Jaunting car at Kate Kearney's was quoted €120 (~$130); another driver offered a ride to the gap and back for €70 (~$76), so shop around (2026)
Dublin city-centre hostel dorms hit about 100 euro (~$110) in summer versus about 40 in Galway or Kerry, so book far ahead (2025)
Take a Killarney day tour of the Ring of Kerry for about 40 euro (~$43) instead of renting a car (2025)
Stop at the Fairy Fort on Slea Head; entry was 2.50 euro (~$3) including animal feed (2024)
Gap of Dunloe cart plus boat cost about 75 euro (~$81); the scenery was worth it even in bad weather (2022)
Prices change; check before you go.
Tips about Kerry
1Walk or cycle the Gap of Dunloe early and take the boat back to Ross Castle8 visitors
Walking the Gap beats driving or jaunting cars: the narrow road is shared with cyclists, horses and cars, and walking lets you stop for views. · Rick Steves forum, 2026
Skip the Ring of Kerry as Rick Steves suggests; do the Gap of Dunloe, which she found magical, and allow for shorter September daylight. · Rick Steves forum
Walk the Gap of Dunloe: shuttle from Ross Castle to Kate Kearney's Cottage, walk about 7 miles, then boat back across the lakes. · Rick Steves forum, 2026
Take the Deros bus, boat and Kate Kearney's route from Killarney through the lakes to Ross Castle; guide Claire was a highlight. · TripAdvisor, 2022
8 visitors here; showing 4 of the 8 who gave detail.
2If you only do one, choose Dingle and Slea Head over the Ring of Kerry7 visitors
Slea Head drive beat the Ring of Kerry; do the Blasket View cliff walk above the Blasket Centre and look for seals. · TripAdvisor, 2024
Choose Dingle over the Ring of Kerry if only doing one; a local taxi firm such as Killarney Tours and Taxi worked. · Fodor's, 2017
Slea Head Drive was the favourite day; Kingdom Falconry private hawk walk is good. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Skip the Ring of Kerry if short on time and do Dingle's Slea Head Drive instead. · Blog, 2024
7 visitors here; showing 4 of the 7 who gave detail.
3Base in Killarney and cycle the national park: Muckross, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle4 visitors
Rent e-bikes in Killarney, take the boat from Ross Castle to Lord Brandon's, and cycle the Gap of Dunloe on low Turbo; about 3.5 hours. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Hike the Torc Waterfall route (about 5 miles) in Killarney National Park and take the Ross Castle tour. · Fodor's, 2023
Family bike tours with trailers work well in Killarney. · Blog
4 visitors here; showing 3 of the 4 who gave detail.
4Hire a local driver-guide for Kerry or Dingle if you don't want to drive the narrow roads4 visitors
If you fear heights, hire a driver for Slea Head and Conor Pass; the cliff-edge section lasts only 10-15 minutes. · Rick Steves forum, 2026
Hire Brown's Taxi and Tours in Kenmare for a two-day private tour of Kerry and Beara; a splurge but recommended. · TripAdvisor, 2022
4 visitors here; showing 2 of the 3 who gave detail.
5In Dingle, drink at Dick Mack's, Foxy John's and the Dingle Pub. Go early, before it packs out4 visitors
Reach Dingle pubs like Foxy John's early for music; they were too packed to enter in the evening. · TripAdvisor, 2022
4 visitors here; showing 1 of the 3 who gave detail.
6Make time for Dingle. The town and peninsula were many visitors' standout4 visitors
Do Slea Head Drive and Dingle Distillery tour · Reddit, 2025
4 visitors here; showing the 1 who gave detail.
7Book a Dingle archaeology tour (Michael's) ahead. The vans fill, and it's excellent even in rain3 visitors
Take Dingle Sea Safari to see Great Blasket seals, dolphins and whales; also Michael's archaeological tour. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Do Slea Head on a separate day with Michael's archaeological tour; it was excellent even in the rain. · Rick Steves forum
Book Dingle archaeology field trips in advance because the vans fill up. · Rick Steves forum, 2023
8Book a Skellig Michael landing months ahead, stay in Portmagee and keep spare days for weather3 visitors
Stay in Portmagee for the Skellig boat and Valentia Island day; B&Bs near Doolin cost 100 euro (~$110) low season. · Blog, 2023
Overnight in Portmagee to catch a Skellig Michael landing tour; boats ran despite an overcast, windy day. · TripAdvisor, 2019
Skellig Michael trips depend on weather; keep schedule loose. · Blog
9Drive Slea Head clockwise and allow three to five hours with stops3 visitors
Drive the Slea Head loop in Dingle; about 2.5 hours with stops and highly recommended. · Fodor's, 2022
Drive Slea Head clockwise, early season, to avoid buses. · TripAdvisor, 2025
3 visitors here; showing 2 of the 3 who gave detail.
