Gap of Dunloe to tour or not to tour........

This location is a topic of frequent postings. "Is it worth it?" is a purely personal and subjective question. Without knowing your personal tastes, posters will be able only to give their own opinions which may not match yours. I'd suggest you do a Search on this forum for "Gap of Dunloe." Read the descriptions of time used vs. opinions about the scenery. There are many. Consider writing a PM to posters and ask them to expand on their remarks (e.g. why did they think it worthwhile or not?) Once you have more opinions with some explanations, perhaps you can weigh that against your interest in Muckross House to decide which you'd rather do. We like both big old houses and good scenery, and we would have had a difficult time deciding. That said, I doubt that anyone sees everything they'd like to on their first trip. You'll have a great time whatever you choose. Have a grand trip and plan to go back.

I'm not sure about the "full day tour" but we went on the horse cart ride and then the boat ride. On our first trip to Ireland we went on the cart ride and liked that so returned for the cart and boat. Our next trip to Ireland we did both the cart and boat so I guess you'd say we really liked them :) The cart and boat do not take all day unless you are on some sort of tour.

It all depends on what you like to do.

We did the jaunting car (horse cart) and boat trip a few years ago. It was very scenic, we enjoyed it, and it finished after lunch - not an all day event. A few tidbits - the seats in the cart are VERY hard. You might want to bring something to sit on unless your tail bone is impervious to pain. Also, the carts seat four and you will be sharing very tight knee space with strangers. If we ever did it again, we would pay for four tickets to have more space. There is a small cafe where the boat ride ends - the sandwiches were pretty mediocre. You might want to consider bringing your own sandwiches.