We'll be driving from Doolin to the Waterford area and would like to spend the night and do some sightseeing along the way, rather than spend so many hours in the car. We're more interested in smaller towns or rural sights than cities.
Is the ring of Kerry worth driving in August, or will be just be in one long line of cars and buses? I know the area is gorgeous, but we don't have all that much time, and I hate to devote a day or two to being in traffic with so many other visitors.
Also, I have been warned that driving times in Ireland tend to be longer than they would appear. Does anyone have and web site suggestions with driving time estimates (other than driving/mapping sites like Google Maps)?
While I agree with jabo that viamichelin is a useful site, its time schedules are way too optimistic for Ireland. You can do the times suggested somewhat slower, but it still means driving on 'N' roads (main roads) and missing the real charm of Irish driving - taking the slow scenic route.
It will give you some idea of driving and touring.
Regarding the Ring, August is the busiest month but it is still quite possible.
Doolin-Waterford: The direct road takes you through Limerick, an interesting city but a much more interesting route is via the Killimer- Tarbert car ferry (no need to book - runs every 30 mins or thereabouts), and then visit Adare (near Limerick), or call into the fascinating Flying boat museum at Foynes. En route to W'ford, Cashel is well worth a visit to see the dramatic castle, while Cahir also has a castle and the Swiss Cottage. For a scenic diversion nearer Waterford, the Comeragh mountains are quite beautiful (although really large hills in the European sense!!).
Peter I totally agree with you that while Michelin is great nothing can beat the slow scenic routes, that is why I still use the good old fashioned method of a road map and not the GPS! jabo
Posts: 151 | Location: Israel | Registered: 07 December 2001
