Kenmare/Dingle Dilemma
 

I will be driving from Kinsale along the coastal route to reach Kenmare. Plan to stay in Kenmare that night and the next night, and then head to Dingle Peninsula for two nights. BUT I am concerned that one full day in Kenmare will not permit enough time to do justice to that area. Should I try to do three nights in Kenmare (two full days of sightseeing), and only one night in Dingle? All opinions welcome!!!

We did a similar drive last May. We left Kinsale after breakfast and leisurely drove along the coast toward Kenmare. After several scenic stops, along with getting a new tire after a blow out we got into Kenmare late afternoon. After spending that night walking around town and enjoying great Pub music, we spent the following day driving partially up the Ring of Kerry as far as Waterville. Some at our B and B spent the day on the Beara Peninsula. That evening we again spent time in town and were ready to leave the following morning for Dingle.
It took most of the day to drive to Dingle with stops at the Killarney National forest and Killarney.
After spending the evening in Dingle we spent the next day driving along Slea Head drive.
After a day sightseeing we spent our second night in Dingle before heading out to Cork.
For us, Two nights in Kenmare was enough and two nights in Dingle was a minimum.
The time it takes to drive between these three towns was longer than expected.
Is there anything you think you want to see or do in Kenmare that you don't feel you have enough time for.
We felt the timing we allocated for these towns was right for us.

Thank you, giro; this really helps. It's precisely what I have in mind, though I may not do the ROK at all. I thought we might spend our full day based in Kenmare by seeing the National Park and Muckross, so we won't feel rushed en route to Dingle the next day.

You have the right idea and the right timing. From Kinsale to Kenmare it's a pretty drive with some nice spots to stop along the costal towns. We even arrived close to Kenmare in the afternoon and did a jaunty ride to Muckross House, through the park.
Checked in to Shelbourne Lodge in Kenmare (the best B&B of 2 trips) and had our best dinner or 2 trips at Mulcahy's. The next day we drove to Muckross House and saw the inside along with the other sites in & around Kenmare. That night we had some great music and casual food at a small place on the Main Street of Kenmare. If you're interested, I'll look up the name of the place.

I would totally skip Killarney and the ROK---talk about buses and traffic. What a nightmare.

The Dingle Penninsula and Slea Head Drive far outdid the ROK. Also the drive over to Brandon Pt. just outside of the heart of Dingle town. Out of the Blue in Dingle was another outstanding food choice.

So, I do think you have a good plan.

Start with the understanding that I am not a particular fan of Killarney, and I think the Ring Of Kerry includes some good stuff but is somewhat overrated. (Disclosure of my prejudices should help you evaluaute my suggestions.)

I suggest that you use your day in Kenmare primarily to do the circuit of the Beara Peninsula.

Leave Kenmare early-ish after your second night. Enjoy the highly scenic drive to Killarney. Personally, I don't think Muckross House is the best visit; I quite like Ross Castle. You should also have time to visit Moll's Gap, take a walk there, or choose another activity.

Head for Dingle in the late afternoon/early evening, aiming for dinner (Out of the Blue is a good recommendation). Use the following day to do the Slea Head drive - and be sure to take it slowly, and don't be afraid to deviate wherever your fancy takes you; there is a lot of good stuff that is not on the standard circuit.

Thanks for the great suggestions -- I wasn't expecting dining/lodging suggestions, but these are just great.

I was thinking of dining one of our Dingle nights at a place called the South Pole Inn...any feedback?

Also...this trip will be in early October. Not sure how long we will have daylight that time of year...I imagine 6 - 7 pm-ish.

I have never stopped at the South Pole Inn, but it's on my list (along with about a dozen other places, so it might be some time before I get there).

According to Tripadvisor, it's the best restaurant in Annascaul; it's also the worst. In fairness, the ratings are pretty good. If you have any interest in knowing about Tom Crean, the Arctic explorer, that would add a great deal of interest to a visit there.

Be aware that it is more than 10 miles from Dingle town, so if you like a drink with or after your meal, life could become more complicated.