It's possible my sister-in-law will join us in Ireland, and since we are already booked at a self catering cottage in Kenmare, we thought we might just extend our stay there from 3 days to 6 days. Ring of Beara, Gouganne Barra, Killarney are definite, any other suggestions? Mizen Head, Sheeps Head, Glengariff, Bantry? I was thinking of Skellig but my right knee's been acting a little suspiciously lately, I'm thinking that's not a good idea.

Favorite lunch spots? huddoshols mentioned scallops in Goleen

hi wrenwood:

Well, Skellig would have been my #1 suggestion. Here are some other thoughts:

Gap of Dunloe tour outside of Killarney

On the Ring of Beara, before the turnoff to Healy Pass, there is a road to Glen Inchaquin, Beautiful and many times forgotten glen with a lovely waterfall at the top of it. Land is owned privately but you can pay a small fee and go on some nice, short walks in the area

A ride through the center of the Ring of Kerry is quite beautiful and will leave you feeling much more alone. Ballaghbeama Pass (or gap) can be found by turning north off the road between Molls Gap and Sneam.

Mizen and Sheeps head are beautiful though getting further and further away from Kenmare. The road to the end of Sheepshead gets increasingly tiny and then there is a mussy walk from there to the lighthouse. Well worth it though.

Mizen Head is better marked. I love the little village of Crookhaven and I never fail to stop for a pint at O'Sullivan's. There is a dolmen on the road between Goleen and Toormore which is much easier to find driving towards Toormore. The lighthouse itself at Mizen Head is not particularly spectacular, but the alk out to it is. Be prepared for some wind. There is a bit of a climb coming back ... the old path had 99 steps, now it's just a slow climb. The steps were closed last time I was there.

In Kenmare, consider the Seafari cruise. I always figured it was kind of goofy, but apparently the guy that runs it is very knowledgeable and has a lot to say about the sealife in the Bay.

Just past the Rock tunnel headed south on the N71 is a tiny little road that will take you way down in the valley and then back up to Barley Lake. Another place where you will find very view visitors and just a lovely quiet area. Also, there are some forest walks just outside of Glengarriff.

Dingle is certainly no further than Mizen, so that's always a possibility.

Garinish island near Glengarriff is a short boat ride and the gardens are beautiful at the right time of year.

That's a start anyway. Hope it helps.

Bill

We just heard the great news yesterday that my sister-in-law will be joining us, so we're excited!

Wow wojazz, what wonderful suggestions! I googled Glen Inchaquin, it looks lovely, I had never heard anything about it. Same with Ballaghbeama Pass, looked that up and it too looks like a possible route. And Barley Lake, liked that!

Don't know if we'll get as far as Sheepshead and Mizen, but they are on our radar. If we get there, we'll check out O'Sullivans, one site mentioned they also have a lot of old historic photos inside.

I had forgotten about Garinish Island, I think she'd like that. I'm a landscape designer and my husband and I both love trees and beautiful gardens ~ and they don't have to be in full bloom for us to appreciate them.

My husband and I will have just spent 3 days in Dingle, so my sister-in-law will miss Dingle. We do plan to do Killarney with her though.

Thanks for all the wonderful ideas, I'm really excited we'll be spending more time in that area!

wrenwood,

You've received a good many fine ideas for day trips while touring the west of Ireland. Here are a couple more considerations, both very close to where you'll be based:

-Kenmare has a stone circle , located close to the tourist office and a bridge that crosses the River Finnehy. It's one of the largest of its kind in Ireland, featuring 15 stones and a dolmen;

-Derreen garden dates from the second half of the 19th century, and it offers the visitor pleasant walks and some exotic flora. Here you'll also enjoy views of the Caha Mountains, and there's a tea shop on the grounds. Derreen is located west of Kenmare in Lauragh. (Use the R571 road)

If you enjoy touring gardens, you might to explore the following:

gardens.ireland-guide.com/derreen_garden.garden.7121.html

Best of luck.

Thanks ExplorerB, I didn't have Dereen on my list. It actually looks good for another one to visit with my sister-in-law as like Garinish it looks incredibly scenic.

My husband and I will have done a lot of trees and gardens our first week in Ireland, I have about a week of trees and gardens planned.

I thought when his sister joined us we would tone it down a bit! She loves gardens and trees, but will enjoy the atmosphere and scenery more, so Garinish and Dereen look perfect.

Is there any "re-creation" village or historic site of early Irish life in the area to introduce her to Ireland's early days? I've read of some in some other areas, but don't remember reading about any near Kenmare.

wrenwood,

Short of making the very lengthy drive from Kenmare to County Clare and visiting Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, I can't think of a re-created Irish village that would match your query.

However, for a far more scenic and rewarding glimpse of a bygone Irish lifestyle, consider making the drive to the Dingle Peninsula and visiting the Great Blasket Island and the mainland-based interpretative center. When the weather is favorable, ferries leave from Dunquin and make the short journey to the island. This is a captivating, evocative place, giving you the chance to hike around the island and to get a flavor of what it was like to live here. Abandoned in the early '50s, the Great Blasket, surprisingly enough, has a strong literary tradition, and you can learn much more about the island's history by visiting the superb Great Blasket Interpretive Center. Indeed, a stop here prior to getting on the ferry is highly recommended.

