2 Days Around the Ring of Kerry: Things to Do in Killarney
TRAVEL DATES: MARCH 15-17, 2023 | EST. READING TIME: 18 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Ever wonder why Ireland is associated with the color green?
Situated in the southwest corner of Ireland, the Iveragh Peninsula is home to the Ring of Kerry: Ireland’s most spectacular mountain road covered in the greenest grass you’ve ever seen!
This renowned scenic circuit through County Kerry offers a snapshot of Ireland's untouched beauty and needs to be on your itinerary when visiting Ireland! Rugged landscapes, spectacular valleys, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline encompass the breathtaking vistas of Kerry that have been admired for centuries. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages offering insights into traditional Irish life and culture. Most visitors reside in Killarney while exploring this area, so be sure to plan for at least two days here so you can tour the Ring of Kerry and still have time to enjoy the town!
Two Day Killarney Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed Killarney, Ireland travel guide you’ll find below:
Day 1
7:00 - 10:19 AM: 🚉 Depart via train from Dublin Heuston (3 hr 19 min)
10:20 - 10:30 AM: 🚗 Begin your Ring of Kerry tour with pick-up from Killarney station (10 min)
11:05 - 11:40 AM: 🛖 Explore the Kerry Bog Village while sipping on Irish coffee from Red Fox Inn (35 min)
12:00 - 12:20 PM: 🚣♀️ Admire Dingle Bay from the Mountain Stage Viewpoint (20 min)
1:10 - 2:10 PM: 🍲 Eat lunch at the Vista Bar within Scarriff Inn overlooking the ocean below (1 hr)
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM: 🌊 Stop at the Cove viewpoint in Caherdaniel (20 min)
3:10 PM - 3:30 PM: 🏘️ Stroll through the colorful town of Sneem (20 min)
4:05 - 4:25 PM: ⛰️ Look out over Ladies view in Killarney National Park (20 min)
4:25 - 4:50 PM: 🚐 Travel back to Killarney as your Ring of Kerry tour concludes (25 min)
4:50 - 5:00 PM: 🛌🏽 Check-in to the Fairview Hotel and get some much needed rest (10 min)
Day 2
8:30 - 9:30 AM: 🍞 Indulge in the complimentary Irish breakfast at the Fairview Hotel (1 hr)
9:30 - 10:10 AM: 🏰 Take a leisurely stroll to Ross Castle (40 min)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 🏝️ Explore the abbatial ruins of Innisfallen Island after taking a boat over (1 hr)
12:00 - 12:30 PM: 🥾 Walk back the way you came to Killarney (30 min)
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM: 🛍️ Shop around Main Street and High Street for traditional Irish souvenirs (2 hr)
2:30 - 3:30 PM: 🦪 Grab a late seafood lunch at Kitty O’Se’s (1 hr)
3:41 - 7:06 PM: 🛤️ Train back to Dublin Heuston from Killarney station (3 hr 25 min)
How to Get Around Killarney?
A small town of ~15,000 residents situated on the shores of Lough Leane, Killarney unsurprisingly lacks the convenient public infrastructure you’d expect to find in a bustling metropolis. While a few bus routes service the interior of town, the compact nature of the main streets means traversing the area on foot is the best way to go, which is only about 800 meters long from one end to the other.
However, as the gateway to the Ring of Kerry 180 km scenic drive and the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail, it’s likely you’re staying in this town so you can embark further into the stunning landscapes of County Kerry. Doing so will undoubtedly require a vehicle, and unless you’re comfortable driving on the left side of narrow mountain roads, this probably isn’t the best time to try that out. If you do venture far outside town on foot and get desperate—I wouldn’t officially recommend this—but you could try hitching a ride back with a local like my friend and I did from Ross Castle. I’ve never considered hitchhiking in America, but we found the townspeople of Killarney to be so kind and welcoming that we felt comfortable accepting this act of kindness from a stranger.
To venture outside Killarney, you’re best suited embarking on a coach tour of the Ring of Kerry — doing so is not only the safer option for tourists, but you’ll also be able to sit back and enjoy the stunning panoramic coastline while learning about the history of the region on this drive through rugged countryside.
My best friend and I opted to tour County Kerry with the help of award-winning Killarney based tour operator, Wild Kerry Day Tours, known for their over 75 years of experience and knowledgeable local drivers.
