I see Ireland beckening to me.
Thank you for sharing.

Hi Chip. You can easily do Ross Castle on your return after the boat trip. I'm not sure about getting Muckross House and Abbey in also. You will arrive at Ross Castle between 3:30 and 4:00 where you can catch the tour there (it doesn't take too long if you are trying to squeeze it all in) and then catch the bus back to your car park. I don't think I would want to be that rushed. There is a chance, if the water is rough that day, that you will have gotten pretty wet.

Muckross closes at 5:30 in June and my understanding is that a tour takes about 45 minutes at a minumum. You can certainly enjoy the gardens after closing.

Bill

xyz99, we visited Ireland in early July for the main part, because it was the only time we could travel without kids; also, I truly enjoy the longest day hours; never had to drive in the dark. About the crowds, there were some at the most popular tourist attractions like Cliffs of Moher or Killarney (we stayed in Kenmare) or some pubs in Galway, but most of the places were not crowded at all. Only once we were in traffic - on the first day on the way from Dublin. We always had a table at the chosen restaurant without prior reservation. In some areas like Connemara, the Burren, the Cliffs at Kilkee, Cahir Castle, Charles Fort, even Mizen Head there were surprisingly few visitors.

Chip, as Bill posted, Gap of Dunloe tour ends around 4pm at the Ross castle. We heard some companies begin the tour at the Ross castle, but I didn’t find such company and we went from Killarney. We were planning to do it on horse back but decided to walk at the last minute. We ate our lunch at Lord Brendan’s and enjoyed a breathtaking boat ride back to the Ross castle where our tour bus was waiting.
I read one entertaining report from someone who got soaked on the boat ride and was drying everything he had on at the Ross castle restroom. So I packed full set of clothes for both of us ‘just in case’. I was among just a few soaked on our boat (and completely freezing shortly after).
Now, we are back at the car. I changed and we went to the Ross castle. I don’t know if you can visit the castle without the guide, but we waited a bit for the guided tour. It’s the part I liked a lot about most places, tours and sometimes informative videos were free with your admission.
Muckross House is open until 7 pm during July and August, so we had enough time and took optional guided tour and enjoyed grounds; the farm was closed, but we had a chance to see some animals.
About Garnish Island, it’s just a short boat ride(10 EUR pp) from the mainland; and you can see seals during your ride. The view from the island is beautiful; the garden is lovely and quite small. If you love gardens, definitely visit.

Ross Castle is Tour Only. Just FYI...

Wendy

Hi travfirst:

The account you mention sounds familiar. It may have been written by yours truly:

http://www.geocities.com/obeirne_ireland_2003_2/sneem2

Bill

Hi Bill,
That’s the one! I was so happy I read it before my trip. Thanks again!

absolutely beautiful... i find that you and I, (whomever you are nice to meet you!) take extremely similar pictures... check mine out from ireland as well... different places, similar styles in composition. Very neat...

www.jessrk.com/europepicts.htm

smiles!

meika2u2, thank you for sharing your pictures. I had to see them all. What an incredible trip you had!
Please share the list of your favorite places.
Smiles!