By the time you've toured both the museum and the Great Blasket Island, you should have some time to explore more of the peninsula, and there's no hardship with that plan.

Best of luck.

ExplorerB ~ my husband and I might do that when we are in Dingle for 3 days before Kenmare, but I was really hoping to find something for when his sister arrives to "introduce" her to Ireland.

We will probably be picking her up at Cork airport, if there is anything that direction?

Do you have any idea how long it would take us to get from Kenmare to Great Blasket Interpretive Center if we waited for her arrival?

wrenwood,

As to folk villages in the south of Ireland, I'm afraid nothing immediately comes to mind.

Still, if you're looking to introduce your sister to Ireland, why not make the short trip from Cork City to Blarney Castle. Sure, it's hyper-touristy and a cliche, but it can make for an enjoyable visit nonetheless (even if she isn't interested in kissing the famous Stone and gaining the gift 'o gab). The late 18th century Blarney Castle House is historically significant and worth a look-see, and the grounds at Blarney are very attractive. Finally, if your sister-in-law fancies some shopping, there are many good craft shops located just a few minutes' walk from the grounds. Come to think of it, given your proximity to it, Blarney Castle would make for a most pleasant introduction to Eire.

As to traveling by car from Kenmare to Dunquin and the Blasket Interpretive Center, I would expect a one-way drive of a little more than two hours. See: viamichelin.com

Best of luck

That's not a bad idea, it's certainly close. And it was on my "shortlist" as the grounds and trees are supposed to be quite nice. Definite possibility!

Would my sister-in-law fancy some shopping? ABSOLUTELY!

Any wonderful place for lunch there? Suggestions as to route back to Kenmare? ( scenic but not overly long)

In Killarney is Muckross Traditional Farms depicting life on different farms in the early 1920's. http://muckross-house.ie/farms/intro.htm

On the Ring of Kerry is the Kerry Bog Museum: http://www.kerrybogvillage.ie/

On the road from Kenmare to Glengarriff is Molly Gallivan's Farm. http://www.mollygallivans.com/

As you see there are re-created villages and farms in the area. Those with a full knowledge of the area know about them. I would choose Muckross Farms.

wrenwood,

It would appear onetwo has given you several good leads concerning area re-created villages.

However, if you'd still like to pursue the Blarney lead and a route that would take you back to Kenmare, consider taking the following often scenic yet not overly time consuming (about two hours without stops) plan:

-drive west along the R618 past Coachford;

-continue west on the R584 and head towards Bantry (if time permits, tour the splendid early 18th century Bantry House, featuring gardens, a Baroque-style interior, and wonderful views of nearby Bantry Bay);

-next, head north to Glenngariff, and then on to Kenmare.

As regards lunch, I'm afraid it has been about five years since I've toured this part of Ireland. But allow me to direct you to the very best guide to dining in Ireland. In ten years of touring Ireland, I can state emphatically that John and Sally McKenna's restaurant guides never let me down. Indeed, if your holidays place an emphasis on fine dining, then the McKenna's book is the best investment you can make.

Do check out: bridgestoneguides.com

onetwo ~ I had forgotten about Muckross Traditional Farms, good suggestion. We were planning a day around Killarney anyway. And Janice grew up on a farm, and still has some farm animals so I think she would really enjoy it.

explorerb ~ The more I think about it, I like the idea of stopping at Bantry House more than Blarney Castle. I wanted to go to Bantry House anyway, and it looks like a good stop over with great scenery, and apparently a nice Cafe for lunch. Thanks

Anyone know if there is a scenic "nature history cruise" that goes by Skellig Michael without the opportunity to get off ( since I don't think my aging knees want all those steps!)

The Skellig Experience: http://www.skelligexperience.com/sea_cruise.html

The cafe at Bantry House is not the best.

Thanks onetwo, Skellig site looks like it has several options.

Know anything about The Good Things Cafe in Durrus?

Or any other suggestions for a light lunch near Bantry House?

I have never had a good meal in or around Bantry. Next time I am there I will buy a sandwich at the grocery store.

OK, third plan's a charm, right?

Janice doesn't arrive in Cork until noon, so I figure after collecting luggage, maybe delays, we should be able to get on our way by at least 1:00

Thought we'd drive to Kinsale for a late lunch, as it's closer to Cork. It seems most everyone loves Fishy Fishy, and I don't think it will be a problem finding a good place to eat in Kinsale.

Oops.............just had a thought and checked it out ~ Kinsale Gourmet Food Festival is on then..........would this be a fun thing to do or madness?

Madness! It is hard enough to get into Fishy Fishy on a weekday off season. Imagine doing it during the festival. Waiting for a table could take up your whole afternoon. Service is slow once you have that precious table. It is not really THAT good. Portions are tiny and it is expensive. Fish fresh but overcooked. Once was enough for me. Been there done that. I will let the food critics rave about it and foam at the mouth over it and spend my money elsewhere.

onetwo ~ where would you spend your money for lunch in Kinsale?

Are you sure you want to brave Kinsale during the food festival? Most of the restaurants I would recommend are not open for lunch only dinner. One that is open for lunch is Jim Edwards. I had an excellent meal there. Any restaurant will be chock a block during the festival.

What is your route?

Are you aware that the center of Kinsale is torn up and barricaded, streets being worked on? You can not drive through certain parts. Maybe when you get there it will be over with. Hope so.