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Setting off in an anti-clockwise direction from Killarney at 10:30 AM, their most popular offering maps the banks of the River Laune to Killorglin and then heads south to Glenbeigh, Kells, and Cahersiveen. The tour continues to Waterville along the coast via Coomakista Pass, Derrynane, and then Sneem. From Sneem you’ll travel north up the mountain road to the breathtaking Molls Gap and return back to the Ross Road depot at approximately 5:00 PM after taking in Ladies’ View and Muckross.
In addition to stopping at all points of interest, including the Kerry Bog Village and Dingle Bay, you’ll also stop for an hour lunch in the Waterville area and later take an afternoon break for refreshments. By booking directly through their website, you’ll benefit from the lowest prices, no hidden fees and 24/7 customer care for only $39.
One thing to note about this tour option (assuming all the coach drivers use the same script), is that your guide will talk the ENTIRE time you’re driving. My friend and I were shocked at how our driver managed to fill up the whole journey with chatter, which for the most part entailed historical information and local folklore, but sometimes devolved into him pointing out random buildings and landmarks. If you know nothing about the region and consider yourself to be an avid learner, this format will be perfect for you; however, if you don’t want to listen to someone talk for hours and hours on end, consider bringing along headphones and cueing up a playlist of Irish folk songs.
Pro Tip:
If you’re traveling to Killarney via daily rail and bus connections from Dublin, Cork or Tralee, complimentary pick up is available from Killarney bus and rail stations by emailing info@oconnorautotours.ie.
How to Get from Dublin to Killarney?
FROM: Dublin Heuston (Heuston Station Saint John's Road West, Dublin, Ireland)
TO: Killarney (The Avenue, Thoir, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland)
TRANSPORTATION: Dublin Heuston → Mallow via InterCity towards Cork (Kent) → Killarney via Tralee Service towards Tralee Casement Station on Irish Rail (3 hr 19 min, 1 transfer, $54)
The easiest transportation to Killarney, Ireland is to take the train from Dublin Heuston to Killarney station. Assuming you’ll embark on the Wild Kerry Day Tours Ring of Kerry tour upon your arrival, you’ll want to book tickets for the train departing at 7:00 AM, which arrives in Killarney at 10:19 AM just in time for the tour. This route involves one transfer in Mallow and lasts 3 hours and 19 minutes.
You could also consider doing the 3 hour and 30 minute drive yourself, which requires you to cross 310 km of Irish countryside to travel to Killarney, Ireland. If you’re traveling light, another quick option is to take the 55 minute flight from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Kerry Airport (KIR) offered by Ryanair for $44. Upon your arrival, you’ll also need to hop in a taxi to cover the 20 minute drive from the Kerry Airport into Killarney. While this transit option may appear to be more efficient, be sure to account for the additional time you’ll spend arriving at the airport early, as well as the hefty baggage fees Ryanair charges for carry-ons and checked luggage.
Where to Stay in Killarney?
LODGING: Fairview Hotel ($160.40 for one night with breakfast included, split amongst two people)
The 4-star Fairview Hotel is the optimal boutique accommodation in the center of Killarney, superbly balancing affordability with elevated hospitality to make your stay feel luxurious without breaking the bank. Offering the perfect refuge as one of the best Killarney hotels, the nightly rate comes with free overnight parking, spacious rooms, and modern amenities, making this the ideal home base from which to tour, golf, or socialize.
We stayed in a Superior Double room which comfortably fit two people on the queen-sized bed. Inside our room we found all the standard fixings of a quality yet reasonable hotel, including designer toiletries, complimentary WiFi, and a flat screen TV. The front desk staff also kindly helped us store our luggage while we explored the immediate area, which is a convenient five minute walk from the train station. If you feel like splurging, the elegant Executive rooms include a relaxing jacuzzi bath!
Pro Tip:
Book a bed and breakfast rate for your preferred room type to try a traditional Irish breakfast for only ~$10 more, which is likely the minimum you’d spend on breakfast anyways!
Things to Do in Killarney
FROM: Dublin Heuston (7:00 AM) (Heuston Station Saint John's Road West, Dublin, Ireland)
TO: Killarney (10:19 AM) (The Avenue, Thoir, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland)
TRANSPORTATION: Dublin Heuston → Mallow via InterCity towards Cork (Kent) → Killarney via Tralee Service towards Tralee Casement Station on Irish Rail (3 hr 19 min, 1 transfer, $54)
Day 1
After traveling from Dublin to Killarney, kick off an action-packed itinerary by heading straight onto a Ring of Kerry day tour upon your arrival into town.
