Posted on January 07, 2011 by Fiona Hilliard

If you’re clever enough to have booked car hire in Ireland, you should definitely add Killarney, Co. Kerry to your itinerary. 

When you’re looking for a hire car Dublin Airport is your best bet.  Here you’ll find cheap car hire which will see you through to a trip to Kerry. 

Once you reach that wondrous kingdom that is Kerry, the Gap of Dunloe is a great place to start your scenic Kerry road trip adventure.  This impressive v-shaped valley stretches on for 4 miles and features one of Ireland’s most picturesque glacial phenomenon.  It runs between the McGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range and the Purple Mountains.  It is situated around 10 miles from the lively tourist town of Killarney.

While you’re in the area, you might also like to stop off at the famous cottage at the entrance to the Gap of Dunloe, where a woman called Kate Kearney is said to have died in childbirth at a youthful age of 102…!

From Kenmare, follow the N70 west through Templenoe and look out for the signs north to Derreendaragh.  Once you’ve reached Derreendaragh, take the small road that leads northeast to the Purple Mountains.

Alternatively, you could check out the Dingle Peninsula.  The Dingle Peninsula begins at the Slieve Mish Mountains and ends opposite the Blasket Island.  The most westerly land in Europe is the Dingle Peninsula. 

The Dingle Peninsula is for many people a serious test of concentration.  It’s so spectacular that you’ll find it a difficult to keep your eyes on the road, but please do! Beautiful backdrops, crashing waves and gentle green hills are dotted all around the place.

The picturesque 8.6 mile Slea Head drive makes for a stunning day trip.

How to get there:  

Turn right towards Dingle between the ship canal on your right and the River Lee.  You will find Blennerville Windmill located right in front of you and the Slieve Mish Mountains in the background.

Keep driving along the T68 with Tralee Bay to your right and the four mountains to your left.  These mountains are the Glanbrack Mountain, the Baurtregaum, Caherconree and the Gearhane. Drive on for a further 7km until you reach the Stradbally Mountains.  You should be able to see Fenit Harbour on your right.  You will soon reach the edge of Camp village, which you will recognise as soon as you get to a pub called The Railway.

Follow the Tralee-Dingle Railway towards Anascaul or on the way to Stradbally and across the Conor Pass.  If following the Conor Pass, take a sudden turn right along the main road.

Take a right turn at Castle Gregory and the Magharee Peninsula which is located between the bays of Brandon and Tralee. Not bad going for a cheap hire car.