goldylox
Unregistered User
(8/14/03 3:33 pm)

rating castles and choosing kerry peninsula

---

Hi Michele, Thanks for providing and maintaining this terrific forum -- it is so very helpful. Please advise regarding the following 2 questions: 1) If I stay in Kenmare and only have time to tour one peninsula, which is the best choice for a first time visitor (Ring of Kerry, Dingle, or Beara)? 2) Would you rate each of the following castles in the same category (service, accomodations, etc): Ashford, Dromoland, Waterford, and Clontarf? Thanks so much.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1725
(8/14/03 11:42 pm)

Re: rating castles and choosing kerry peninsula

---

Hi Goldylox,

It is my pleasure to share my forum with people planning their trips to Ireland. I'm glad you are enjoying it.

What time of year will you be in Ireland? It might have a bearing on which peninsula I would choose. I wouldn't recommend Dingle as a day trip from Kenmare as it takes too long. From Killarney -- yes -- but not from Kenmare. I've done it before and wouldn't do it again.

I have not personally stayed at the castles you mentioned (too expensive for my budget) however, I have heard plenty of feedback on them and have inspected some. I would say that Ashford, Dromoland and Waterford would be equal and Clontarf less than the others.

If I were staying at the castles and price was no object I would choose in this order:

1. Ashford
2. Dromoland
3. Waterford
4. Clontarf

I have heard that the service is superb at Ashford and Dromoland.

Get back to me on time of year and I will help with the peninsulas.

Michele

goldylox
Unregistered User
(8/15/03 11:04 am)

Re: rating castles and choosing Kerry peninsula

---

Thanks for your help, Michele. I plan to be in Ireland either the end of Sept. or early October. How does the time of year affect the decision of which peninsula to tour (tourists? weather?)? From the photos I've seen in travel guides, the 3 peninsulas I'm considering appear to have similar scenery. Is that really the case? Do you think the castles are too touristy (although very lovely)?

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1726
(8/15/03 3:58 pm)

Kerry Peninsulas

---

Hi Goldylox,

I think we should rule out Dingle as a day trip from Kenmare, especially since it starts getting dark earlier in the fall. I love Dingle and if you have the time it would make a great place to stay overnight.

There are actually things to see and do on the different peninsulas. For instance on or near Beara is Derreen Gardens open April through September; Ilnacullin Gardens on Garinish Island (nr. Glengarriff) open March through October. On the Ring of Kerry is Derrynane House & National Park, which is open every day May through September and Tues-Sun in October and the Skellig Experience on Valentia Island is open April-Nov. Also, during the season the Ring of Kerry can be very crowded while Beara is less so.

Of course the scenery never closes and if you are just interested in that I would have a very hard time choosing between Beara and the ROK. Though I do like Healy Pass on Beara. Beara is very rugged and more pristine and off-the-beaten-path. ROK is a longer driving route and alternates between lush and rugged. What are your expectations? What do you want from the experience? Perhaps that will help you choose. Otherwise you could flip a coin and be happy with either one.

As for the castle hotels--they are hotels and that is where tourists stay. What exactly did you mean by touristy? Some people feel they must stay at a castle on a trip to Ireland but then the high price makes them realize it is out of their budget. You could always visit one of the castle hotels and have a drink, tea or a meal there instead.

Michele

goldylox
Unregistered User
(8/16/03 4:26 pm)

Re: kerry peninsulas

---

Hi Michele, I know this sounds like a lot in one day and I have been very cautious after reading your advise not to overdo daily schedules -- however, if I could get from Galway to Kenmare in one day while including The Burren and The Cliffs, I would be able to squeeze in all the "must sees" AND relax the other days. I will be going the end of September or beginning of October. How long would it take to see those two sights and to drive from Galway to Kenmare. Your help is appreciated. (Since I will be leaving from Shannon and plan to stay nearby the airport the last night, I hate to stop in or around that area on my way down to Kenmare unless you can make a recommendation.)Also, is Dingle nearly as crowded as the ROK? Thanks again.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1733
(8/16/03 11:30 pm)

Long Day

---

Hi Goldylox,

That would be quite a long day. Just driving will take 5 1/2 hours at best, perhaps more. What do you want to see in the Burren? Aillwee Cave, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Burren Center? You could spend as little as 10 minutes at the cliffs or 2 hours if they fascinate you. The other things I mentioned will also take time.

Sunset is around seven in late Sep. early Oct. So it just depends on how early you want to start and if you feel like cramming all that into one day.

Alternate Plan: If you take the ferry across the Shannon you could overnight in Ballybunion and continue on to Kenmare the next day. Then you wouldn't have to feel so rushed. But I don't know how that would fit into your itinerary.

At the time you are going to Ireland ROK will not be crowded at all unless you happen upon a special event. Dingle should not be crowded except for weekends or special events. Actually more people stay in Dingle than stay on the ROK. Most do ROK as a day trip.

Michele