Doolin to Loop Head to Tralee in a day??

annettemcgrath · Veteran Member

Doolin to Loop Head to Tralee in a day??

Michele Erdvig · Host

Annette,

It is doable but I would suggest you get on the road by no later than 10 am. Earlier if possible. You might also stop along the way and get picnic makings or sandwiches at the deli counter at any supermarket. Loop Head is a perfect place for picnicing with its grassy headland overlooking the sea.

Michele

yesiree · Guru

The drive to Loop Head takes longer than expected, but it's very beautiful. With an early start you should be able to get to Tralee at a reasonable time.

Along the way, consider a walk out to the Bridge of Ross (it'll add 30+ minutes), and a stop at the church in Kilbaha is interesting to learn about the Little Ark (another 20 minutes).

annettemcgrath · Veteran Member

Thanks for the response. It gives us another option to know that is a possibility.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Annette,

As Corey says there is a lot to do and see along the way. It is a long but very enjoyable day. If the weather is good go for it.

Michele

annettemcgrath · Veteran Member

Hi Michele and Corey (and everyone else),

Instead of going all the way onto Tralee that day, how about staying over in Kilkee? Or another town? Or how about going back to Doolin? To me going back to Doolin seems like too much backtracking since we'd be headed to Dingle next, but maybe it isn't as far as it looks.

Thanks!

Annette

Dude · Guru

If we decide to go south from Shannon, I guess this day would be too much for our first, jet-lagged day?I mean going straight to Loop Head and then taking the ferry.Was thinking about The Shores for our first night, although something in Tralee or even a bit farther north might be good also. But I kinda had my heart set on The Shores, from Michele's description.

-- Edited by Dude at 17:27, 2006-04-26

Michele Erdvig · Host

Annette,

You could certainly spend the night in west Clare instead of Tralee. I have a recommendation for a nice B&B in Kilrush called Hillcrest View. I agree that you should not go back to Doolin because you will spend too much time backtracking. The multliple-night rule only applies if you don't have to do a lot of that.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dude,

If you drive to The Shores on your first day in Ireland do not do Loop Head. You should take the main road through Limerick, down to Tralee and out to Stradbally on the north shore of Dingle. That is more than enough for day one. Save the long sightseeing days for when you are rested and refreshed.

Michele

annettemcgrath · Veteran Member

Michele,

Thanks. Now that I know the logistics, I have to decide how badly we want to see Loop Head (anyone have thoughts about how much of a must see it is??). I'm leaning towards two nights in Doolin, especially since our first night there we'll have arrived after a long drive from Kingscourt. We will be spending time on the Dingle and Beara Peninsulas and seeing a lot of great scenery, so maybe Loop Head wouldn't be missed. If we do skip Loop Head in favor of a second night in Doolin, what can we hope to see that day? Do ferries go to over to the Arans at all in October? Ok, now I'm rambling and thinking aloud. There are just so many choices to make!

Annette

Dude · Guru

You're right, Michele, it seemed like a cool day trip. Just not on our first day! Is there a reason to go through Limerick instead of taking the ferry?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Annette,

Loop Head is magnificent off the beaten path scenery that few tourists frequent. It is lovely on a nice day but in rain and wind would not be advised. Since you will be visiting Dingle and Beara I think you will get a good taste of spectacular Irish scenery with those. Planning a trip is all about making choices. You can't see it all.

The Doolin ferries go from April - Sept. If you want to go to the Aran Islands maybe you should stay in Galway instead.

Michele

-- Edited by Michele Erdvig at 01:49, 2006-04-28

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dude,

Going through Limerick is actually your quickest route. With the bypass roads now it is pretty easy. Do note that you will be on the Cork road for a while before branching off to the N21.

I generally recommend taking the ferry for those who are already going in the direction of west Clare and the cliffs. Also, it costs 15 euro one way on the ferry. If you don't get there in time you will have a wait for the next ferry.

Michele

annettemcgrath · Veteran Member

Michele,

I feel good about missing Loop Head....well not good - I'd still love to see it, but you're right we can't see it all. I got an e-mail from the Doolin Ferries and they said sometimes they will go into the second week of October weather permitting. So that will be something we play be ear - if we get to go it will be a nice surprise, if not I'm sure we can find something else in County Clare to keep us occupied for the day.

Annette

Michele Erdvig · Host

Annette,

That would be great if the ferry was running. Don't feel too bad about Loop Head. It is a good excuse to go back again!

Michele