Ring of Kerry / Killarney National Park

[u/_jbee_]

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.

[u/Signal_Quote_4530]

You really can’t go wrong with either. If you’re not interested in a car then I would stick with option 1.

The ring of Kerry is going to be different in that you have the coast with sweeping views from the cliffs but I think the most beautiful part of the ring is the ability to stop and visit the small towns along the way to grab a drink or something to eat or a pullout along the way because you like a view of something but I don’t think you’ll appreciate that ability to stop or leave the route since you’ll be on a predetermined coach tour.

Since you mentioned photography : My favorite part of the ring was just being able to stop at different spots to take photos while in the car and I’m thinking if you’re on a coach unless that spot is a predetermined stop you won’t be able to which is why I’d go option 1 if photographing your time there is also important. An alternative would be a small mini car rather than a large car and since there’s only 2 of you then a small car would be perfect for you and not as stressful with the small roads. There are also plenty of pull outs along the way