We are visiting Ireland in two weeks--a family of four with teenagers. We would like to stay in a bed and breakfast on the Ring of Kerry or is it better to stay in Killarney and just drive through the Ring?? Do you have b&b suggestions??? I ordered your book yesterday but do not want to wait to receive it to make a reservation.
Welcome to the forum! You can do the Ring of Kerry as a day trip from Killarney. That is what most people do. It does take all day especially if you make frequent stops. If you are planning on a boat trip to Skellig Michael then you will want to stay on the ring. In that case I recommend Harbour Hill in Cahirciveen: http://www.dirl.com/kerry/cahirciveen/harbour-hill.htm
The boat ride is about 45 minutes out and you'll get 2-2.5 hours on the island depending on timing. On the way back, the boat circles around small Skellig and takes just a bit longer to get back. We left at about 10:15 and got back at about 2:45.
We booked the night before and based our planning on the weather. You could probably get a ride out on the day you go, but if the weather is good, but this was important to me and I wanted to make sure I got on. If you make the reservation, get there at least 30 minutes early because he will leave earlier if he is booked up and everyone is there. The earlier you arrive, the less people are there at first. We found a surprising amount of disrespect for the age, fragility and sancity of the site. Early allows you a chance to see it without people climbing on all of the walls.
We had a fabulous time in Ireland--thanks to your book our b&b stays were delightful. We did stay in Harbour Hill in Cahircaveen as you recommended and we really enjoyed it. However, we thought the town of Waterville seemed nicer than the town of Cahircaveen (lots of construction going on.) Was there a reason you did not mention Waterville??? Just curious, for future.
Welcome back from Ireland. I am delighted to hear that you had a good time and that you enjoyed the lodgings in my book. Sorry to hear of the construction in Cahirciveen. It is popping up all over Ireland recently. I have not been to the ROK area for over a year so was unaware of it. I don't have any personal lodgings recommendations in Waterville, so I suggested Harbour Hill. But my book is always a work in progress. In the future if I find a suitable lodging to recommend for Waterville it will be included.
Michele
P.S. If you would like to tell us about your trip we would enjoy hearing about it.