We will be on a cruise next Sept and only one day in Dublin. Am torn between staying in Dublin and seeing the Ring of Kerry. We would just be looking to drive about it no backpacking, etc. Any advice on which you would do and if the Ring then rent a car, private driver, or tour guide?
Thank you.
Amie
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I'm not sure that roundtrip is possible in one day, especially if you're due back onboard the cruise ship. Driving takes about 4 hours one way from Dublin to Kemare, a typical starting point of the ROK loop drive, which itself takes about 4.5 hours without stopping for any exploration.
You can see some bus tours offered by Paddywagon, for instance, but the one that visits the Kerry region leaves central Dublin around 6:30 a.m. and returns around 9 p.m.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
The Ring of Kerry is really too far to go for a day trip off a ship. I'd stay around Dublin and try to find a decent pub offering music during the daytime.
Posted by
1585 posts
Your posting history suggests your cruise also stops in Cobh. Cobh is much closer to the ROK, approximately 1.5 hours to Kenmare. If the ROK is a must and if your arrival and departure times permit, I would look into tours originating in Cobh, not Dublin.
Posted by
73 posts
We rented a car this past June and drove the Ring of Kerry. Given your time limits, you won’t be able to make any stops on the ROK, at most you’ll you just be able to enjoy the lovely scenery. As someone mentioned earlier, it will take 4+ hours to drive it and that’s hoping you don’t get behind a slow tour bus. The road in some places is EXTREMELY narrow and you wouldn’t be able to pass..
Best Wishes!
Suzette
Posted by
OP
34 posts
Thanks for the suggestion about Cobh, that makes a lot of sense. My daughter in particular would love to something like Riverdance in Dublin. Any during the day?
Amie