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Ireland Driving Trip Planner

Each itinerary attempts to guide the visitor through the cultural, natural and historical attractions of an area of Ireland. When possible Ireland should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, roads in isolated locations are often of inferior quality to what the visitor may be used to, care should be taken at all times when driving. Itineraries aims to restrict driving to a couple of hours a day, so that locations visited can be fully explored.

A Travel Itinerary for The South West , Cork & Kerry

The southwest of Ireland provides, in many educated opinions, the most magnificent scenery in Ireland. Tourist guides across the globe enthuse on the wonders of the Lakes of Killarney, the unpopulated swathes of the Western Peninsulas, and the undulating seascape of West Cork.

For many visitors to Ireland this area is a "must see". Such distinction brings its own challenges. Accommodation is often difficult to find, particularly in the summer months, and concerns have been raised as to how we recognise and deal with tourist saturation.

We suggest visits outside of the busiest months, July and August, when possible. Alternatively, it is best to book early, particularly in the towns; Killarney, Dingle and Kinsale are particularly busy in summer.

Arrival: Shannon Airport

In the arrivals lounge the visitor will find all the facilities you will require before setting out on your voyage. There are several Car Rental Pick-Up desks, although it is essential that vehicles have been reserved in advance. Click here to book a car.

When you leave Shannon airport take the N19 to Limerick, not forgetting to drive on the left! Within a few moments your first opportunity for sightseeing comes into view. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, an authentic 14th-17th century castle.

The city of Limerick certainly merits a visit. However you may prefer to travel on to the picturesque village of Adare, the self-proclaimed prettiest village in Ireland. (Take the N20 from Limerick). Adare being only one hour from Shannon makes it a good starting point on your Irish adventure and gives the weary traveller the opportunity to rest in one of the numerous accommodations, ranging from humble B&B’s to the splendour of Adare Castle.

Next day rise early to enjoy your first experience of the traditional Irish breakfast, this should satisfy even the healthiest of appetites until lunch.

On leaving Adare continue to Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale before joining the N21 for Tralee and on to Dingle.

Dingle, the most westerly town in Europe, is a no more than a village whose population is swelled in summer by hordes of curious visitors. Other towns and cities may rival it for eating and drinking, but which of those can boast as well the music, the craic, the sea, the sand, the scenery, a friendly dolphin, and the easy warmth of the welcome.

From Dingle the visitor has the option of continuing to Killarney in little over half an hour. However, if you have a little more time we advise you continue on through the Dingle Peninsula, one of the most beautiful areas of the entire region. The Dingle Peninsula, stretching westwards for 30 miles (48 km) from the low-lying country near Tralee, is the most northerly of the hilly promontories of County Kerry. Continue Westwards from Dingle and you enter a world where the pace of life is distinctly more sedate, the scenery is wonderful and the people need no encouragement to show kindness to the visitor.

Accommodation is available in towns such as Dunquin, Ballyferriter or Strandbally.

On leaving the Peninsula make for Killarney. On approaching the town you immediately realise that this is a town that takes its tourism seriously. Guesthouses are abundant, more per head of population than anywhere else in Ireland, yet it is not unusual to see all of them displaying the "No Vacancies" signs. Since you will have booked in advance, you will be among the lucky ones. Do not be put off by the number of people. Everything you will want to see around Killarney is found outside of the town, where numbers are considerably reduced. Two nights are required if the visitor is to properly explore the Killarney area.

From Killarney take the road south to Kenmare (N71). This will take you through areas of spectacular natural beauty. You will skirt the Lakes of Killarney and continue through woods and hills as far as Kenmare. Take a few hours to explore this town before following the road on to Glengarriff. Here you may wish to pass another night. A pretty village lying in the heart of a beautiful glen. Glengariff Harbour has the appearance of a lovely land-locked estuary or a lake dotted with a hundred wooded islets.

Glengariff will be your first experience of West Cork, almost a region by itself. The irony of West Cork is that while emigration has drained the area of much of its youth, many other people, young and old have come here to live. The tastes of the new arrivals have fused with those of the locals resulting in some of the country’s finest craft producers.

In the morning continue on the road towards Bantry as far as Ballydehob, Skibbereen and finally Clonakilty. The night is spent in Clonakilty, a busy market town filled with pretty shop fronts and hand-painted signposts.

The following day the road takes you through to Kinsale. A real gem of a seaside town, and known as "The Gourmet Capital of Ireland". You will spend the night here, and doubtless enjoy a delicious seafood platter before proceeding to the capital of the south, the city of Cork. Cork is an important industrial hub, mainly due to the prominence of its harbour.

The charm of Cork can be found in narrow lanes and good conversation rather than any great series of architectural delights. The city has a rich musical and sporting tradition and a number of popular festivals are held throughout the year.

Cork is the ideal base for visiting surrounding towns and villages. One trip the visitor will want to take is to the village of Blarney, where you can hang precariously from a castle turret to kiss the Blarney stone, the mythical key to the "Gift of the gab".

Other excursions worth making are to Ballincollig, Cobh or Bandon.

From Cork you will take the road back to Shannon airport, with a heavy heart at having to leave such an idyllic part of the world.

This ten-day trip around the southwest is designed to give you a true sample of the region, and the desire to return to see the places you loved, as well as those you missed. We encourage you to travel at a relaxed pace, taking time to explore. If you require more information in travel plans or on how to make reservations please contact us.

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