Dublin to Killarney, fly or train?

if it were me, i would not want to get on a multi-hour bus/train ride on the day i arrive.

But if you are set on getting to Killarney that day, i would fly. From what i see, it's just Ryanair that does that flight ( i could be wrong). If so, you might want to check into their on-time performance. From the kerry airport, it's just 15 minutes drive to Killarney so you could take a taxi, no need for a train.
Another good option is to stay the day/night in Dublin- see if you can get a hotel that will check you in early, then travel to Killarney the next day.

@Annie - Before you worry about the small details of your plan...are you really sure you want to go to all that trouble to get to...Killarney?

I ask because, well, here's what Rick Steves has written about Killarney:

Listed as #6 on Rick's "Top 10 European Tourist Traps"...

Killarney (Ireland): This is a place where most tourists wear nametags — a traffic jam of tour buses. If you have the misfortune to spend the night in Killarney, you'll understand what I mean. The town is a sprawling line of green Holiday Inns and outlet malls littered with pushy shoppers looking for plastic shamrocks.

If you are open to input from others, post your plans for your trip to Ireland, and mention your interests, preferences, etc. Ireland is a truly wonderful place to visit, full of great things to see and experience. There are lots of experienced travelers here willing to offer suggestions to help make your trip awesome and the best it can be for you.

PS: I will just add this to your original question: I actually think it's often a smart way to make the best use of your time on an (all too short) trip to Ireland to do exactly what you are proposing: Land in Dublin, then immediately move on to a destination away from the big city. You'll be jetlagged and tired on that arrival day, so that day is usually a wash anyway, and moving on to somewhere else can make a lot of sense and help you efficiently get more out of your time. Sleep deeply that first night, wake up refreshed, and really begin your trip the next day. I'd just question whether Killarney is that place. I can think of better places, but that depends on your overall plan, and it's your trip, your decision.

Hope some of that helps.

In defense of Killarney, it has plenty of hidden gems if you’re willing to wander off the beaten path a bit. Honestly, I don’t think it’s any more or less touristy than lots of towns in Ireland. And don’t forget that it’s the gateway to Killarney National Park, a beautiful spot, especially if you want to spend time outdoors. You could easily spend days there.

Annie, as to your question, the train is easy enough and comfortable, though I agree that flying is definitely worth looking into, especially if you’re already at the airport.

Have a lovely trip!

Thanks all!

After more research I think I am going to just slow my roll and take the train... It will be slower than the plane but I think I can make the connection easier. I read that in order to connect my self-connecting flight I'd have to exit the airport terminals and go thru security ect. again... I'd rather just take the train then deal with that as I have heard the Dublin Airport can be pretty difficult for security and check in.

Thanks for all the advice!

I'm looking at Killarney based on the advice of a friend and brother who hiked there and loved it! We Are hoping to get some beautiful hikes in while there if anyone has an recommendations for that/best way to get from town to park via public transport. ❤️

I think the train sounds like a relaxing plan and a chance to rest and nap. You will LOVE the Killarney area! The town gets a bad rap but the area is fantastic! Killarney National Park, Torc waterfall, Muckross House, Muckross Abbey, Gap of Dunloe, etc. Gorgeous! We were there in May, which was pretty calm, when are you going?

We stayed in the Lake Hotel, which was wonderfull, it is so serene, you do not feel like you are near a bustling town. It is just south of town, so even closer to the Park. If you have a chance to get lunch there, you will not regret it! We had a car, so I don't know about public transportation, but I did see hop on/hop off buses, so that might work. Have a great time!