Blarney Castle to the Ring of Kerry: Days 5 & 6 with G Adventures in Killarney

As our G Adventures National Geographic Family Journey continued from Cork to Killarney, days five and six brought some of Ireland's most iconic experiences—from the legendary Blarney Stone to the breathtaking Ring of Kerry. These days showcased why this itinerary balances must-see attractions with authentic cultural encounters.

Day Five: Blarney Castle and Discovering Killarney

Wednesday morning brought excitement as our small group of 12 departed Cork for Killarney, but not before stopping at one of Ireland's most famous landmarks—Blarney Castle.

Blarney Castle: Where Legends and Reality Meet

Built nearly 600 years ago, Blarney Castle stands as one of Ireland's most iconic sights, and visiting it is an experience that tests both your courage and your curiosity. This unusually large tower house features two towers with walls that are an impressive 18 feet thick at the base, gradually sloping inward as they rise.

The castle tour takes you through the chapel, banquet hall, family room, and even the dungeon—each room offering glimpses into medieval Irish life. But the real draw, of course, is the famous Blarney Stone at the top of the castle.

Here's where honesty becomes the best travel story: my daughter successfully kissed the Blarney Stone, leaning backwards over the drop to gain the legendary "gift of eloquence." Me? I'm extremely scared of heights! I got up to the top, climbing the spiral stone steps, got to the front of the line, and then fear set in. I sat down, tried to lay back multiple times as the Irishman waited patiently for me, but it took several attempts before I could lay on my back. I always like to try new things and not let my fear get in the way but this time, it wasn't happening. I move an inch toward the stone, kissed air, and decided that was it for me (the photo of me below was as close as I got)! Not every experience needs to be conquered, and that's okay! Just watching my daughter master it quickly was worth it even if I didn't! And she got a good laugh out of watching me attempt it.

Travel Advisor Insight: The Blarney Stone experience is a perfect example of how family travel allows each member to choose their own adventure. Some embrace the challenge, others observe and support (or try their best!) - both make for memorable stories.

The Gardens: An Underrated Treasure

What many visitors don't realize is that the 60-acre gardens surrounding Blarney Castle are an attraction in their own right. G Adventures built in time for us to wander the various gardens, arboretums, and avenues at our own pace—a thoughtful touch that recognizes not everyone travels at the same speed.

Highlights for us included:

• The Boardwalk and Water Garden

• The Carnivorous Courtyard (featuring plants that trap and consume insects - fascinating for curious minds!)

• The Fern Garden and Ice House

• Herbaceous Border (100-meter long walkway; great for Instagram-worthy photos for my teen)

• Great Trees (some of our favorites!)

• The Seven Sisters, a circle of nine standing stones from medieval times

After exploring the castle grounds, we toured Blarney House, adding another layer of historical context to our visit. This was really neat to see. I love old Victorian homes. This one was from 1874 and a family still lives in it (only set times for touring, which was an extra fee). Although we couldn't take photos inside, Natalie got one in the entryway (a selfie) before we realized it.

Killarney: Gateway to Natural Wonders

After, we moved onto the lovely town of Killarney, located on the shores of Lough Leane and adjacent to Killarney National Park—Ireland's first national park. The afternoon started with a late lunch at the Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder, a traditional Irish pub that stocks over 1,000 different whiskeys. Naturally, as a travel advisor, I felt it was my professional duty to sample some Irish whiskey for "research purposes" while enjoying hearty Irish stew (I love their stew!). The things we do for our clients! I can't say having good Irish whiskey changed my mind about it though. I'll stick with wine!

G Adventures again built in free time to the afternoon, allowing Natalie and me to explore on our own. Options included:

• Killarney National Park for sweeping views of the Irish landscape

• Muckross House, a stunning 19th-century Victorian mansion near the shores of Muckross Lake

• Ross Castle, a 15th-century castle perched dramatically on an inlet of Lake Leane, steeped in legends of the Irish chieftain O'Donoghue Mór

However, Natalie and I decided we needed some downtime and just relaxed in our hotel, walked around Killarney, got bangers and mash for dinner and got ready for the evening ahead.

Celtic Steps: An Unforgettable Evening

Wednesday evening brought what might have been the cultural highlight of our entire trip: the Celtic Steps dance performance. This world-famous show features Ireland's best dancers, musicians, and performers in an unforgettable blend of traditional and modern Irish dance, accompanied by live music.

My daughter and I both agreed—this performance alone was worth the trip to Ireland. The precision, energy, and artistry of Irish dance performed at this level is simply breathtaking. Watching their feet move was incredible, and you leave feeling like you've witnessed something truly special. The energy was great. It was such a wonderful time!

Travel Advisor Tip: Experiences like Celtic Steps are optional add-ons with G Adventures, which allows families to customize their journey. For those interested in Irish culture, I cannot recommend this highly enough. Our G Adventures CEO, Gabby, coordinated getting tickets; the whole group decided to take advantage of this opportunity.

