Southwest intererary help

marclr911 · Member

Southwest intererary help

wojazz3 · Guru

OK, What happened to my 1st attempt?!

The 1st day drive seems like more than I would want to do on jetlag. Perhaps you are not arriving from an overseas flight.

Skib to Killarney is about 2+ hours. The 35MPH average rule certainly applies here as much of the N71 is small and winding. The road from Kenmare to Killarney is very slow, especially as you pass the lakes. Alternately, you could go over Healy Passor through Gougane Barra, even slower and more out of the way. All three options are beautiful. I always enjoy going through the Rock tunnels on Caha Pass on the N71.

The town of Dingle is interesting enough, but the scenery to the west is the most impressive. If you want to add a place to your favorites, Stay at The Shores on the north Dingle Coast. Arrange to have dinner with Annette there, walk the beach on Brandon Bay and the next morning, do the Slea Head drive and then head directly to Bunratty.

Dingle to Bunratty is a pretty easy drive, maybe 2.5 hours. Bunratty is OK, but with your limited time, I would rather spend as much time as I could in Co. Kerry.

You can return the car the next morning, but be sure to let the rental company know you will be there early. I once got there and no one was there to take the car. They had to send someone out from the counter. It added a bit of stress to my morning.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Mark,

Bill has given you excellent advice. I notice that you prefer to see Dingle now rather than more west Cork peninsulas. Assuming that you have seen the Killarney area on past trips, I suggest you head for Dingle and spend the night there. As Bill mentioned, there is more to the Dingle Peninsula than the small town. Slea Head Drive is a must if you are going all that way. It is the most scenic part and would be a shame to miss. I also highly recommend the Blasket Island Center. When you first walk in it does not look interesting. If you take the time to explore it you will be enchanted by a lost way of life.

If you do not need to stay near Dingle town, then I second Bill's suggestion of The Shores Country House. It is a fabulous place to stay. On weekday nights Annette cooks dinners fit for royalty. It is a bit off the beaten path but definitely worth a stay. If you plan on pub crawling that night you would be better off staying right near Dingle town instead.

Bunratty would be a perfect night's stay for your early departure from Shannon. Another option is to turn your car in the night before departure and stay right at the airport at the Great Southern Hotel. Most car rental companies open at 6 am.

For Day 4 it looks like Skibbereen will be the place to overnight.

Michele