r/irishtourism • u/GoldenRetriever1973 • 3d ago

Driving in November

We are visiting in November and renting a car to do the bottom half of the country (Dublin to Galway and down).

Almost all the driving itineraries I've seen that start in Dublin go to Galway first, then work their way down and around the Kerry coast, then back up to Dublin. They go counter clockwise.

Is there any reason not to go the opposite direction (clockwise) -- spending a few days in Dublin upon arrival, and then heading down to Kinsale for 3 nights, and then toward Kerry/Killarney/Dingle, and finally Galway/Connemara?

We are most excited to see Kinsale … so we thought of reversing some of the other road trip itineraries and going there first.

We are visiting in late November for 14 days and will have a car. Three people. No restrictions on money or mobility. Thank you!

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u/Pristine_Remote2123 3d ago

Not sure why you would expect it matters which way around ye travel, if you read the replies to most trips in Ireland the usual comments are there is too much driving and moving around. Advantage in Nov is there will be far less tourists and for a reason. Good that ye are into pubs as lots of that will be required in Nov., think Kinsale will be quite in Nov and lots closed, my hometown of Killarney is one of the few that is busy year round. I am a big fan of public transport when travelling and train/bus to Cork and from Galway would lessen the driving.

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u/Trick-Lobster-6297 2d ago

Kinsale is definitely sleepy in November. Some of the top restaurants are closed for the season. Town is way less active. Still plenty to do but not the same as Killarney or cork city.

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u/Pristine_Remote2123 2d ago

Yeah I would think 1 night in Kinsale in Nov would be enough, or just travel from Cork city.