SNN to Millstreet is JUST over 2 hours via the Limmerick Tunnel.  AA calls it 78 miles (125 Km) and 1 hour 56 minutes.  Should be about right as it is mostly decent N roads -- though the N20 is slightly, 'Meh'. 

From an OLD post of mine:
 "Millstreet sits in northwest Co. Cork at a juncture of roads. From the south, the road up from Macroom passes through a gap between the Boggeragh Mountains to the east and the Derrynasaggart to the west. The River Finnow flows through, on its way to join the mighty Blackwater. It is an area, RICH in history.
When Ireland was first settled in the waning days of the last Ice Age, the area was inhabited by neolitic hunter gatherers, drawn to the mystical high places: the Paps, Clara Mountain, Mushera Mor and Beg. Ordinance Survey maps of the area show relics of that age dotting the landscape. There are raths, and cashels, standing stones, stone circles and rings scattered throughout; the most impressive collection being that at Knocknakilla. An Shrone (The City) is nearby.
During the Celtic Age, the area was home to the OKeefes, McCarthys and the Sullivans and neighbor to the Malloys, Donovans and O'Driscolls. King Mahon was murdered atop Mushera while enroute to a peace meeting with Malloy. The foul deed was done by the Desmond clans to remove the upstart from the throne of Munster and replace him with someone more pliable to their schemes. What they reaped, with their treachery instead, was Mahon's younger brother -- Brian Boru.

When the Butter Road was built through town in the 1700's, it was a boon to the area. Millstreet bloomed as a convenient resting stop, mid-way between Cork City and Killarney. The 1800's were not so kind. When the railroad was built, the tracks were laid to avoid the village proper. The station sits out of town, to the north, victim to the fears and petty jealousies of the major Landlords in the Big Houses, the Protestant Wallis, the Leaders and the Catholic McCarthy-O'Leary. And so, the tourist trade passed Millstreet by and the town ceased to grow. The major highway (N72) from Mallow to Killarney bypasses Millstreet. A small, Regional Road 'loops down' to pass through town, on its way to reconnect with the N72, in Rathmore, Co. Kerry.

Today, Millstreet functions as a bedroom community for Killarney , Cork City and Mallow; each being nearly equidistant. Wallis sold out, in the 20s, the Leaders died out, or moved away and the last of the McCarthy-O'Learys ( relatives to the O'Connors of Caherdaniel) spends her days in Killarney. A local entrepreneur now owns the holdings of both Drishane and Coomlegane. The latter House was torn down. In its place stands Green Glen Arena, an equestrian showplace that hosts horse shows, music concerts and other events. In 1993 it was the site of the Eurovision competition, a major international event. Drishane Castle and estate, purchased with the intent to create a luxury hotel and resort, has instead become a haven and housing for an international assortment of refugees.

In short, there is nothing EXCEDINGLY REMARKABLE about Millstreet, but the sum total is greater than the individual parts. The people here are untainted by an overabundance of tourist trade and therefore, neither wear a mask of false greeting, nor display offence or rancor at the presence of outsiders. It is the real Ireland of the 21st century. It is a place of beauty, magic and peaceful reflection; improved by the march of time, yet not polluted by it. It is the land that my wifes ancestors came from, and, in more ways than that, it is a land I would proudly call home. We chose to bring John and Pam here, just as we have brought some of his other brothers and sisters over the years, and his father, before that, so that they could experience that which mere words can not convey."

Full report: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34679685

The town's web site: http://www.millstreet.ie/

Nearby, are the ancient sites of An Shrone (The City) and Knocknakilla -- both old, when the pyramids were young ...

As I said -- Here, there be Giants.
It has been my priviledge, to walk in their shadow."

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Wednesday 6th of March 2013 12:26:21 PM

Listowel always gets my vote as a top Heritage town, Kilkee on the coast or Killorglin might also work on the western route, Mallow or I believe Bob likes Millstreet

Bob LOVES Millstreet!  THAT said, it's probably only 45 minutes shy of Killarney, so might be 'iffy' for Roy.  It's a fun little town, filled with a number of people that are near and dear to our hearts and an eclectic mix of attractions and scenery.  We know a retired Special Ed teacher / Town Archivist / Personality that never fails to make each visit a memorable experience. 

Bob

 

Roy, mo chara,

 

You might also look to Abbeyfeale. It has been my rest stop on occassion. Park Lodge B&B is just on its outskirts.

How is the nightlife in Abbeyfeale and Millstreet?

Grey Gables is our point of stay in Ennis. We and none of the guests we have stayed there with have had a problem, The dining room is a little tight so (the good) breakfasts are scheduled slightly, Tea and Coffee is communal But its 3 minutes even at my pace from The Old Ground, 5 minutes from Brogans. (Another negative is that St Rick of Steves rates the place)

Who has B&B recommendations for Inis Oirr?

CowboyCraic wrote:

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My first choice would be South Aran House with Tigh Ruairí being a close second. You also would do well at teh Inis Oirr hotel.

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 Thanks! I knew I could count on you.

Ths will be my third trip to Inis Oirr, but my first sleepover. It will be nice to have the extra time and the evening.

I thought it to be a safe walk, yes...five...maybe ten minutes...unless you are a very slow walker...rural country road... so you might want to take a small flashlight if ya are making the walk after dark

Roy -- NO major music venues in Millstreet, but some GREAT pubs.

THIS just posted about Millstreet and our Teacher/Contact :  http://www.millstreet.ie/blog/2013/03/26/sean-radley-the-heart-and-soul-of-millstreet-town
Some terrific shots of the town and scenery.
The town's web site: http://www.millstreet.ie/

Bob

 

 

Geno -- Thanks.  All a fella can do is TRY ...

In over 16 trips and 14 years, I've never found an Irish town that is better -- and, as YOU know, there are certainly LOTS of places vying for the title ...

Bob