Assuming you booked through Wild Kerry Day Tours, you’ll be picked up directly from the train station by a kind old gentleman and driven to the coach. The majority of the other tour passengers will already be waiting on the bus, so once your luggage is loaded you’ll set off on a scenic drive around southwest Ireland! The beginning of the tour maps the banks of the River Laune as you get your first glimpse of the pristinely green Irish countryside.
Kerry Bog Village
Your first stop is the Kerry Bog Village, which technically is an optional part of the tour since an additional €7 entrance fee is charged here. This outdoor museum provides a glimpse into the lives of the Irish people during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly those living in rural areas during the Great Famine. It offers an authentic representation of a period village, including thatched cottages, furnishings, and tools.
Each building is defined by a fictional inhabitant, with the interior designed to reflect how they would have lived based on their role in the village. For example, the tools required for turf cutting are one such traditional Irish practice on display around Jeremiah Mulvihill’s cottage, who is attributed as the resident of the turf cutters dwelling. Informative signage accompanies these period pieces to provide a deep dive into Ireland's cultural heritage.
My favorite activity here was getting to play with the Irish Wolfhounds on the property, a large dog breed historically used to hunt wolves in Ireland.
Drink — Red Fox Inn
Just next door you’ll find a traditional old pub, the Red Fox Inn. Boasting an old-timey atmosphere and décor, this pub is best known for their delectable Irish coffee. While a caffeinated alcoholic beverage may not sound appetizing early in the morning, the combination of Irish whiskey and hot coffee kept us nice and warm on the rainy, overcast day of our tour!
Given most popular Ireland entertainment happen outdoors, this tour stop represents one of the best Killarney indoor activities to consider if you visit during similarly rainy weather and havre a vehicle at your disposal.
If neither of these activities sound appealing to you during this first stop on the tour, consider walking across the street to a viewing point of the babbling River Caragh. The winding river cuts through a green patchwork of rugged hillside, making this an optimal spot to snap some photos before continuing on with the tour.
Dingle Bay
Driving for another 20 minutes through Glenbeigh will take you to the Mountain Stage viewpoint overlooking Dingle Bay. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, you’ll observe rugged cliffs, clear blue waters, and pristine beaches. The area offers panoramic views that are quintessentially Irish and provides another excellent opportunity for photos. You’ll only spend about twenty minutes here, so be sure to make the most of the time you have and depart from the coach promptly!
If you’re planning to spend more time in the region, consider returning to Dingle Bay to visit ancient sites like the Gallarus Oratory and the Ogham Stones, or to enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, sailing, fishing, hiking, and golfing. A wild dolphin named Fungie became a local celebrity here through his friendly interactions with humans, and although he’s no longer seen in the bay the area continues to be a great spot for watching dolphins, seals, and occasionally whales through guided boat tours.
Wild Kerry Day Tours also offers an option to explore the Dingle Peninsula, so if you enjoy their Ring of Kerry tour consider booking another guided journey back to this area with the same tour company!
Lunch — Vista Bar at Scarriff Inn
Driving for another 50 minutes through the Irish countryside will take you through Kells, Cahersiveen, and Waterville-Spunkane before you stop again at the Scarriff Inn for lunch. Your guide will likely convey similar information, but here’s a general overview if you’re curious to learn about these areas in advance:
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Kells is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, offering breathtaking views of Dingle Bay.
Cahersiveen is steeped in history, with several ancient forts and archaeological sites nearby, including the impressive Cahergal and Leacanabuaile forts. The town itself is named after Saint Fachtna and has a deep historical connection to Irish independence leader Daniel O'Connell, known as "The Liberator."
Waterville is famous for its world-class Waterville Golf Links nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Currane, one of the top-ranked courses in Ireland that attracts pros like Tiger Woods. Waterville is also celebrated for its association with legendary film actor Charlie Chaplin, who visited the village for many years with his family. His love for Waterville is commemorated with an annual film festival and a statue in his honor.
The Scarriff Inn is a family-run guest house famous for overlooking “the best view in Ireland” including Kenmare Bay, Bantry Bay, and Derrynane—patrons are treated to this view from every seat in the restaurant!
