Killarney or Kenmare

LindainOhio · Member

Killarney or Kenmare

Michele Erdvig · Host

Linda,

There are lovely places to stay no matter what town you decide on. What should determine where to stay are your activities and sightseeing choices. Since you are interested in hiking, Killarney NP and the Gap of Dunloe (all day trip) I think Killarney would be your best choice. Everything you want to see is right nearby.

Loch Lein is wonderful and the setting overlooking the lakes is beautiful and quiet. On the other hand Earl's Court is equally nice but within walking distance of town. Now you have another dilemma to solve!

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

There is though, some fantastic golfing in Kenmare at both the Kenmare golf club and the Ring of Kerry Club. Spectacular views out over the Bay. We walked around Killarney and it's ok, but I really love the small town feel of Kenmare. Kenmare had plenty open, even in early March to keep us busy.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bill,

Glad you enjoyed Kenmare, as usual. It is one of my very favorite towns in Ireland. I'm spending about 4 nights there next time (but in different places). I am hoping some new restaurants open in Kenmare to replace the ones that have closed.

However, Killarney is not bad. Of course I have seen it grow from a small town to a larger one (still not huge when compared to larger cities) over the past 30 plus years. It is like comparing apples and oranges. I'll bet you would have liked staying at Loch Lein with its lake view. I know you are a sucker for water views!

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

I though Killarney was fine in the off season, I just like Kenmare more. Loch Lein sounded great and I would have been sorely tempted to stay there. I was interested in finding a nice, comfortable, reasonably priced B&B in Kenmare to report back on and Water's Edge did the trick. Prices are going up so much in some places that I like to find comfortble places that still hit in the E30-40 range to report. I belive she was E32.

We walked around Killarney a lot one day but still ended up having dinner in Kenmare. BTW, nothing spectacular about the Presto Pizza restaurant but I tried the "On Fire" pizza to the horror of our waitress.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bill,

You're right about the prices escalating in Ireland. But off-season there are still bargains to be had. If you ever get to splurge in Kenmare try Sallyport House. It really is superb. The rooms facing the front have water views and there is a telescope in the upstairs sitting area. Within walking distance of town Abbey Court has rooms overlooking the Kenmare River. I haven't stayed there yet but it seemed quite nice.

Michele