10Take a Ring of Kerry day tour from Killarney (about €40, ~$43) rather than driving it yourself3 visitors
Take a Killarney day tour of the Ring of Kerry for about 40 euro (~$43) instead of renting a car. · Blog, 2025
A guided Ring of Kerry day tour was highly worthwhile. · TripAdvisor
3 visitors here; showing the 2 who gave detail.
11Take the Blasket Islands boat from Dunquin. It's the shortest crossing, with fewer cancellations3 visitors
Sail to the Blaskets from Dunquin for the shortest crossing and best chance of avoiding weather cancellation; Dingle trips use a bumpy RIB boat. · Rick Steves forum, 2025
Taking the public ferry to the Blasket Island on your own takes most of a day; a guided tour is more interesting. · Rick Steves forum
3 visitors here; showing the 2 who gave detail.
12The Ring of Kerry takes a full day, so start early to stay ahead of the tour coaches3 visitors
Drive the Ring of Kerry clockwise to avoid sitting behind coaches; allow at least 4 hours without stops. · Blog, 2025
3 visitors here; showing 1 of the 2 who gave detail.
13Book the Ross Castle guided tour in Killarney ahead, as morning slots fill and it closes early2 visitors
Book the 10am guided Ross Castle tour in advance; it was a trip highlight, paired with the Torc waterfall hike. · TripAdvisor, 2023
Ross Castle was closed at day's end; go earlier. Gap of Dunloe by Deros: bus, pony trap, boat. · TripAdvisor, 2022
14Stay two or three nights in Dingle for the pubs, Slea Head and boat trips2 visitors
2 visitors said this; none added more detail than the headline.
Ireland-wide tips people mentioned here (6)
1Eat fish and chips by the harbour in Howth, Kinsale (Kitty Ó Sé's) or Dingle (Fishbox, Quinlan's)5 visitors
Dingle's Fish Box is tiny and packed; take away instead. Strand Street crepe shop was cash-only. · TripAdvisor, 2023
Order fish and chips at Fishbox in Dingle; portions are big, served with sweet chilli sauce. · Blog, 2025
Order seafood takeaway at Fishbox in Dingle; the sun-dried tomato arancini was a highlight. · Blog, 2025
Quinlan's Seafood in Dingle for fresh fish and chips; Danny Mann's for music. · TripAdvisor, 2022
5 visitors here; showing 4 of the 5 who gave detail.
2No car? Base in Dublin, Galway or Killarney and use day tours for the big sights4 visitors
Book day tours via GetYourGuide from Killarney (Gap of Dunloe, Dingle, Ring of Kerry) and Galway (Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands). · TripAdvisor, 2023
Reaching Dingle by transit takes most of a day, so base in Killarney and take a guided day trip to Dingle. · Rick Steves forum
Base in Dublin, Killarney and Galway and use day trips; Belfast works as a day trip by train. · Fodor's, 2017
4 visitors here; showing the 3 who gave detail.
3Book dinner ahead in Galway, Dingle, Westport and Kilkenny, as busy places turn walk-ins away3 visitors
Reserve dinner in Killarney on football-match days. · Blog
3 visitors here; showing 1 of the 2 who gave detail.
4Use car ferries to cut hours: Killimer–Tarbert, Rathmullan–Buncrana and Greencastle–Greenore3 visitors
Shannon ferry saves about an hour between Killarney and Galway. · TripAdvisor, 2026
Killimer to Tarbert ferry shortens the Clare-to-Kerry journey. · Fodor's
The Shannon ferry saved over an hour between Kerry and Galway. · TripAdvisor
5Skip the Ring of Kerry for the Ring of Beara: quieter and just as scenic2 visitors
2 visitors said this; none added more detail than the headline.
