Dublin to Dingle in one day

Paul D · Member

Dublin to Dingle in one day

tony2phones · Guru

The direct route is Dublin-Limerick-Dingle. Its a 5 hour drive direct so if you are condidering a there and back day trip forget it.

A usual tourist route would be Kilkenny-Cashel/Cahir-Dingle.

If you are looking for a tour from Dublin to Dingle and onwards then, (not for the jet laged) Off the regular route take the M6 toward Galway and drop off at Athlone for Clonmacknoise or Birr Castle. From Birr either side of LoughDerg to Limerick. Follow the south bank of the Shannon past the Foynes Flying boat Museum (home of the Irish coffee) and down through Listowel and Tralee to Dingle 6 hours (min)+ stops.

http://www.moytura.com/clonmacnoise.htm
http://www.birrcastle.com/
http://www.discoverloughderg.ie/
http://www.flyingboatmuseum.com/

-- Edited by tony2phones on Sunday 11th of July 2010 06:54:48 AM

Paul D · Member

Will be staying in Dublin fo three nights and then on to Dingle for two nights. Does a stop in Adare, Kilmallock then Millstreet seem reasonable before arriving in Dingle?

tony2phones · Guru

Its a Good drive from Dublin to Limerick, taking the detour adds about an hour on the road plus any stops. Having said that unless there is something special in Adare I would be tempted to take the M8 rather than the M7 and call in at Cashel before Kilmallock.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Paul,

Welcome to my forum. Tony has already set you on the right path. May I ask what time of year you will be going? Do you have connections in Millstreet? It is an unusual choice for a stop.

Which ever route you choose it will be a long day. You will be doing sightseeing and stop for lunch, all of which you must add onto the drive time. Many tourists forget that each sightseeing stop takes time.

If I were doing that drive I would want to get the most out of the day. Since Kilmallock and Millstreet seem to be on the radar, I would add Rock of Dunamase and Rock of Cashel. So the order of your sightseeing would be:

Rock of Dunamase (near Portlaoise)
Rock of Cashel
Kilmallock
Millstreet
Dingle

Do you have my book? I have Kilmallock reviewed in it and have never seen it in another travel guide. Just wondering.

Michele

Paul D · Member

Thanks Michele!
I do not have your book yet.
I am going to Ireland for the first time in August (only got as far as Hollyhead when in Wales).
It is a short trip. Flying in to Dublin spending three nights including a tour of Wicklow for part of one day. Driving to Dingle for two nights and then driving to Clare for two nights and flying out of Shannon. Thanks for you tips. I will get your book. I like your website very much and visit daily. Thanks again.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Paul,

I'm glad you are enjoying my website. Hope it proves helpful for you.

Are you doing a bus tour to Wicklow from Dublin? If so I recommend taking the one that does both Powerscourt and Glendalough.

On the day you drive to Dingle I suggest you get an early start. I assume you will rent your car on that day and then proceed. Do you have lodging yet? If not, that's an important next step. I have some recommendations on my Lodgings page and lots more in my book.

Let me know if I can help in any other way.

Michele

Paul D · Member

Thanks again Michele.
I ordered your book last night.
I have arranged for a bus tour to Wicklow from Dublin (not sure if it is the right one, but I will check you book).
Planning on an early start to drive to Dingle.
Need to do some map planning. I like the idea of Rock of Dunamase and am interested in Kilmallock. I am not wedded to anything else at the moment. Thanks for your feedback.

paul

Michele Erdvig · Host

Paul,

Thanks! I got the book order and it was sent to you on 7-12-10. You should have it in three days.

Bus Eireann does the tour to both Powerscourt and Newgrange. With the others you would have to book 2 separate tours on two different days to see both.

For the Rock of Dunamase you will exit the M7 when approaching Portlaoise for Stradbally. You need to go toward Stradbally. The rock is signposted off that road. Here are some photos of and from the rock: http://tiny.cc/xg7hv

Michele

Paul D · Member

Michele,

Thanks for sending me the book.
More questions.....What is recommended aroung Kilmallock?
Is Lough Gur a worthy stop? How about Holy Cross? I am more
interested in being away from the crowds. Thanks again,

Paul

Michele Erdvig · Host

Paul,

There is a tiny museum in Kilmallock that you must visit simply because the people running it are so enthustiastic. It will also give you a bit of history and a bird's eye perspective of the ancient layout of the town. It will only take a few minutes. It is located by the Dominican Priory and you may park there and walk across the footbridge to the priory. Also see Kilmallock Collegiate Church and take a walk through the historic town with remaining gate towers and colorful pub fronts.

I personally would skip Lough Gur. You have enough on your plate. Holy Cross cathedral is okay but not worth going out of your way for.

Michele