Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula
 

I am going with 5 other people to Ireland for 10 days in October. Part of the group is going to go to the Ring of Kerry for a day, the other is going to the Dingle Peninsula. Which of the two do you think is the more "must see"?

We have been to both. While Eing of Kerry was a big disapointment, we absolutely fell in love with Dingle.

Dingle--no contest. Plan a half day just on Slea Head drive.

Dingle. Great views, ancient sites like the Gallarus Oratory and beehive huts, Conner Pass. Slea Head is beautiful.

We did both back in May. With the possible exception of the Kenmare to Killarney portion of the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula is the clear winner.

Dingle, no doubt! The scenery on the Slea Head drive is fabulous, contains one of my favorite beaches anyway (Coumemolee sp?) and Dingle, the town, is great. There are great restaurants, good shopping and one of my favorite pubs, An Droichead Beag, has trad music every night. Check out the Clochans (bee hive huts) and of course, Gallarus Oratory. We loved Kilmakadear. The Slea Head drive is one time that Rick Steve's book comes in handy.

For sheer relaxation and stunning scenery check out The Derrynane Hotel in Caherdaniel on the ring of Kerry. Lovely hotel with fabulous food. (www.derrynane.com) A few pubs around (Ireland's only beach bar!) and a local shop but a really beautiful place. In saying that, I must agree that Dingle town is great. I drive down quite a bit and it's still one of my favourite places in the world.

I agree that Dingle will win the contest, but I disagree that it is a disappointment, especially a BIG disappointment. The southern coast is beautiful, though sometimes getting of the main road is important. The view out to the Skelligs is nice and a trip off the main road onto Valentia Island allows some beautiful views. Also, there are some beautiful drives through the center of the peninsula.

Bill

Okay, I guess that I am curious about what has happened to ROK. When I cycled it about eight years ago, it was so beautiful as we stopped in Glenbeigh, Caherdanial, Kenmare and Killarney. Has it become overly crowded with buses, or what? Could someone please elaborate on this matter? Anywho, Dingle, to me, is not the same little town that it was but still very enjoyable. Have a nice trip:)

I'm with you Keenan.

Bill

I guess I'm in the minority, but I'd vote for the Ring of Kerry. We drove both in May, and while I'd hate to have to choose between them, if I absolutely had to skip one it would be the Dingle drive. Maybe part of my preference is that we had absolutely perfect weather for the ROK--a glorious sunny day, clear blue sky, unbelievable blue sea. The other part may be that we drove to Valentia Island and also drove the Skellig Ring, where the buses can't go. It was just one incredible vista after another, and when we thought it was pretty much over and were heading back to Killarney, there were the wonderful views of the Killarney lakes. Mind you, I loved Dingle. But we drove that on a gray day, with spatterings of rain, and lovely as it was, there was no comparison. Even if the day had been sunny, there's just less of Dingle. Of course, it helped that we didn't drive the ROK in high season, but it won't be crowded in October, either.

Keenan I'm curious too! While I love Dingle town, I'd like to know why most people think the ring of Kerry isn't worth seeing. It certainly hasn't become over crowded (apart from Killarney!) and it's still as beautiful as ever.

So I guess the majority agrees that Kerry has been a big disappointment. Ain't it the truth?

I'd vote for the Dingle Peninsula. The town of Dingle is lots of fun, too... some great pubs.

I guess that I would still like some more specific reasons of why people are preferring the Dingle peninsula. Last Sept., I traveled through the belly of the ring crossing a pass that I didn't know existed and had it completely to myself for 40mins while I was perched at the top. It was so peaceful, but also eerie with the mountains looming overhead and not a soul around. Then, I spent the next two days going around the Dingle and had a wonderful time especially now that I am so familiar with the area, although there are still surprises. Could it be the compactness of Dingle and the lack of huge buses that still maintains a sense of tranquility? Maybe us veterans just want to feel more special so we avoid the more touristy places, although maybe Dingle doesn't fit into this category anymore. I will continue to encourage the rookies to see for themselves as my memories remain fond of the ROK. Enjoy!!!

Dingle - because of the beauty and to be away from the tour buses and crowds. A pottery jug that holds my office pens is one of my favorite trip souvenirs.

Ahhh, just because the majority believes something, it ain't necessarily so.

But aren't we just all giving our personal opinions?

I posted the original message and now after the very helpful responses, I am definitely headed to Dingle. So the next question is---know any good B&B's in Dingle the town---about 30-35 euros?

We have answered under your other topic on Dingle B&Bs. Lots of great recommendations from everyone there. Take a look!