The weather was like California. We donned rain gear twice. Yes, we had to pay the full train fare - Cork to Ennis, 25.50E per. If the pass is not a factor and you are travelling by bus, skip the train, at least at that junction. The train depot is a brisk fifteen minute walk from the bus. Plus, you have to change trains twice. And each mode leaves and arrives at the same time.

As you may remember, we were on Bus Eireann from SNN to Dingle, to Killarney, Castletownbere, to Innishannon, and from Kinsale to Cork. We had to take cabs twice to complete connections, but we loved the bus. They are comfortable and always on time. We would do it again. The disadvantage is that you can't go everywhere you would like. For example, we had to forego Baltimore, Skibereen, and Clonakilty in favor of Drimoleague, Bandon, and Innishannon. But we were only passing through.

Per your advice, we relied on our b&b people in Dingle and Castletownbere to arrange private guides, and that worked  splendidly. We saw a lot, and with none of the road stress.