We have 5 days to go from Knock to Kerry area...is that a reasonable amount of time to do justice to the areas north of Kerry? We will then spend 4 days in the Kerry area...is that the way you would divide the time?

Do you have spots you are aiming to hit North of Kerry? I think that sounds like a reasonable division though I might even do 6 north of Kerry and 3 in Kerry area as there is just SO much to see North of Kerry, IMHO!!

There is a huge range in Kerry alone; depends what your interests are. Certainly four days would be very well filled here. I am in South Kerry , on the Ring.

Thank you so much for your responses. We're trying to book a car right now and I see that it's not as easy as I thought. Where would you stay in the Kerry area...we're looking for a little night life with music, too!

What do you like to do and see? We can make lots of suggestions! What time of year are you going? Kerry is rich with beautiful sites and ancient ruins, as well as towns with night life and music.

GreenDragon, we are going mid-June and love Irish music...a range of it. We would also like to see any historic sites, and suggestions for B&B's and any other must-sees.

A few suggestions for your "north of Kerry" leg of your trip.

Starting from Westport,
If you are energetic,rent a bike for the day and cycle on the car-free Western Greenway to Newport or Mulranny; you can be brought back to base by the rental company by minivan. Small tip: the prevailing wind is westerly, so this makes going out by bus and back by bicycle an easier option.

Two offshore islands that offer a rewarding day out in the area: Inishbofin, accessed by ferry from Cleggan close to the interesting town of Clifden or Clare Island, serviced by a ferry from Roonagh pier, beyond Louisburgh.

A pleasant way to stretch your legs and get some great views of the Connemara scenery is the walk up Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park near Letterfrack. Kylemore Abbey nearby is not to be missed.

The general Connemara area offers a pleasant days touring if walking is not your cup of tea. Try to work the Inagh Valley, Dog's Bay near Roundstone, the Abbey in Cong village into your itinerary.

Galway city certainly merits an overnight stop but you might also consider staying a night on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Bicycle rental or taxi are the local mode of transport; you must make it to Dun Aenghus Fort by whatever means you choose. You can make the crossing by ferry or by Aer Arann Islander who fly 8 seaters from their base in Inverin.

I would suggest in addition to the previous wisdom the Dingle Peninsula, with Dingletown for a bit of nightlife and music and a possible boat trip to Skellig Michael for a spiritual experience.

Thank you! Do you think Cork is worth going to - we were heading that way, just to take the plane back to London, but we can fly out of any airport? I thought it might be fun to see Cork, but if the driving is difficult, and the city is crowded we could backtrack to Shannon or another airport to fly to London.

Cork is a nice city, some of the highlights would the English Market, the Butter Museum, the former Beamish & Crawford Brewery, the Holy Trinity Church and the famous statue of Father Mathew. Blarney Castle is just 8 km far from Cork, apart from the castle and the famous stone, I really enjoyed the gardens. Also, not far form Cork City you also have Kinsale, the gourmet capital of Ireland and the small town of Cobh, Titanic's last port of call.

@ Tourism_Ireland WHY is Kinsale "the gourmet capital of Ireland" this sort of garbage might be acceptable from a visitor who has never eaten anywhere else but not from the Irish Tourist industry..Do the rest of us just eat Tattys and Supermac's There are good points about Kinsale but overpriced and over rated food is getting rather tired.
Rant over.

5 days north of the Shannon and 4 south makes good sense but you could take one from the early part and see a little of Cork, The peninsula's of the South West, Beara, Sheep's and Mizen Head are less explored than the Kerry Dingle and Inveragh so still retain their rustic non touristified charm.

I love getting suggestions from people who live in Ireland! These are so helpful! There is a bluegrass festival in Westport the day I am arriving....if I fly into Knock I was hoping to catch that...has anyone been to that? We love the music, but hope this is worth starting so far north at Knock vs. Shannon.

Yes the Blegrass festival is worth a look. Have a nip onto Tripadviser and send a message to gablues who will probably be attending if not performing, she will give you the low down. Achill island (land bridged) is just above Westport, has 5 blue flag beaches and reminds me of pre dolphin dingle. not too many tourists get that far north so Ireland as it was. Then down past Loisburgh and through the Doonlough Valley to Leenane, past Kylemore and the National Park to Clifden via the Sky road. On to Galway with maybe a detour figure of eight to Roundstone via the Old Bog rd and wave at the Connemara Giant as you pass Reccess on the N59. Leave the Connemara at Oughterard then Moycullen for Celtic Crystal and Connemara Marble and next stop Galway..
http://ireland.activeboard.com/t5005...-galway-route/ see also http://goo.gl/maps/L5ihu

I like Kinsale. We've stayed there a number of times and find it charming. I've never found the food overpriced compared to Dublin and most of our meals there were delicious.

Mayo is beautiful and if you are sporty the Greenway to Achill is a great cycle or walk. We recently returned from Mulranny and enjoyed two days of hillwalking - we were very lucky with the weather and had a wonderful time. Westport is a lively town and might be a good base - book ahead of there's a festival on though!

I'm not a huge fan of Galway City but lots of people are! Connemara is spectacular - Tony2phones advice can't be beaten here.

Clare is well worth a detour for Doolin / Cliffs of Moher / The Burren, and then you could take the ferry from there to Tarbert in Kerry.

I like Dingle a lot - great music there - and while Killarney is VERY touristy, it also has beautiful scenery.

Thank you...I think I will take your advice Tony2phones! Is the route you sent us a cliff road? We're trying to stay away from the cliff roads....a nervous wreck about them. But, I'm excited about the festival in Westport!

There are no Cliff roads. Achill has the Highest Sea cliffs (depending on your definition) and a couple of high roads but not the Slieve League top Car park type.

Excellent!

When in Westport you might like to climb a bit of Croagh Patrick (The Reek), beautiful views on a clear day but you need a clear head and good walking shoes. Also if you get the chance you should take in a hurling match.

Also, as you are driving from Knock to Westport you could stop off for a visit at the Museum of Country Life in Turlough near Castlebar. Free entry. Nice coffee shop, (you would need to go from Knock to Kiltimagh to Bohola. Take a left in Bohola heading towards Castlebar. Knock to Westport is approx 30 miles.

Well, just found a glitch to my starting at Knock Airport. I can't rent a car from Knock. Dan Dooley is all sold out, and I really wanted to go with them - seems like the best company. So we may have to start in Shannon Airport. Not sure if it makes sense then to go north and then south. Has anyone had good luck with getting any other rental cars from Knock Airport?