Lonely Planet Cork, Kerry & Southwest Ireland Road Trips

Neil Wilson

Description

Lonely Planet: The world's number one travel guide publisher Whether exploring your own backyard or somewhere new, discover the freedom of the open road with Lonely Planet's Cork, Kerry & Southwest Ireland's Best Trips. Featuring amazing road trips, plus up-to-date advice on the destinations you'll visit along the way, you can explore the Ring of Kerry, the castles of Killarney and West Cork villages - all with your trusted travel companion. Jump in the car, turn up the tunes, and hit the road! Inside Lonely Planet's Cork, Kerry & Southwest Ireland's Best Trips: Lavish colour and gorgeous photography throughout Itineraries and planning advice to pick the right tailored routes for your needs and interests Get around easily - easy-to-read, full-colour route maps and detailed directions Insider tips to get around like a local, avoid trouble spots and be safe on the road - local driving rules, parking, toll roads Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Useful features - including Stretch Your Legs, Detours, Link Your Trip Covers Cork, Kerry, Killarney and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Cork, Kerry & Southwest Ireland's Best Trips is perfect for exploring southwest Ireland by road. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveler's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia)

Sujets

• Condado de Cork
• Ireland
• County Cork
• Stephen Ireland
• Comté de Cork

Informations

• Publié par: Lonely Planet
• Date de parution: 01 mars 2020
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781838690229
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 15 Mo

Extrait

CONTENTS

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Welcome to Cork, Kerry & Southwest Ireland
Cork, Kerry & Southwest Ireland Map
Cork, Kerry & Southwest Ireland Highlights
Cork City Guide
Need to Know

ROAD TRIPS

1 Southwest Blitz 4 Days
2 Ring of Kerry 4 Days
3 Dingle Peninsula 3–4 Days
4 Shannon River Route 4 Days
DESTINATIONS

COUNTY CORK
Cork City
City Centre & Around
Western Road & Around
Around Cork City
Blarney Castle
Fota Island
Cobh
Midleton & Around
Youghal
Stretch Your Legs Cork City
COUNTY KERRY
Killarney
Around Killarney
Killarney National Park
Gap of Dunloe
Ring of Kerry
Killorglin
Caherdaniel
Kenmare
Dingle Peninsula
Dingle Town
Northern Kerry
Tralee
COUNTY LIMERICK
Limerick City
Adare & Around
Lough Gur
Kilmallock & Around

ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

Ireland Driving Guide
Driving Licence & Documents
Insurance
Hiring a Car
Bringing Your Own Vehicle
Maps
Roads Conditions
Road Rules
Parking
Fuel
Safety
Border Crossings
Radio
Ireland Travel Guide
Getting There & Away
Air
Sea
Directory A–Z
Accommodation
Electricity
Food
LGBTQI+ Travellers
Health
Internet Access
Money
Opening Hours
Photography
Public Holidays
Safe Travel
Taxes & Refunds
Telephone
Tourist Information
Travellers with Disabilities
Visas

Behind the Scenes
Our Writer
WELCOME TO CORK, KERRY & SOUTHWEST IRELAND

The Southwest contains some of Ireland’s most iconic scenery: crenulated coastlines, green fields crisscrossed by tumbledown stone walls, and mist-shrouded mountain peaks and bogs.
    This idyllic area claims some of the country’s top peninsula drives – the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula – as well as a shoal of charming fishing towns and villages that have helped establish the southwest as a gourmet heartland, fanning out from the country’s spirited second-largest city, Cork.
    The region’s exquisite beauty makes it one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations, but there’s always an isolated cove or untrodden trail to discover along its roads.

Dingle Peninsula Driving the Wild Atlantic Way MAYDAYS/GETTY IMAGES ©

CORK, KERRY & SOUTHWEST IRELAND HIGHLIGHTS
Dingle Peninsula
This rocky, striated land has a history as compelling as its beauty, prehistoric monuments, scenic spots and fabulous pubs. See it on Trip 3

TYLER W. STIPP/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Cork
An appealing waterfront location, some of the best food you’ll find, lively craic and a liberal, youthful and cosmopolitan dynamic make Cork hard to resist. See it on Trip 1

MADRUGADA VERDE/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Ring of Kerry
Yes, it’s popular. And yes, it’s always choked with bus traffic, especially in summer. But there are 1000 reasons why the Ring of Kerry is the tourist charm bracelet it is. See it on Trip 2

JORG GREUEL/GETTY IMAGES ©
CITY GUIDE

English Market Cork’s produce market GABRIEL12/SHUTTERSTOCK ©
CORK CITY
The Republic of Ireland’s second city is second only to Dublin in size; in every other respect it considers itself equal to Dublin (or even better). Great restaurants, top-class galleries and a vibrant pub scene lend credence to its claim, while the people are as friendly and welcoming as you’ll find anywhere.
Getting Around
Cork’s compact centre and easy-to-follow one-way system makes driving a relatively hassle-free experience.
Parking
Streetside parking requires scratch-card parking discs (€2 per hour), obtained from the tourist office and some newsagencies. There are several signposted car parks around the central area, with charges of €2 per hour and €12 overnight.
Where to Eat
The narrow pedestrianised streets north of St Patrick’s St are packed with cafes and restaurants, and the place hops day and night. The English Market is the place for great produce and outstanding daytime eats.
Where to Stay
Base yourself in town, as close to St Patrick’s St and the South Mall as possible. Once you’ve exhausted the warren of streets between these two locations, venture west across the Lee and wander up to Shandon, where Corkonians regularly take refuge from the city below.

