My sixteen-year-old son and I are off to Counties Kerry and Cork for a week at the end of this month. Although I’ve read umpteen guidebooks, I’d be grateful for any Dopers’ input as to places to see/avoid in the brief time we’re there. Anyone willing to give me a little help here?
Beautiful part of the country. But avoid Killarney, it’s just a tourist trap.
Haven’t spent enough time there to give any more info.
Hey, I’m headed there at the end of the month as well. Starting in Dublin, ending up near the coast in Kerry or just south. Anyone hike in the Killarney National Park this time of year?
My recommendations are Dingle and the Blasket Islands in Co. Kerry. The Dingle peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland, IMO. Dingle town is really groovy too. The Blaskets are both stunning and fascinating for the ancient way of life they sustained right up until the 1950s, although the news today about a seal massacre is rather distressing. I went paddling there a few years ago and three seals came up to me to say hi. 
Everything’s very laid back in that area. The comedian Lenny Henry described it as “a cold Jamaica”. West Cork is similarly beautiful and chilled out. Terrible roads though, but a relaxed attitude to life and the law. I second that Killarney should be avoided. Cork city is OK for a day or two, but then head out into the coastal countryside. I’ve never been, but I’ve heard good things about Castletown Bere.
Recommended reading: McCarthy’s Bar by Pete McCarthy (who sadly died a few weeks ago) for a very personal and amusing account of the West of Ireland.
We are planning to stay in Dingle one night, so I’m glad to see the above. (Love the “cold Jamaica” analogy.!) We will also be avoiding Killarney in favor of Kenmare, which sounds like a less-touristy place, touristy not being my favorite thing.
I second Telemark’s question about hiking in the park, too. Anyone?
The Ring of Kerry is a beautiful drive as well. Granted, my experiences have been in June so I don’t know how Ireland is in October. Just remember that it gets dark fairly early this time of year (when compared to most of the US, especially California). If you can spare the time, head a bit farther north to the Cliffs of Mohr. Tall cliffs, crashing waves and again, very beautiful.
Bunratty Castle is a nice experience. There is a historical-type village connected with it which may not be open this time of year either, but the castle itself is still kept up nicely and is likely to be open. It might make sense to check the internet to see if it has tours.
jjimm, thanks so much for this recommendation! I haven’t laughed this much over a book in years. Now I’m* really * looking forward to my trip!
I’m touched that you followed up the book recommendation, and even more delighted that you’re enjoying it!
If you have any interest in Irish history, make a pilgrimage to the Michael Collins memorial centre at Sam’s Cross, about 3 miles from the delightful town of Clonakilty (where, so my mate in Cork reckons, everyone is mad. Or should that be even madder?). There’s not a lot there really, as it’s just the Collins family home which was badly damaged by the Black and Tans in April 1921. You’d only really go to pay homage.
For natural wonders, the Burren (limestone pavement) in Co. Clare is worth a gander as you drive between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan. As are the Cliffs of Moher, as mentioned above, near Lahinch.