Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Killarney: Including Killarney National Park

As a local Dubliner, I’d advise visitors to Ireland to try other companies if possible. I’ve been on several bus tours around Ireland with different companies and have generally found them to be decent experiences. I took this tour with Paddy Wagon, as they’re one of the few operators offering a Kerry route. Overall, I found this tour underwhelming, particularly for the price paid. One notable difference from other companies is that you get a joint driver/tour guide. This is generally a net negative, since the driver can’t give you the same time and attention as a dedicated guide who isn’t also focused on driving. I want to emphasise that having a joint driver-guide meant we received less information about Ireland in general and the areas we passed through than I’d expect — certainly less than on previous tours I’ve done with a dedicated guide who wasn’t also driving. This seems like an inherent limitation of the role rather than a reflection on the individual, since it’s very difficult to drive safely and narrate in depth at the same time. Some of the stop-offs felt sudden, with little build-up about where we were going or what to expect until right before we got off the bus. It’s a long trip, so I understand things need to be condensed — that’s fine. But some of the stops listed in the advertised itinerary turned out to just be things you see from the road during the drive. In that sense, the tour feels over-advertised compared to the real experience. One genuine highlight was the optional horse-and-carriage ride through part of Killarney National Park, which is a great way to see more of the park in the limited time you’re given there. It’s worth noting that this comes at an extra cost on top of the tour price — something that isn’t mentioned anywhere on Paddy Wagon’s own website, where the ride is simply listed as “optional” with no indication that a separate charge applies. So you’re either paying a bit more (which I personally felt was worth it) or left to explore the park or village on foot at your own pace. For the two hours you have in Killarney, the carriage ride is a good way to make the most of your time. In summary, I don’t think this tour is generally worth it, and in my experience there are better tour companies out there — particularly ones with dedicated tour guides. If you’re looking to do a tour with paddy wagon I’d recommend checking if Finn McCool tours offer the same tour and going with them from my own experience.

If you like being packed in like sardines, then you will like this trip. If you board the 64 passenger bus in Killarney, know that most of the seats will already be filled from Limerick and Cork. We received an email the day before our tour reassuring us that the pick up location, and time were the same. No bus showed up. There were 7 other people waiting with us. Finally got a hold of the company who told us they had sent a new email a few days ago that we had missed. Then why send us a new email the day before with the wrong information? Tour was 2 hours later and a new location. Bus was packed, not able to sit by my family. Whoops! They were short a seat. After trying to get the person who was apparently on the wrong bus off, we gave up and decided it was our best decision of the day to skip the tour. I had made the reservation 3 months prior. Paddywagon cares more about making money than providing a good service.

I did the Ring of Kerry bus tour today with Conor. It was fantastic! He was so cheerful and gave us so much wonderful details about Irish mythology, folklore and history all along the Wild Atlantic Way, while we enjoyed some spectacular scenery and local cuisine etc. It was very enjoyable. Would highly recommend it!

Conor is a great driver and guide, very pleasant tour! And I loved the soundtrack!

A really enjoyable day. Our driver was great! Funny and knowledgeable. We loved the stops. All good!

Would definitely give no stars if there was an option. We went to Dingle. First of all the driver didn't even bother to turn on the aircon when there's around 30degrees outside. We had to ask him to do it as my nephew almost vomited on the bus... after 2 hrs aircon broke completely and we spent full day at 27degrees inside. As this is his 1st time in Ireland when he saw some nice views through the window he would ask some questions. The driver reprimanded me in front of evervone that I cannot talk and need to listen ta what he is saying... we were not speaking loudly and only when there's was really a need for it. The driver made rude comments over the mic 3 more times....absolutely disrespectful and rude attitude. I didnt know this is "in silence trip where noone is allowed to talk during 9hrs trip".. . He didnt stop at all during Slea Head Drive where all other buses would stop. Didn't stop at all for Dunquin Pier, when previously said he would... We spending a full day on the bus and he is only stopping so we can take pics from inside of the bus.... Absolutely a waste of money, time and shocking service. Booked Paddywagon for the 1st and last time. Extremely poor quality of trip. Dont recommend! Horrendous BTW.. the driver hit a bird on the way and didnt even bother to remove it

Very enjoyable tour despite the weather. DJ was knowledgeable and entertaining

Fantastic tour taking in great scenery and locations. Highly recommended. very friendly driver Only down side was that we were given the wrong meeting location and start time. Only found out after making a phone call.

The trip is well worth the value of money. It was a great day out with my parents.

Think twice about using Viator and Paddy Wagon Tours. They changed the time and location, but never notified our group. They claim they sent an email, but never received anything from them. There were two other parties there that also never received notification from the tour operator or Viator. We did receive an email from Viator that morning confirming the time and location that I had on my confirmation email. The tour operator changed the location and time. They took our $900+ dollars and told us to go pound sand and would not give us a refund. Viator does not help or protect you from sketchy tours. Very disappointed, think twice