Kenmare Vs. Dingle
 

Hi, I'm going to spend two days exploring Dingle penninsula and two days around the Ring of Kerry, one night in Dingle town and one night in Kenmare.
I have the night in between and need opinion as to where I should tack it on Kenmare or Dingle. Which would have more of a pub and music scene on a weeknight in August.
Thanks!

Dingle, without question.

Dingle for the pub/music scene.
Kenmare is also very nice....great restaurants.....but I think Dingle has a more active nightlife.

Make it three votes for Dingle, without question!

Well then I guess Dingle it is!
Anyone ever stayed in Bunglas?

I would compare this to Jeter or A-Rod at shortstop, but Dingle would be the choice.

I thought shortstop was that funny Scottish cookie, the one that is sort of rectangular and golden in color. Where can one find an A-Rod in Ireland, or is it only used for fly fishing?

I've been in Bunglass on a Slieve League excursion, but I've never stayed overnight.

I might be slightly at odds with the rest of the group but for a reason not yet mentioned. Clearly Dingle has superior nightlife, but Kenmare may have MORE, NOT GREATER scenic options in the immediate area. I know you have shown a great interest but I wanted to make this point.

One of the things that makes Dingle so popular is that, mile for mile, you can't beat the quality scenery. For that reason, it can be enjoyed in two days though you could always spend more time there.

Kenmare on the other hand has within easy distance,

1. One full day on Killarney National Park, which can (and should) include the Gap of Dunloe.

2. One full day on the RoK

3. A pretty full day if you want to go out to the Skelligs

4. A full day plus to explore the Beara Peninsula

5. Slightly more distant but do-able from Kenmare are the Sheepshead and Mizen Peninsulas

6. Gougane Bara could take up a pretty reasonable part of the day.

7. I have not yet explored the interior of the Iveragh Peninsula but I understand it is spectacular.

8. If you were golfing, there are probably more courses (again, perhaps not greater because Dingle has Ballybunion nearby) on the Iveragh Peninsula.

This is not to say that you couldn't come up with a lot to do from Dingle but I feel the diversity might be a bit greater from Kenmare.

If you're looking for nightlife, Dingle hands down. If you are looking for touring options, it's a closer race, but I would definitely give the edge to Kenmare.

Bill

Bill, you do provide a great arguement for Kenmare so I think I'll spend the second night in Dingle and then have two full Days in the Kenmare area to try to include as many of the options as you mentioned, which all sound great. I'm going to have to choose.....

I think that's an excellent idea. Two days/nights in Dingle is sufficient.

If you could get to the Beara/Sheep Head/Mizen Head Peninsulas, you would be doing your self a great justice.

I wouldn't do the Ring of Kerry just to do the Ring of Kerry. Killarney has enough to keep you busy for 2 days with the Park, Muckross, Ross Castle, Waterfalls & Gap of Dunloe.

Beara Peninsula is great. You could spend an entire day, especially exploring Dursey Island. A short route would be Kenmare to Glengarriff, down to Adrigole, thru the Healy Pass, and back to Kenmare. ((b))