We went to Eire for the first time this year via Rosslare. We drove straight o our first point of call at Cahersiveen in Kerry. Mannix Point is a small site and Mortimer the owner is a mine of tourist information and the scenery around the site is breathtaking . Found very few place to pull in with the van on route as laybyes are blocked because of Irish Tinkers/Travellers. So take the warning!
Kerry was brilliant, roads can be basic and on the route to Cahersiveen we came in from the north to the "ring of kerry" taking anti clockwise route. We met people with tales of horror who took the route from the south taking the clockwise route around the ring of Kerry. Blown head gaskets, gearboxes, axles and suspension on cars, disco's and various other 4X4's as well as general overheating problems including serious break fading causing serious fun and off road excusions and knocks and bangs!
Anti clock wise route from north is the best if you fanct trying the sites on the south tip of the ring. Ring of Kerry has some awsome views and scenery.
Guinness is expensive and Irish whisky is cheaper here than on Irish Ferries. We staid near Waterford on campsite until 9.30 pm before driving back to Rosslare and sleepimg in the ferry port. Ferry loading Guy advised that there is a nearby campsite at or near "our Ladies Island" close to Rosslare.He insisted that people flee the ferry port and miss this beautiful area of Ireland!
Friendliest people I have ever met, fuel and campsites are more reasonable than here but some things are very expensive!
My 26 K car here costs over 39k in Eire and an 8K loaded Toyota is caompared to 14k for basic model in Ireland. We spent most of the holiday drooling over the houses. Outside the cities you need something like 1/2 an Acre plus before you can build and they pay no rates. Different tax system allows for individual stunning large homes in many places. My 500K+ home is a comparative shack compared to many Irish homes.
Most roads are A type roads with a kind of hard shoulder. Everyone pulls over onto the hard shoulder area to let following vehicles slip bye, they even do the same on motorway and dual cariageways when it is busy. So don't hog the road, thny all wave, flash lights,hazards and indicate left right in thanks. Very friendly relaxed stuff with very few hold ups on the smaller roads.