Arriving into Dublin late August, making first stop in Athlone. Going onward to Galway for 1 night with connecting bus service. Next day plan taking bus route to Ennis, which travels to at Cliffs of Moher and Doolan, for over night. I will be traveling Bus with Open Roads pass which I consider very good value.

Thought to spending a day or overnight in Kenmare as went through the town returning Ring of Kerry route. If I have time to visit Cork to take day trip Beara along peninsula as enjoyed it and had lunch in Castletownbere. Will return to Dublin late on Sunday to be near airport for morning flight.

Know Aircoach travels from Cork on regular schedule. The Killarney rail ticket office (not sure about Cork office) closes at weekends. Considering Killarney and Cork are prime areas for tourist travel, one could not rely on travel by train .After walking to Killarney station early AM on Saturday a few years ago a conductor explained that they do not have ticketing office at weekends. I could only laugh and returned to the hotel, but conductor did get me on the train early next morning as promised !!
Should I plan staying overnight in Cork but not sure which route is better to Kenmare: Cork or Killarney? Have to start booking accommodation so would appreciate help with my itinerary for 4 full days sightseeing. I am active and good walker so try to do as much as possible.
Any suggestions for the accommodations in Cork or Killarney. Looking forward to suggestions working out my itinerary. Thanks to all.

Mind the 350 timetable for the Cliffs and Doolin. You don't need/want 2 hours in Doolin and 2 hours at the cliffs is stretching it.

Killarney is the best base for Kerry by bus.

http://www.journeyplanner.transportf..._TRIP_REQUEST2 is a good resource for getting around on public transport

Thanks responding. If I get early morning bus from Dub airport to Athlone, have lunch then continue all the way to Ennis for overnight. Next morning see Cliffs of Moher area half day possibly stop at Doolan. Enjoyed a day trip to Aran Islands previously so will see Doolan, move on to Killarney for 2 nights. Early morning bus to Kenmare returning to Killarney. If I have to take the Air Coach from Cork late Sunday can plan journey to Cork half day. Hope this plan makes sense and will book hotel for overnight in Dublin. Appreciate your help.

If you want to do the inis Oirr and cliffs combi cruise from Doolin you will have to check the times. If fit and active on a fine day you can walk from Doolin to Liscannor but generally Doolin to The Cliffs on the Cliffs path. Assuming you are back packing and not hauling suitcases?

Have to decide where I will overnight and drop off my luggage following most direct bus routes. To take the Beara peninsula scenic day tour will require overnight in Kenmare to get coach after 10am. If I am able to get as far as Kenmare first day with bus connections after the long flight, it will be possible. Move on from Kenmare late evening if coach return on time to get bus to Killarney. We took the speed ferry from Doolin years ago and spent the day hiking Inis O. and it was a wonderful experience. I can skip Doolin but would like to stop at Cliffs.

If get to Cork early on Sunday by bus or train can spend the day there before I head off to Dublin on Air Coach.

Thanks for your help.

If you are talking about reversing your route and Starting in Kenmare? then the express bus Dublin Airport to Cork might be the best option? bit confused by your second sentence above?

Thanks. I will need to stop in Athlone briefly so would not go onto Cork. There is early bus to Kenmare from Killarney at 7:40am and if I stay close enough to bus center I can try taking this scenic route and will have time for breakfast in Kenmare before tour. Thinking I will be better staying in Killarney 3 nights leaving early on Sunday to be in Cork for late Air Coach. Have not seen any train schedules for August either but will keep checking.
The schedules are not updated to show August as just read that the Bus strike seems to be settled.

The vast majority of Bus and Trains will be on the same schedules in August as they are now