Review: Dublin to Ring of Kerry & Cliffs of Moher 3-Day Tour

Thinking about booking a 3-day jaunt from Dublin to Cork, the Ring of Kerry, plus those really grand Cliffs of Moher? Well, you’re in the right spot. I recently took that very tour, and I’m here to give you the lowdown. Was it awesome? Were there things I wish I’d known before? Get ready, I’m spilling all the tea.

First Impressions of This Ireland Tour

Okay, so the bus picks you up right in Dublin. That part’s super convenient. It’s pretty early, mind you – gotta grab that spot. But it’s worth it, right? The tour guides really seemed peppy. Genuinely enthusiastic too, almost infectiously so, which helps when you’re still trying to fully wake up.

Now, those initial drives, well they’re sorta long. I’m talking about stretches on the highway. This is pretty much expected, but still you want to get going with the views! Use this time to doze off a little more or just gaze at the, I don’t know, the passing scenery. Which, okay, even the “boring” parts of Ireland have their own subtle, kinda green charm, wouldn’t you say?

Hitting Cork: A Quick Stop That, To Be Honest, Leaves You Wanting More

Cork’s a good spot and, like, I think we had a couple of hours there? It might of been less, very likely less in fact. Now, that isn’t very much time. It felt so, kinda, rushed to really, well, see anything. You’re just kind of bouncing from place to place. I think that is partly because of all of the tourist and popular destinations for the Ring of Kerry. A local person, like your friend, you know, might show you a hidden gem here and there, a cool bar, cafe, things that might require that you are, you know, local.

Still, seeing the English Market was something! Such a really cool experience, kinda wandering around, smelling everything, and, basically, wishing you had an empty stomach. If you’re figuring on really delving deep, soaking up Cork, that is? Well, you may have to visit again sometime to really have the true, you know, ‘experience’.

The Ring of Kerry: Is it Really as Breathtaking as People Say?

Yes. Plain and simple. You are thinking of booking the bus, or you know, weighing your options right? So yeah, listen to what people are telling you, it is pretty special to visit.

Those coastal views are…man, like, postcards come to life. Seriously. It feels, very genuinely, kinda like you’re driving through a painting. So, now there’s these tiny villages, and the little sheep are dotting all over the hills. The tour stops at some great photo spots, too, by the way. It may be windy sometimes, the wind itself can feel great!

Thing is, the bus windows can get a little bit grimy, too. So, for primo photos, I mean, getting out and snapping away is always really a better call, generally, than shooting through glass. The fresh air and the views combine. If I’m being real? Absolutely gorgeous, pretty darn awesome. The sheep can be hilarious if you haven’t really had any experience with them before.

Cliffs of Moher: Majestic, Just Pretty Much Really Crowded

No lie, the Cliffs of Moher are, like, totally breathtaking. Seeing them kind of loom up out of the mist? So yeah, you just feel so, kinda, small. The scale of those cliffs is really gigantic, no hyperbole at all.

But the crowds. Boy oh boy. So yeah, that part, actually, is pretty intense. Picture this, it’s elbows-out kinda stuff, if you really need that ‘perfect’ shot. And, just so you know, the weather there can change very fast. One minute, the sun’s actually shining; the next, it’s completely misty, totally lost in the clouds. So pack layers, no matter the season.

The Accommodation: Totally Okay, Nothing Fancy, Generally Speaking

So yeah, I think we stayed in a B&B somewhere near Killarney. Now the room was clean, mind you, and, to be honest, perfectly fine. The bathroom was serviceable too, actually, if I think of it. The breakfasts were generally what you expect, the ‘Irish breakfast’, you know?

But if you’re hoping for a plush hotel experience? No, like your friend would probably tell you that isn’t the goal of this particular tour. So yeah, keep your expectations fairly mid-range, so, okay? But realistically you’ll sleep for only so long. This will require very quick turnarounds from your long days of driving, to going to restaurants, visiting a small Irish pub or enjoying the beautiful view. So, yeah.

The Tour Guides Themselves: A Real Make-or-Break Type of Deal, Okay?

This tour’s really all about the guides themselves, just like your cool friend would suggest when planning. Ours were generally super friendly, well-informed about the history, actually, and also really keen to tell stories. It’s a fair amount of time spent on the bus and its helpful to know this. And their insights, honestly, do add something of a flavor.

But, I’d say this, a so-so guide could definitely make the experience rather, well, blah. Look for tours where the guides get solid reviews, no?

Food on the Tour: Mostly Pub Grub, To be Honest

So you are just generally stopping at little pubs for lunch and dinner. Expect, you know, your typical Irish fare, things like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, of course. It tasted fine, mind you, and it all hits the spot after you have been out sightseeing.

Thing is, this isn’t a culinary tour. If you have very, really specific dietary needs, so, plan ahead. Bring snacks, I’d suggest? Research restaurants in the towns you’re visiting and, basically, maybe skip one of the group meals. That type of thing. Make plans if you think you need them.

Value for Money: Are You Really Getting What You’re Paying For?

Okay, it is reasonably priced. This is the thing you need to expect. Three days, transport, lodging…yeah, it does add up if you booked it all yourself. The tour makes it simpler, right? I can attest, just a little to the truth, of being able to hand off responsibility to somebody who handles it all for you, with accommodations, tour, logistics. So you don’t need to arrange or coordinate. The value is mostly for having all these experiences together.

Just, again, you are looking to avoid a fancy experience at all turns. So it depends on your priorities. Now, is saving time and removing travel planning stress important? So, that could tip the scales for ya, alright?

Things I Wish I’d Known

Bring layers. The weather’s famously unpredictable.
Pack comfy shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking.
Snacks are a must. Especially if you have specific food needs, I might add.
Download some audiobooks. Those long bus rides, right?

Overall Recommendation: Should You Really Book It?

Yeah, it’s totally worth doing. Specifically, if you want to hit a lot of Ireland’s highlights fast and easy and without needing to drive yourself around. But manage expectations, I am telling you? Know this, it is not gonna be super luxurious or a deep cultural experience. But for pure sightseeing, seeing grand views, that’s cool? You got it. Now if you wish to visit somewhere in Ireland at your own speed then make it another trip another time! If you want to see Ireland now without any further deliberation, then do this tour.