A popular stop on Ring of Kerry coach tours, the Vista Bar is efficiently set up as a cafeteria counter, where you’ll order from a limited menu before sitting down with your lunch tray. I would consider the food to be pretty average—and some of the menu options are decidedly overpriced—but the clam chowder I ate was reasonably tasty enough. Aside from the food, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the landscape below and can waste any extra time browsing through souvenirs in the gift shop.
Caherdaniel
Continuing along the coast via Coomakista Pass, your next scenic stop will occur at the Cove viewpoint just outside of Caherdaniel. The surrounding landscape of this area is characterized by rolling hills, lush vegetation, and a rugged coastline, offering the perfect opportunity for another quick photo. This is the last stop you’ll take along the coastal route, so wave goodbye to the Atlantic and prepare to traverse forested mountain roads for the remainder of the journey.
Sneem
Another quick stop on this journey, driving for 35 more minutes will take you to the town of Sneem, with its distinctive brightly colored buildings adding a vibrant atmosphere to the village. Famous for its public sculpture park, you can search for a collection of artwork by Irish and international artists scattered throughout Sneem which inherently turn the village into an open-air gallery to be explored. You can also head to the Garden of the Senses, designed to stimulate the five senses while providing a peaceful and reflective space for visitors.
Geographically, the village is divided by the Sneem River which flows through the center of town. On the rainy day of our tour this river was raging in full force, adding to the picturesque natural charm of Sneem.
Killarney National Park
In the final stretch of this long journey, you’ll continue back to where you started by traversing through Killarney National Park. The first national park established in Ireland in 1932, the park is home to the famous Lakes of Killarney—comprising Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake—which are set against the backdrop of rugged mountains to create a scene of breathtaking beauty. On this particular tour, you’ll stop at Ladies View after crossing through the mountain pass Molls Gap, a scenic point along the N71 road offering panoramic views of the park's lakes and valleys. The name comes from the admiration of the view by Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting during the royal visit in 1861 and is one of the most photographed locations within the park.
Traveling through Muckross will take you out of the park and back into Killarney around 5:00 PM. At this point, you’ll need to collect your luggage from the coach and finally check-in to your lodging for the night. After starting the day bright and early in Dublin, my best friend and I were exhausted by this point and decided to just order-in good ole Domino’s pizza before calling it a night!
Day 2
Breakfast - Fifth Season Restaurant at the Fairview Hotel
After a long restful night, begin your second day in Killarney with a traditional Irish breakfast from the Fifth Season restaurant within the Fairview Hotel. This offering includes grilled Kerry bacon, Cronins pork sausage, black and white pudding, tomato, mushrooms, and your choice of fried, poached, or scrambled eggs. Unbeknownst to me, black and white pudding is not the sweet gelatinous pudding us Americans assume it to be — instead, in Ireland this dish refers to a grain-based sausage flavored with plenty of fat and stuffed into a sausage casing. White pudding lacks the beef or pork blood included in black pudding, and while I gave both a try I don’t plan on ordering Irish pudding again anytime soon!
For more traditional breakfast offerings in the Western sense, if you purchased a bed and breakfast rate with your room you can also order a classic eggs Benedict, warm smoked salmon, pancakes, the Fairview waffle, or the Fairview platter of cold meats and Irish cheese. Gluten-free options are also available upon request.
Innisfallen Island
After breakfast, take a stroll out to Ross Castle, which should take around 40 minutes when departing from the Fairview Hotel. As you walk down Ross Road, you’ll see many jaunting cars—also known as horse-drawn carriages—passing by as one of the top things to in Killarney, Ireland. Depending on how much time you have to spare, consider taking a leisurely jaunting car ride to Ross Castle, which allows you to enjoy unobstructed views of the scenery without the intrusive noise of motor vehicles. It’s important to note these are round trip tours, meaning if you try to hitch a ride one way you’ll be totally out of luck since the drivers already have existing passengers they need to transport back to town.
From Reen Pier, depart in a small speedboat on an hour-long tour of Innisfallen Island. This island is home to the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey, an early Christian monastery founded in the 7th century by St. Finian the Leper.
The abbey played a crucial role in preserving Irish culture during the Dark Ages, since monks at Innisfallen were responsible for compiling the Annals of Innisfallen, a significant source of early Irish history chronicling events from 433 to 1453 AD.
This tranquil island was quite peaceful to explore as we spent the hour wandering through ruins now covered with lush vegetation. The total absence of permanent residents also meant we encountered many bugs flying around within the ruins.
