We will be traveling to Ireland for the second time in May and staying in Rosmuc, a small town about one hour west of Galway. Another couple will be meeting us for their first experience in on the Emerald Isle. I want to be able to take them to the Dingle Pennisula. I am thinking that driving through Galway; then County Clare and taking the ferry to Tarbert and on to Dingle would be the most direct route. I know it will be a long drive and am wondering it it's a good idea only having one day in which to do it. If we do drive it, we want to stay somewhere in close enough proximity to Ennis (where we will stay the following night) so that the next days drive would not be too hard. Does anyone have a suggestion about where a good place to stay would be?
Much as I love the Dingle Peninsula I don't think your plan will leave much time for actually seeing the peninsula. You will spend most of the time driving and won't be able to do it justice. Instead, why not plan for something closer?
Michele: do you think it would be wiser to drive north instead of dingle, staying one night somewhere near sligo? Do you think that getting to Donegal is too far, as well?
Dana, how about a day trip to Achill Island? Or perhaps you could take the day to make the drive around Lough Derg, or drive down Clare's western coast and do the Loop Head drive. Donegal seems like too much driving and not enough stopping and sightseeing.
I like Dude's recommendations. Achill has lovely scenery and may be a good replacement for Dingle. Loop Head is one of my favorites. However, if you are ending in Ennis I would opt for Loop Head because you are headed in the right direction.