6Spend St Patrick's Day at a small-town parade like Dingle or Killarney rather than Dublin2 visitors
Leave Dublin for St Patrick's Day: Dingle has a small-town parade followed by pub music, while Dublin's evening gets too crazy. · Rick Steves forum
Time the trip for Killarney's St Patrick's Day parade in March; a small-town parade is more relaxed than Dublin's. · Blog, 2023
Show 88 single-report tipsHide single-report tips
Driving (9)
Allow extra time for car pickup in Tralee; the car was over an hour late. Google Maps handled Conor Pass better than the GPS. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Allow extra time for the winding Dingle to Doolin route. · Blog, 2019
Burren roads are one-lane both ways and Slea Head has nervy stretches; go slowly, pull over and avoid night driving. · TripAdvisor, 2023
Conor Pass and Slea Head are standout drives. · Fodor's
Conor Pass makes a good confidence-building first drive. · Fodor's
Drive the Ring of Kerry clockwise · Reddit
Slea Head Drive is narrow with tour buses approaching. · Blog, 2019
Take the N86 into Dingle; a wrong turn sent them over the narrow, hairpin Conor Pass. · Blog, 2025
Try Slea Head from the northern side. · Fodor's
Getting around (8)
Expect patchy coverage in Connemara, west Kerry and Donegal. · Blog
From Cork, a tour bus connects in Killarney with Dublin and Limerick buses, then splits into Ring of Kerry, Cliffs or Dingle tours. · Blog
Galway to Killarney is about four hours by bus with a Limerick change and no direct train; Killarney to Dublin train is 3.5 hours. · Blog, 2026
Limerick to Dingle takes a full day by train then bus via Tralee; do not schedule sights. · TripAdvisor, 2022
On Dingle coach tours sit on the left for sea views, right to avoid close stone walls. · Fodor's, 2018
Pre-book Heuston to Killarney trains; connections at Mallow and Limerick Junction were easy. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Reach Dingle by two trains and a bus in about five hours; book accommodation first so you commit. · Blog, 2016
Rent the car only for Galway to Kerry and return at Shannon; Dublin and Galway are easy on foot. · Blog, 2026
Food & pubs (9)
Bricin in Killarney for boxty; Bowes & Co in Cashel was the best meal. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Eat at No. 35 in Kenmare; a local Killarney pub does good shepherd's pie and fish and chips. · Fodor's, 2023
If self-catering in Killarney over Christmas, order Christmas food from Marks and Spencer in advance for collection. · TripAdvisor
Kenmare restaurants stop taking dinner orders at 9pm; only bars stay open to 11. Eat before laundry. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Killarney Brewery & Distillery served the best meal of the trip. · TripAdvisor, 2023
Look for the handwritten sign to Caifé na Trá on Slea Head for views and cake; try Murphy's Dingle Gin ice cream. · TripAdvisor, 2024
McDonagh's fish bar in Galway and Quinlan's in Killarney for fish and chips. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Order seafood chowder; Dingle spots excel. · Blog, 2019
Pick up boxed lunch near Ryan's Daughter beach. · Fodor's
Sightseeing (36)
Allow two nights around Killarney and Kenmare. · Blog
Ask about steep spiral stairs; Ross Castle gave no warning. · TripAdvisor, 2025
Ballycarbery Castle is on private ground and forgettable; skip it. Glanteenassig Forest was also disappointing because of deforestation. · TripAdvisor, 2024
Book Newgrange, Kilmainham and Skellig Michael about thirty days ahead. · Blog
Book Kingdom Falconry for 5pm in Dingle; only two other guests, a highlight. Email Out of the Blue ahead. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Book a horseback trek in Killarney National Park; she called it a highlight with her son. · other
Day-trip to an island like Inisheer or Skellig Michael. · Blog
Derrynane Abbey ruins are reachable on foot only at low tide; check tides before parking at Derrynane House. · TripAdvisor, 2024
Dingle Peninsula is less crowded in high season. · Blog
Drive the Ring of Kerry anticlockwise to stay inside lane. · Blog
Ferries to Inishmore leave from Rossaveel; pick Inishmore over Inisheer. In Killarney, a bike loop through the park took about six hours. · Blog, 2026
Gap of Dunloe carriage cuts a long walk sharply. · TripAdvisor, 2025
Heritage Card paid off at Rock of Cashel and Dingle sites. · TripAdvisor, 2025
Hike from Torc Waterfall uphill for views, and see Ross Castle near Killarney. · Blog, 2018
Hike the Gap of Dunloe in November: few walkers, striking autumn colour. At Slea Head find Coumenoole Ogham Stone and Coumenoole Beach. · Rick Steves forum