It should go without saying, but on a tour it’s incredibly important to return to your designated transportation at the agreed upon time. The unassuming ruins of Innisfallen Abbey are spread around a relatively small area, but Innisfallen Island as a whole spans a whopping 21 acres, comprised of wooded, undulating hills. I make this point because one of the solo travelers in my tour could not be found at the top of the hour, and after a bit of searching from the rest of the group we had to return to the mainland without her. I truly hope our guide went back and found her, but nonetheless this experience highlighted how important it is to follow all instructions carefully while embarking on any kind of self-guided exploration of a new landscape!
Once you’ve returned from your tour of Innisfallen Island, consider exploring Ross Castle if time permits. A well-preserved example of a late 15th-century tower house, Ross Castle was built by the O'Donoghue Mór clan on the edge of Lough Leane. This strategic position made it an important military site, remaining as one of the last significant strongholds in Munster to resist Oliver Cromwell's forces in the 1650s during the Irish struggle against English conquest. After being partially restored to its former glory, visitors today can explore the defensive features typical of Irish tower houses, including a bawn or defensive wall, flanker towers, and a murder hole, all designed to protect the inhabitants from attackers.
Pre-booked guided tours are offered daily for only €5 and last ~45 minutes from 9:30 AM to 5:45 PM. Photography is discouraged inside the castle, so you’ll have to venture there yourself to see the interior!
Killarney
After you walk (or hitchhike) back into town, spend the rest of your time shopping for traditional Irish goods throughout High and Main Street. My best friend and I shopped around for Celtic rings from Caragh Jewellers before ending up at the Aran Sweater Market. I was particularly inspired to buy natural wool mittens from this shop, which sells authentically Aran knit goods produced in Ireland with a smattering of raised cable stitch patterns and large diamond designs.
After satisfying my sweet tooth with a few goodies from Mr. McGuire’s Olde Sweet Shop, we continued down New Street to head towards St. Mary’s Cathedral. Designed by renowned English architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, St. Mary's Cathedral is a masterpiece of 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture featuring a striking spire, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and beautifully crafted stained glass windows. Serving the Catholic community in Killarney for over a century and a half, the foundation stone for St. Mary's Cathedral was laid in 1842, but its construction was delayed due to the Great Famine. The cathedral was finally completed in 1855, thus standing as a monument to the resilience and faith of the local community during one of the most challenging periods in Irish history.
Lunch - Kitty O'Se's Seafood and Grill
Before heading back to Dublin, circle back into town to grab one last bite to eat in Killarney. Kitty O’Se’s Seafood and Grill is an ideal spot, since it’s conveniently located right next to the train station and serves up delectable fresh produce. I enjoyed a Murphy stout, half a dozen oysters, and a warm char-grilled chicken breast ciabatta sandwich while my travel companion tried a bottle of Cronin’s hard cider with her fish taco wrap. This meal completely hit the spot, and we both were pleasantly surprised with how reasonably priced the menu items were while still tasting delectable—I’d go as far as to say this was our favorite meal in all of Ireland! When it’s time to head out, grab your luggage from the Fairview Hotel and head back to Dublin from Killarney station.
How Much Do Two Days in Killarney Cost?
Following the above itinerary covering the best things to do in Killarney during a 2 day trip cost me $255.47 in total, or $127.74 per day, as a young college student on a budget:
Transportation
$29.50 - Wild Kerry Day Tour’s tour Ring of Kerry from Killarney offering
$35.01 - Roundtrip Irish Rail train ticket from Dublin to Killarney
Food
$8.08 - Irish coffee from Red Fox Inn
$12.90 - Seafood chowder from the Vista Bar at Scariff Inn
$30.43 - Murphy Stout, oysters, and ciabatta chicken sandwich from Kitty O’ Se’s
$2.76 - Bag of candy from Mr. McGuire’s Olde Sweet Shop
$7.05 - Coffee from Insomnia Coffee Company at Heuston Station
Activities
$7.55 - Kerry Bog Village admission
$22.57 - GetYourGuide Innisfallen Island tour
Souvenirs
$10.69 - Wool gloves from Aran Sweater Market
$8.73 - Guinness bottle opener magnet
Lodging
$80.20 - One night and breakfast at the Fairview Hotel, split between two people
You’ll incur greater expenses if you decide to tour Ross Castle, take a jaunting car ride, or stay in Killarney for more than one night.
