Ireland · NATIONAL PARKS
This is the shortlist worth sending to whoever is planning: 15 national park days that hold up, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to check before you commit.
Ring of Kerry day tour from Cork with Killarney National Park, Sneem and Dingle Bay views. Long day, great guide, WiFi.
“Great way to see the beauty of the whole area, visit villages, hear a little history, and discover yummy foods along the way.”
Ring of Kerry day tour from Killarney with Killarney National Park, Ladies View, Sneem, Moll’s Gap, Kerry Bog Village, and sheepdogs.
“Views of a few round and square towers. A little forewarning would have been nice to be prepared to take a picture.”
Private horse-drawn jaunt in Killarney National Park with Ross Castle lake views, mountain and island stops, plus tea at Deenagh Lodge.
“A fantastic tour with McCarthy Killarney Carriage Rides today. A family run business which clearly shows their love for their work and incredible in depth knowledge of the National Park’s history. We also loved hearing about the horse Maggie, she did a brilliant job today. Could not recommend this tour more, will be recommending to anybody we speak to. A truly friendly and enjoyable experience. Thank you so much.”
See the best of Ireland’s Ring of Kerry from Killarney on a comfy coach, with standout stops like Kerry Bog Village and sheepdogs.
“Very interisting Tour. I would definitly recomend it. Enough time at every stop. The lunch restaurant had a very beautiful view.”
Guided Connemara day trip from Galway with Wild Atlantic Way views, Clifden free time, and 3 hours at Connemara NP or Kylemore Abbey.
“Mike was very attentive and forthcoming in making the trip pleasant for everyone. He was also very knowledgeable and was, without a doubt, one of the most informative and at the same time entertaining guides. 💯👍 He also made sure that those not fit or willing to hike up a mountain had another options. In our case that meant either hiking up diamond hill or visiting the Kylemore Abbey. We definitely recommend going on this tour. Especially with Mike. 🙌🚌✌️”
2-hour guided walk through Killarney National Park from St. Marys Cathedral, with local stories, deer spotting, and small-group value.
“We enjoyed a small group tour of Killarney National Park today. The first national park in Ireland, Killarney is famed for its wildly scenic landscapes, its herd of red deer, and its medieval castle. We were able to see all these beautiful sights and learn about Killarney’s history from our guide, Richard. Anthony even saw an adjacent golf course! It was one of our best Ireland experiences! Highly recommend!”
Guided Connemara day trip from Galway with a timed Diamond Hill hike, scenic photo stops, and optional hotel pickup.
“Thank you so much for John, We were so lucky on 31/01, It was very nice weather, John showed us many beautiful places, I specially like the Galway west part on sunshine at moutain, bring out in different weather character of moutain.”
Guided horseback ride in Killarney National Park near Lough Leane, with helmets and boots included. Beginner-friendly, 1-3 hours.
“we had the best time! the horses were well behaved and the staff was wonderful!! I would recommend this for anyone!!”
Self-guided bike tour of Killarney National Park with bikes, maps and stops for Muckross House, Abbey and Torc Waterfall from $24.20.
“The bikes were great, well marked bike paths. Wouldnt wanna do it any other way, renting bikes was the way to go!”
A 7.5-hour guided day trip from Galway to Connemara National Park, with fjord stops, Spiddal, and self-paced hikes.
“The views and hiking the National Park Sippdell looked like a fun town but was only given 15 minutes would like a chance to take a picture if the abbey”
Ride a jaunting car through Killarney National Park, stop at Muckross Abbey for a famous yew tree, and enjoy lake views with local narration.
“Our host Damian McCarthy was a delightful lad who gave us a welcome education on the tour of the park. We would definitely do it again. The scenery was beautiful and we enjoyed the cuddle blanket to keep us warm in the rain.”
A 6-hour bus tour from Killarney linking Dingle Bay, Waterville, Sneem, and Killarney National Park, ending at Torc Waterfall.
“Our Ring of Kerry trip was not a very weather cooperative day so we missed most photo ops & it was raining so hard, we didn’t see much out the window either unfortunately. Kevin, our guide, was absolutely the best however We caught our bus in Killarney and didn’t know most folks boarded in Limerick. The bus had only a few seats left when we boarded. A party of 3 who boarded wi/us was allowed to sit together. We weren’t given that opportunity and were a bit bummed. Next time I know to look for a tour that originates where I am at. We sat on the aisle seats &…”
Ring of Kerry day tour from Limerick with Killarney National Park. Round-trip bus, live commentary, Wi-Fi, and Torc Waterfall photos.
“Our guide was knowledgeable and I felt like I saw the Ring of Kerry, which is why I’m giving two stars instead of one. The actual experience was incredible disappointing. I was traveling to Dublin after the tour and emailed Paddywagon ahead of time to see whether I should bring my luggage or if I should figure out a storage option. Additionally, I emailed to reconfirm the return time so that I could book my bus appropriately. We switched buses twice, so that we took three different buses throughout the day, so I ended up carrying all of my luggage for 1.5 hours at the first stop while we waited…”
Horse-drawn guided loop through Killarney National Park with lakes views, deer park stops, St Mary’s Cathedral, Ross Castle, and Inisfallen ruins.
“I loved seeing all of the beautiful views and that day there was no rain so it made it even better!”
Private horse carriage around Killarney National Park lakes, Ross Castle, Carrantouhill, and a 6th-century monastery with an English guide.
“This was an amazing experience. I brought my grandmother over from the states, and we were looking for an easy and special way to experience Killarney National Park. The guide was thoughtful, knowledgeable, and also had suggestions for other things to do in the area which we took him up on and it was a great experience for the entire day. I am so glad we did this, and I was so glad we did it earlier in the day to get recommendations for the rest of the day and places to go in the park! Our horse was Molly. and she was such a sweet well behaved horse! Thank…”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