If weather is poor, drive Slea Head instead of Cliffs of Moher. · Blog, 2024
Inch and Ballingskelligs beaches are worth a stop. · Fodor's
Kenmare was too crowded to enjoy, so they turned back; Muckross Abbey was quiet. · TripAdvisor, 2026
Kerry coach tours rush: roadside lunch of about 30 minutes and 20 minutes in Sneem. The Dingle tour allowed more stops and was slightly better. · Fodor's, 2018
Killarney jaunting car ride to Ross Castle was a highlight. · TripAdvisor, 2026
Finish the Gap walk before the last boat leaves Lord Brandon's Cottage; bring water and bug spray, as horseflies bite in warm weather. · Rick Steves forum, 2026
Park at Kate Kearney's Cottage for the Gap of Dunloe; cottage lunch was poor. Ross Castle boats take cash only. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Ranger talks on the island are free and valuable; leave time to get back for the boat pickup instead of walking the whole loop. · Rick Steves forum, 2025
Ride a jaunting car to Kate Kearney's, then walk the Gap road later when crowds thin; visit Kissane Sheepdog Farm before lunch. · Rick Steves forum
Ring of Kerry offers autumn colour; Muckross gardens are lovely. · Blog
See the Harry Clarke windows in the former convent chapel behind St Mary's on Green Street, Dingle. · TripAdvisor, 2024
Visit uncrowded abbeys like Hore Abbey and Muckross Abbey. · Blog
Skellig Experience centre on Valentia is a good alternative to the boat landing, which involves 600+ steps. · TripAdvisor, 2024
Skellig Michael landing was foggy with 618 steps; Star Wars fans crowded the huts. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Stay in Doolin or Kenmare for easy sightseeing. · Blog
Stop at Dunquin pier and walk down to see curraghs pulled up on the beach. · Rick Steves forum
Stop at the Fairy Fort on Slea Head; entry was 2.50 euro (~$3) including animal feed. · Blog, 2024
Take a Dingle sea safari or Aran Islands ferry. · Blog, 2019
Use Killarney as a base for the southwest. · Blog, 2017
Valentia Island was a highlight: Geokaun Mountain viewpoints cost about 8 euro (~$9) per car, and Bray Head's coastal walk is excellent. · TripAdvisor, 2024
Visit the Dingle beehive huts early, paying by honesty box, to have them to yourself. · Blog
Where to stay (7)
Ashe's B&B in Dingle is quiet and walkable. · Fodor's
Dublin city-centre hostel dorms hit about 100 euro (~$110) in summer versus about 40 in Galway or Kerry, so book far ahead. · Blog, 2025
Hostels in Doolin and Dun Chaoin suit budget travellers. · Fodor's
Spend Christmas at Park Hotel Kenmare: Christmas Eve tea and live music, then a town scavenger hunt on St Stephen's Day. · other, 2024
Stay at the Lake Hotel in Killarney for lake views and a pub-like atmosphere; worth a rest day. · Blog, 2024
Stay two nights in Killarney rather than one; the Ross Castle guided tour is excellent. · Fodor's, 2022
The Great Southern Hotel in Killarney had no air conditioning in summer; ask for a fan. · Fodor's, 2018
Money (1)
Jaunting car at Kate Kearney's was quoted €120 (~$130); another driver offered a ride to the gap and back for €70 (~$76), so shop around. · TripAdvisor, 2026
Other (18)
An overnight call in Cobh let passengers book a private Ring of Kerry tour on the extra day. · cruisecritic, 2021
Bank holiday weekend plus Bikefest jammed the N71 around Killarney; check event dates. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Check event calendars; a Killarney bike race disrupted a morning. · TripAdvisor, 2023
Check local events; Rally of the Lakes jammed Killarney. · TripAdvisor, 2025
Choose two bases, Dublin and Galway or Dublin and Killarney, to cut transfers; Killarney to Galway means backtracking via Dublin. · Rick Steves forum
Dingle trad sessions often start around 9:30pm; walking back in the dark is not advised. · Fodor's, 2022
Drive less; castles and ruins get repetitive, so mix in tours. Beehive huts on Slea Head were a tourist trap. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Focus on Moher, Dingle and Killarney for a week. · Fodor's
Gap of Dunloe: wear sneakers not hiking boots, as the road is paved. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Kerry rural lunch and brewery hours are short; many places closed. Pack waterproofs for everyone. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Knox's Pub in Ennis for trad session; shops close early. Free trad concert at St Mary's Church Killarney. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Locals watched hurling on pub TVs in Killarney; Laurels was a good pint stop. · TripAdvisor, 2022
Muckross Lake loop is longer than it looks and rain arrived despite a dry forecast; take a jaunting car back if soaked. · Blog, 2022