If you’re on a tighter budget, avoid shopping for souvenirs, consider not taking the Innisfallen Island tour, and strictly order main dishes at restaurants without added drinks and appetizers. Even without these cost-saving tactics, I found Ireland in general to be very reasonably priced, especially in regards to accommodations and transportation which usually comprise the bulk of my travel expenses.
What to Wear in Killarney?
Packing in preparation for visiting Killarney, Ireland means accounting for a variety of weather conditions and choosing outfits that blend comfort, practicality, and a touch of style while aligning with Ireland's lush landscapes and casual, laid-back atmosphere.
Irish weather can be unpredictable, with possible rain showers and changing temperatures throughout the day, so be sure to opt for layers that you can easily put on or take off. Waterproof, comfortable walking shoes or boots are a must, especially if you plan to explore Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry. Consider pulling in knit fabrics with earthy tones that match the natural beauty of lush Killarney to align with Ireland’s textile heritage while exuding a smart-casual vibe:
Cable Knit Jumpers
evoke Aran imagery with traditional knitwear patterns involving a raised cable stitch and large diamond designs
Wool Outerwear
pay homage to Ireland’s rich tradition of weaving with warm sherpa, shearling, and wool jackets
Plaid Accents
lean into the deep rooted Celtic history of the area with scholarly plaid textiles that add visual interest to your outfit
Layering Vests
layer your look with button-down vests exuding a polished, timeless look that's both smart and subtly sophisticated
Cozy Caps
keep your head warm and hair protected from rain or gusts of wind with cozy caps that accessorize your ensemble
Patent Loafers
waterproof leather ensures you’re prepared for inclement weather on a comfortable base that’s well-equipped for both the countryside and cobblestone city streets
Is the Ring of Kerry Worth the Hype?
Prior to traveling to Ireland, I was heavily encouraged to tour the Ring of Kerry by my best friend’s mother, who fondly remembers taking the same journey in her early 20’s. She described the pristine natural beauty of the route and attested that this was one of her favorite travel memories from Ireland. With all of this praise in mind, you can imagine my disappointment when our experience of the scenic drive turned out to be quite lackluster.
While Ireland’s weather is known for being unpredictable—with rain and cloud cover possible at any time of the year—I would wholeheartedly advocate that you avoid traveling to Ireland in March. This particular month draws tourists for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Dublin, but if you do end up planning to travel to Ireland for this holiday, I’d recommend staying in Dublin and saving the Irish countryside for another trip. While many of the urban activities in Dublin aren’t affected by inclement weather, the frequent rain showers and overcast skies will surely put a damper on outdoor tours of southern Ireland’s natural environment.
Such was the case on the day of our Ring of Kerry tour from Killarney, which saw heavy rain the entire day that literally dampened our experience. We were pretty discouraged to leave the coach during stops on the tour, since the cold rain didn’t allow us to see much anyways. While we were driving from one stop to the next we could hardly see out the fogged windows, and at views like the supposed “stunning lookout” from the Scarriff Inn, we couldn’t see anything. Coupled with the fact that you’re sitting on a bus for the vast majority of the day, this type of activity ends up feeling like quite a waste of time when you can’t see the view you came for anyways. To increase your chances of touring on a warm, dry day, I’d recommend visiting the Irish countryside in the spring or early summer months.
Aside from that disappointment, I found Ireland overall to be quite modest — in that no aspect of it truly blew me away. The Ring of Kerry geography was nice, but not the groundbreaking once-in-a-lifetime experience I’d recommend you HAVE to see. The cuisine was generally quite simple and bland, and the relaxed pace of life meant there wasn’t a whole lot to do. Even the historic places we toured were quite unassuming, with the Kerry Bog Village and Innisfallen Island taking us no more than twenty minutes to wander through.
The best part of Irish culture was without a doubt the kind hospitality that all their citizens seem to exude. From shopkeepers to an elderly couple on the train to the man who drove us back into town, the people of Ireland were so incredibly friendly, giving us a warm Irish welcome every time we struck up a conversation. I’ve never had such consistently pleasant interactions in a foreign country, and these unexpected encounters are what I look back on the most fondly.
All of this isn’t to say that you shouldn’t visit Ireland, but that you should be prepared for a more modest country that doesn’t offer the same “WOW” factor as other destinations in Europe. While Ireland may not be best suited for the top of your travel bucket list, it is a charming country worth visiting at some point, especially if you’re conveniently coming over from England.
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