got a beautiful but not expensive pendant and earings -- my one souvenier from Ireland that brings back magical memories and so much pride every time I wear them! We also had a lovely dinner at The Half Door restaurant ... Unfortunately, our relatives all categorized the Ring of Kerry as too commercial, so we'll have to do that on our next trip! But Dingle was wonderful ... where the foxglove and the fuschia grow wild in the summer ... Have a wonderful time!

alan

A quick comment about the Ring of Kerry... <BR> <BR>We heard the warnings about it being commercial and touristy. However, we found it to be a great drive. It may be touristy compared to other parts of Ireland, but it's more like a drive through rural America in it's level of commercial development. <BR> <BR>Start out early and drive counter-clockwise, and you'll miss most of the tour buses (won't be as many in Oct. anyway). Stop at a small grocery store and pick up a picnic lunch (including pint cans of Guiness). <BR> <BR>

Terry and Nancy Flynn

Molly.....My wife and I just returned from a 2 week Ireland trip. I agree with the other posts with one exception. We didn't think that the Ring of Kerry is commercialized. Just a beautiful drive. Kilarney is a great town and good to do both trips. plan on 1 full day for each. The driving is something else. you only average about 30/35 mph. Both trips are spectacular. have a great time. email if you have any questions. good luck

Terry and Nancy Flynn

Molly....forgot to add, that we stayed at Catherine's Guest House in Killarney...great place...short drive to city center

MollyDonnelly

Thanks everyone! Will let you know where we decide to stay etc. May email for more info later.

Brendan

I will only offer you this piece of advice. Use Kenmare as your launch point, and stay at The Sheen Falls Lodge. Kenmare offers Ireland's best small town experience, and the Lodge is quite possibly Ireland's most luxurious hotel. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Molly Donnelly

Wow! The Sheen Falls Lodge looks like a fabulous place! I don't think I can afford it traveling with kids, but I am going to store that little gem away for someday when my husband and I can go by ourselves. What a great place. Having said all that, my kids would love it there, wouldn't they??? Oh well, and I thought the rates at the Ballymaloe were a bit steep! Thanks for the suggestion.

Ellen

I'd recommend Kathleen's County House in Killarney or Fuschia House. They are both excellent. I prefer Dingle to the Ring of Kerry.