I dont have the definitive answer to your question (I'm not sure there really is one), but I do have real info for you to use. It took me 3.75 hours to get from SNN to Dingle town(N18-R473-N69-R559-100 miles).It took @ 1.5 hrs to get from SNN to Tarbert (R473 I believe N68 would have been faster). We waited only 20 min for the ferry at Killimer to take off; if we hadn't arrived when we did (just before the scheduled departure), it would have taken much longer to get across. Driving in the dark (if you have to) adds a bit of time. Ask yourself this: are you taking the ferry or the "highway" through Limerick; both have + and -, and the time of day has a lot to do with your success making time. Its only 70 odd miles from the south bank of the Shannon at Tarbert to Kenmare; the first 11 (to Listowel) and the last 20 (Killarney to Kenmare) will slow you up more than the Listowel-Tralee-Killarney legs of the trip. I would personally allow 2.75 hrs for just the 70 odd miles (add any stop time). Total: over 4hrs. I know others will disagree with me, this is just my experience. I, too, am middle aged (48); was a first time driver in Ireland of normal intelligence. The most helpful advice I can give is: Don't push yourself. She is a beautiful, wonderful country that graciously yields her gifts to those with patience. If you try American style travel you run a greater chance of frustration. Who flies halfway around the globe for that? WC

-- Edited by WCOMALLEY at 23:05, 2008-02-26