Choosing between towns?

ireland1sttime · Newbie

Choosing between towns?

tony2phones · Guru

I always suggest Ennis as the "Touring Town" for county Clare and the area known as the "Shannon Region" Doolin is a great place that we visit often (being under 50 miles away) but not a place to spend the evening/night, Dingle from Doolin is 4 hours, 3 hours from Ennis but to fill the day out and arrive in Dingle around 5 or 6 consider Loop Head peninsula in south west Clare and taking the ferry over the Shannon, also call into Listowel before heading out onto the spur. If you get an early start from Dingle after your 2nd night you can drive round Invaragh (Ring of Kerry) on the way to Kenmare. The Ring is easy to drive and by doing it yourself you can actually get off the tour bus route and find the hidden gems. Beara is always a recommendation, especially from a Kenmare base. Then drive over to Kinsale which is handy for Cork airport and your departure.
Ennis, Grey Gables is as central as you can get
Doolin 100 B&B's 4 bars.
Dingle I leave to others
Kenmare Tara Farm or Abbey Court, Killarney..Sunnybank guest house
Kinsale again not a place we stay.

Michele Erdvig · Host

For B&Bs take a look at my Lodgings Page: http://www.irelandyes.com/lodgings.html

Tony has some good points, although I don't dislike Doolin as an overnight stay. What you have outlined is doable. What time is your flight from Cork? It takes a couple of hours from Killarney/Kenmare to Cork. If you have an early flight you might want an overnight in Blarney, Cork or Kinsale.

Are you using vouchers for B&Bs or cash?

ireland1sttime · Newbie

Thank you! Doolin is booked because of a music festival, so Ennis it is! We were just going to use cash or charge, and make some B & B's in advance, probably this week as it is only two weeks away! I thought we would go Shannon to Ennis, then Cliffs of Moher day 2 and then maybe drive to Dingle on day 2, spend 2 nights in Dingle, 3 in Killarney and the last closer to Cork. I believe our flight out of Cork is at noon. Do you think the drive to Dingle after Cliffs of Moher will be too much for us? I know it is 4 hours, but maybe slower?

Michele Erdvig · Host

You will be fine driving from Doolin to Dingle. Make a few stops along the way to break up the journey and have lunch. that way you won't be in the car the whole time.