4 days / 3 nigths - Killarney and Galway ??

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shelster
shelster

I have 3 nights / 4 days to spend somewhere after attending a wedding in Co Cork (Clonakilty); by the fourth night I need to be back to Dublin ready for early morning ferry next day.

Was considering spending two nights in Killarney, driving the Ring of Kerry one day with a day trip to Dingle the other day and then driving up to Galway area for third night, at some point visiting the Cliffs of Moher, before driving back to Dublin next day.

Thought this seemed reasonable (was suggested by an Irish friend from Co. Cork) but after reading some of the comments on the TT, wondered if was stretching ourselves too much and would be better choosing either Kerry or Galway ?? If you think yes, which would you recommend ? Also, If I do go to Kerry, would you recommend staying in Killarney or Dingle ?? Finally, was intending on driving along N71 from Clonakilty to Killarney to take in coastal scenery etc, realise this will take longer than staying on faster roads (N22?) but anyone got an idea how long ?

This is first week of September, Mon-Wed nights; will we be ok just turning up to B&Bs or do need to book in advance ? What are chances of getting discounts off published prices ? 40 Euro per person seems a bit pricey for a B&B ......

Many Thanks

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timothysolberg
timothysolberg

If you have the time, driving the N 71 is well worth it. Besides coastal views, the stretch between Kenmare and Killarney alongside the national park is especially beautiful.

viamichelin.com gives an estimated driving time of two hours. I think it will take closer to three--and more if you stop to take a walk or admire the view. And it would be criminal if you don't.

I would recommend that you not spend the night in Killarney. Instead, go on to Dingle and spend two nights there. Spend your evenings listening to traditional music sessions in a pub and take a lot of time driving around the Slea Head Peninsula.

You can drive from Killarney to Dingle in under two hours. If the weather is clear as you get west of Tralee, drive over Connor Pass to Dingle. You may not get another chance to enjoy the view from the top.

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donnaoh
donnaoh

I travelled from cork-limerick-ennis-burren coast road-galway-roscommon in the past 2 days. From ennis up to galway i saw lots of b and b signs for prices from 25euro. if you haggle you might even get a few euro off. those prices were all in the country, didnt check the prices in towns. There are a good few hostels in the burren also, try googling them maybe. Good luck

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vodkajihad
vodkajihad

I'd do Killarney if I was you. I'm not crazy about Dingle and it's quite out of the way if you're in a rush.

If you get a chance to fit Connemara in you'll pretty much get the two most beautiful places in the country in. (The other being Killarney national park)

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strahan
strahan

I would stay in Killarney, not bother with Dingle. It seemed a long drive for not much at the end.

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patrickwilltravel
patrickwilltravel

My favorite part of Ireland is Galway and the surrounding areas. There are some beautiful little coastal towns north that are really worth a look. The drive is scenic and the towns are so quaint and full of character.

I didn't personally like Dingle all that much and would always opt for more time near Galway than in the South.

An alternative would be to base yourself out of Galway, spend a night there, and then head north along the coast all the way to Donegal. The drive isn't too long and it is plenty scenic to pass the time. If you're looking to see some unspoiled cliffs that dwarf the Cliffs of Moher, I'd recommend heading to the Slieve League Cliffs--they haven't been spoiled like the Cliffs of Moher.

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