TOP EXPERIENCES
A Look Upon Cork
Wander up through Shandon and explore the galleries, antique shops and cafes of the city’s prettiest neighbourhood, perched on a hill on the northern side of town.
A Eyeball the Best of Irish Art
The Crawford Municipal Art Gallery is small, but it’s packed with great art by such top Irish names as Jack B Yeats, Nathaniel Hone, Sir John Lavery and Mainie Jellett.
A Indulge Your Taste Buds
Cork’s foodie scene is made famous by its collection of terrific restaurants, but don’t forget the splendid Victorian English Market.
A Have a Night on the Town
Atmospheric old pubs, buzzing music venues and a well-respected theatre scene make for a memorable night.
Useful Websites
Cork City Tourism ( www.cometocork.com ) Sights, accommodation bookings, discounts.
People’s Republic of Cork ( www.peoplesrepublicofcork.com ) Indie guide to what’s on in Cork.
WhazOn? ( www.whazon.com ) Comprehensive entertainment listings.
Trips Through Cork City Trip 1
Destination Coverage: here
NEED TO KNOW

CURRENCY
Euro (€)
LANGUAGES
English, Irish
VISAS
Not required by most citizens of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.
FUEL
Petrol (gas) stations are everywhere, but are limited on motorways. Expect to pay €1.35 per litre of unleaded (€1.25 for diesel).
RENTAL CARS
Avis ( www.avis.ie )
Europcar ( www.europcar.ie )
Hertz ( www.hertz.ie )
Thrifty ( www.thrifty.ie )
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Country code ( 353)
Emergencies ( 999)
Roadside Assistance ( 1800 667 788)

When to Go
Climate

High Season (Jun–mid-Sep)
A Weather at its best.
A Accommodation rates at their highest (especially in August).
A Tourist peak in Dublin, Kerry and southern and western coasts.
Shoulder (Easter–May, mid-Sep–Oct)
A Weather often good: sun and rain in May, often-warm ‘Indian summers’ in September.
A Summer crowds and accommodation rates drop off.
Low Season (Nov–Easter)
A Reduced opening hours from October to Easter; some destinations close.
A Cold and wet weather throughout the country; fog can reduce visibility.
A Big city attractions operate as normal.
Your Daily Budget
Budget: Less than €60
A Dorm bed: €12–20
A Cheap meal in cafe or pub: €6–12
A Pint: €4.50–5 (more in cities)
Midrange: €60–150
A Double room in hotel or B&B: €80–180 (more in Dublin)
A Main course in midrange restaurant: €12–25
A Car rental (per day): €25-45
Top End: More than€€150
A Four-star hotel stay: from €150
A Three-course meal in good restaurant: around €50
A Top round of golf from €90
Eating
Restaurants From cheap cafes to Michelin-starred feasts, covering every imaginable cuisine.
Cafes Cafes are good for all-day breakfasts, sandwiches and basic dishes.
Pubs Pub grub ranges from toasted sandwiches to carefully crafted dishes.
Hotels All hotel restaurants take nonguests. A popular option in the countryside.
Eating price indicators represent the cost of a main dish:
Eating costs
€ less than €12
€€ €12–25
€€€ more than €25
Sleeping
Hotels From chain hotels with comfortable digs to Norman castles with rainfall shower rooms and wi-fi.
B&Bs From a bedroom in a private home to a luxurious Georgian townhouse.
Hostels Every major town and city has a selection of hostels, with clean dorms and wi-fi. Some have laundry and kitchen.
Sleeping price indicators represent the cost of a double room in high season:
Sleeping costs
€ less than €80
€€ €80–180
€€€ more than €180
Arriving in Ireland
Dublin Airport
Rental cars Rental agencies have offices at the airport.
Taxis Taxis to the city take 30 to 45 minutes and cost €25 to €30.
Buses Private coaches run every 10 to 15 minutes to the city centre (€6).
Cork Airport
Rental cars There are car-hire desks for all the main companies.
Taxis A taxi to/from town costs €22 to €26.
Bus Every half hour between 6am and 10pm to the train station and bus station (€2.80).
Dun Laoghaire Ferry Port
Train DART (suburban rail) takes about 25 minutes to the centre of Dublin.
Bus Public bus takes around 45 minutes to the centre of Dublin.
Mobile Phones
All European and Australasian phones work in Ireland, as do North American phones not locked to a local network. Check with your provider. Prepaid SIM cards cost from €10.
Internet Access
Wi-fi and 3G/4G networks are making internet cafes largely redundant. Most accommodation places have free wi-fi, or a daily charge (up to €10).
Money
ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards can be used in most places, but check first.
Tipping
Not obligatory, but 10% to 15% in restaurants; €1 per bag for hotel porters.
Useful Websites
Entertainment Ireland ( www.entertainment.ie ) Countrywide listings.
Failte Ireland ( www.discoverireland.ie ) Official tourist-board website for the Republic.
Lonely Planet ( www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland , www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/northern-ireland ) Destination information, hotel bookings, traveller forum and more.

For more, see Road Trip Essentials .
Road Trips

1 Southwest Blitz, 4 Days
Blitz the best of southwest Ireland’s coast, countryside and cosmopolitan city life.
2 Ring of Kerry, 4 Days
Weave past jaw-dropping scenery as you circumnavigate the Iveragh Peninsula.
3 Dingle Peninsula, 3–4 Days
Dingle’s ancient landscape is ringed by quaint fishing villages and spectacular beaches.
4 Shannon River Route, 4 Days
Meander alongside Ireland’s mightiest river and get out on the water too.

Dingle Peninsula Connor Pass ROLF G WACKENBERG/SHUTTERSTOCK ©
Southwest Blitz

Killarney
Killorglin
Cahersiveen
Caherdaniel
Kenmare
Bantry
Cork City
Fota Wildlife Park
Cobh
Midleton
Youghal
Dungarvan
SOUTHWEST BLITZ

Catch the very best of Ireland’s southwest along this classic route as it curls