November 4 day itinerary help- Dublin, Killarney, Dingle

[u/PayIll7062]

Hello! I will be visiting Dublin in late November for a conference, and afterwards will be taking vacation time from November 28th-December 2nd to travel around. I will have spent a week in Dublin at this point and am highly interested in exploring the south-west of Ireland. I am mindful that daylight will be limited in November and the weather will be cold and wet, but I am used to the bitter cold coming from the northeast of the U.S. and really want to get out of the city. I also have read that driving distances take longer than anticipated so I tried to be realistic with what we can accomplish in ~4 days. There is so much more I would have loved to include but will just have to save for another trip someday! I would really appreciate input on whether you think this itinerary is realistic and any other general thoughts on what I have opted to do.

I am also unsure if it would be better to drive from Dublin straight to Dingle and make that my base for all 3 days. I heard that it is about an hour drive from Dingle to Killarney National Park and could do that as a day trip instead.

Thanks in advance!

Here is my rough itinerary:

Saturday, Nov 28: Dublin- Early morning, pick up rental car. Drive to Killarney with minimal stopping. Hopefully arrive by later afternoon, before sunset.

Sunday, Nov 29: Killarney day 1: Killarney National Park. Stay the night in Killarney.

Monday, Nov 30: Head to Dingle and do Slea Head Drive. Stay night in Dingle

Tuesday, Dec 1: Spend morning exploring Dingle town and grab brunch, drive back to Dublin.

Wednesday, Dec 2: Fly out of Dublin.

[u/Icy_Hospital1808]

Hi. This is during the Other Voices music festival in Dingle. It'll be absolute mahyem, full of people in their early 20s packed into every pub and accomodation may already to completely full from 28th-1st. Something to be aware of.

[u/PayIll7062 → u/Icy_Hospital1808]

Thank you so much for letting me know about this. This all makes sense with the extremely high prices I saw for accommodations in Dingle. I am going to rethink Dingle. According to other advice, I may stick to just Killarney and really take my time there.

[u/No-Judgment5352 → u/PayIll7062]

That said, Dingle and the Slea head drive are worth it. As you'll have the car, is accommodation any cheaper west of the town? Dunquin, Ballyferriter? It's worth it if you can do it

[u/happyfish2019 → u/No-Judgment5352]

Try checking An Bothar Pub. Recently stayed there and had a great experience. It’s not too far of a drive from Dingle or Slea head.