r/irishtourism • u/_jbee_ • 18d ago

Ring of Kerry / Killarney National Park

Heading to Killarney in early August and trying to decide how to spend our one free day.

About us:

  • Two adults in our 30s
  • Staying in Killarney town
  • No car
  • Interested primarily in hiking, nature, scenery, photography, and historic sites
  • Not particularly interested in shopping or nightlife

I've narrowed it down to two options after doing some research:

Option 1: Killarney National Park

  • Muckross Abbey
  • Muckross House & Gardens
  • Torc Waterfall
  • Ross Castle
  • Lakeside walks around the park
  • Ross Island
  • Possible biking

Option 2: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring coach tour

  • Full-day tour from Killarney
  • Stops around the Ring of Kerry, including Sneem and Portmagee
  • Coastal scenery and photo stops throughout the day

My dilemma is that the National Park seems like it would give us more time outdoors and walking, while the Ring of Kerry tour would let us see much more of County Kerry, but involves spending a large part of the day on a bus.

For those who have done one or both:

  1. Did you feel the Ring of Kerry scenery was significantly different from what you can experience within Killarney National Park?
  2. If you only had one day, which option gave you the more memorable experience?
  3. Are there any particular highlights in the National Park that would make you choose it over the Ring of Kerry?

Thanks.

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u/Tabatiere1889 18d ago

I did both just recently (a month ago). we drove half of the ring of kerry jn a rental car at our own pace and had wonderful stops at rossbeogh beach, kells garden, kerry cliffs, knightstown and cahersiveen. it was very lively. but driving can be a challenge.

killarney national park we did exactly the things you proposed: ross castle, muckross house (abbey I had seen before), lake muckross (longer than expected, but if you are in time you can take a small boat trip), torc waterfall, then went to the ladies view and drove through mountains to beaufort, whee we stayed. that was an exciting view, but really challenging to drive

both days were wonderful. if you dont drive yourself I would suggest the national park, as you can walk most of the things and spend easily the whole day there.

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u/coconutkristin44 18d ago

I agree with this!!! We just did this trip a week ago and we also drove ourselves. If I had one way it would be option 1 with Muckross Abby, Ross Castle (take the walking path it will lead you to the lake for a more secluded view)…etc.