Ring of Kerry day trip from Dublin

Le_Dieux

Hi all

I have a Friend in Canada whose Mom and a Friend want to do a trip from Dublin to the Ring of Kerry and back all in the one day, sometime around the week of September 20th. Can it be done in a day? And of course, what's the cost - roughly?

Anyone can recommend a reliable touring company for such a trip?

Thanks

Gerry

P. Breathnach

That's a situation where there is truth the saying "if I wanted to go there, I wouldn't start from here". The classic RoK is a trip of 7-10 hours starting and finishing in Killarney. Add Dublin-Killarney and return, and it's a daft proposition for a day-trip. In my opinion, it is over-rated as a tourism experience.

Sell them the Boyne Valley (Newgrange, Knowth, Monasterboice, Slane, Tara, Trim Castle) as a more manageable alternative.

red_11

http://www.paddywagontours.com/tourView.php?id=219&cat=2

Any feedback on this one? TripAdvisor has mixed reviews - any experience or comments on this tour from them?

kerry4sam

Le_Dieux wrote: »

Hi all

I have a Friend in Canada whose Mom and a Friend want to do a trip from Dublin to the Ring of Kerry and back all in the one day, sometime around the week of September 20th. Can it be done in a day? And of course, what's the cost - roughly?

Anyone can recommend a reliable touring company for such a trip?

Thanks

Gerry

Hi there Gerry,

Okay, just a few things:
- Do they have their own mode of transport down to Kerry or will it be via public transport? That will determine timing of any organised tours.

- When they arrive, would they be willing to drive the Ring of Kerry themselves or Are they adament on a tour operator? It is do-able going by what I am being told by tourists and what they enounter / possible problems they say they created going around.

- Most tour operators depart (costs 27euros per person) from the local accomodations and town centre at approx 10am, would they be in Killarney at that time? If not, they would have to drive it themselves (car rental possibly?!).

- The Ring of Kerry to drive normally takes 4-5hours by people, pending confidence driving and stops etc etc, so have they a scheduled time to be back in Dublin for?

Let me know some more information & I will assist you no bother

kerry4sam

Le_Dieux

Kerry4Sam

Thanks, I'll be in touch, need to guide my Friend in Toronto onto this site, and let them ask/answer the questions themselves.

Thanks again!

LiamMc

The full Ring from Dublin as a day-trip doesn't sound like a very enjoyable. If there is low cloud on that day, the experience is reduced.
If the group must go to Kerry than maybe hit Killarney and then go over the Molls gap to Kenmare. Or Killarney -Kate Kearneys Cottage - Black Valley.
Eats in Kenmare are considered better option.

But if a group is in Dublin and wants to go outside than

P.Breathnach wrote:

Boyne Valley (Newgrange, Knowth, Monasterboice, Slane, Tara, Trim Castle)

I would add Mellifont Abbey, 1690 Battle site and numerous old sites in Drogheda town sounds more rewarding.
Alternatively, south into Co. Wicklow - Glendalough Monastic Village, Glendalough varied marked walking beside two lakes, Powerscourt House and Gardens, Enniskerry Village, leisurely driving through Wicklow Moutains(Sally Gap or Wicklow Gap) return via Baltinglass, Blessington and Russborough House. Compare and contrast the styles of villages of East and West Wicklow.

Ring of Kerry
I mustn't forget that the Ring of Kerry was the first itinerary pushed by Bórd Failte (ITB) for visitors compulsorily landing in Shannon, many would have disembarked with Tour groups wanting something to do in the south. The name is still romantic and the villages/towns along the route keep-up appearances and on a clear blue-sky day some of the views are incredible. For drivers the road can seem busy.
But for a long time there are alternates, The Ring of Beara Pennisula Kenmare -Eyeries and Allihies - Glengariff -Healy Pass- Kenmare. Similar views to The Ring, smaller roads but less cars.
Tralee and Dingle push their route as a shortened version. I think for a while tours, maybe starting with cycling tours have moved away from The Ring. But it is still one of the biggest attractions in Munster.

red_11

- Do they have their own mode of transport down to Kerry or will it be via public transport? That will determine timing of any organised tours.

A: It would be via public transport.

- When they arrive, would they be willing to drive the Ring of Kerry themselves or Are they adament on a tour operator? It is do-able going by what I am being told by tourists and what they enounter / possible problems they say they created going around.

A: They will not drive.

- Most tour operators depart (costs 27euros per person) from the local accomodations and town centre at approx 10am, would they be in Killarney at that time? If not, they would have to drive it themselves (car rental possibly?!).

A: Unless they spend the night, they would need to get a tour that would connect with the train/bus.

- The Ring of Kerry to drive normally takes 4-5hours by people, pending confidence driving and stops etc etc, so have they a scheduled time to be back in Dublin for?

A: Not as yet, but based on some initial investigation it looks like the train would get in after 9pm - that's ok I suppose.

I think it might be best for them to spend the night - that seems the most viable option.

Thanks

Stinicker

Fly down to Farranfore from Dublin would the best bet if they really want to try do it in a whole day. I think it is madness myself to try and do it from Dublin in a day.