Day Six: The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland's most legendary scenic drives; we got to enjoy a full-day excursion around the Iveragh Peninsula that consistently ranks among Europe's most spectacular coastal routes.

Morning Stop: Red Fox Inn and the Kerry Bog Village

We began our Ring of Kerry adventure with a stop at the Red Fox Inn, a charming traditional establishment adjacent to the Kerry Bog Village. This open-air museum recreates 18th-century Irish rural life, showing how families lived and worked in the peat bog communities that were once common throughout Ireland. The thatched cottages and period details offer insight into a way of life that has largely disappeared. Natalie's favorite part where their three Irish Wolfhounds they had hanging out.

At the Red Fox Inn, I enjoyed a perfectly crafted Irish coffee—that sublime combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream that Ireland perfected. It's the ideal way to start a day of exploring the countryside, especially when the weather reminds you that you're definitely in Ireland! Super yummy!

Travel Advisor Tip: These roadside stops offer glimpses into Irish rural heritage and culture. Don't rush past them; they're part of what makes the Ring of Kerry special. Also, the life of having teens...not heeding your warning that it was going to be cold and rainy so maybe a skirt isn't the right outfit for the day! She'll learn eventually.

Kells Sheepdog Farm: A Masterclass in Tradition

Our next stop was at Kells Sheepdog Farm for what became one of our favorite experiences of the entire trip. Here, a local farmer introduced us to his crew of sheepdogs and demonstrated the remarkable communication between handler and dog.

Watching Peg, the sheepdog, work was absolutely mesmerizing. The precision with which she responded to whistle commands, the intelligence in her eyes, the controlled energy as she guide sheep down from pastures was incredible - it's a masterclass in teamwork between human and animal that has been refined over centuries. It was really exciting watching.

The farmer gave a lively, engaging talk about traditional farming practices, followed by a question-and-answer session. This is exactly the type of authentic cultural encounter that defines G Adventures' National Geographic Family Journeys—real people sharing real traditions in meaningful ways. This was definitely at the top of our list of favorite moments from our trip!!!

Interesting fact - the farmers paint their sheep with a certain color so if their sheep ends up in another's farm, they can gte it back. Some sheep end up with multiple colors on it when two farmers claim the same sheep.

Parent Perspective: Although my son wasn't on this trip, I know he would have absolutely loved this experience. It's hands-on learning about Irish culture that doesn't feel like a lesson—it feels like a privilege. And he loves animals and this would have been his favorite experience!

Ancient Mysteries: The Stone Circle

After the sheepdog farm, we visited an ancient stone circle, also known as a ring fort. These megalithic monuments date back thousands of years to Ireland's Bronze Age and early Iron Age periods, and standing among them feels like stepping back into prehistoric Ireland.

Stone circles were likely used for ceremonial purposes, astronomical observations, and community gatherings. The stones are carefully placed in circular formations, and despite centuries of weathering and Ireland's famous rain, they remain standing as silent witnesses to ancient Irish civilization.

We visited our stone circle in the rain—which somehow felt entirely appropriate. There's something mystical about these ancient sites when mist hangs in the air and rain falls gently on stones that have stood for millennia. But Natalie was definitely cold in a skirt! (Teens, dress appropriately). Gabby and Mika shared theories about their purpose and helped us appreciate the engineering feat of moving and placing these massive stones without modern equipment.

Travel Advisor Insight: These archaeological sites offer tangible connections to Ireland's ancient past. Unlike castles or churches, stone circles predate written history, allowing imaginations to run wild about the people who built them and the ceremonies they witnessed.

Lunch in Waterville: Following in Famous Footsteps

Our lunch stop brought us to Waterville, the charming coastal town where Charlie Chaplin loved to holiday with his family. It's easy to see why the legendary actor and filmmaker was drawn to this peaceful seaside village—the dramatic Atlantic coastline, the relaxed atmosphere, and the warm Irish hospitality create an irresistible combination.

We enjoyed a traditional meal, I had my favorite again, Irish stew, at a local establishment, surrounded by photographs and memorabilia celebrating Waterville's connection to Chaplin. The town has embraced this heritage, with a bronze statue of the Little Tramp standing proudly along the waterfront.

Sitting in a pub where Chaplin himself might have enjoyed a meal felt like another layer of connection to Ireland's rich tapestry of stories—not just ancient history and medieval castles, but also the more recent past when this corner of Kerry became a refuge for one of cinema's greatest icons. Thankfully, the rain finally broke and we had sunshine as we drove away and for the rest of the day.

The Ring of Kerry: Living Up to the Hype

After lunch in Waterville, we continued along the Ring of Kerry, taking in the dramatic coastal scenery. I can confirm—it absolutely lives up to its reputation. Our afternoon journey took us through:

• Kenmare and Sneem: Picturesque villages that showcase traditional Irish architecture and hospitality

• Caherdaniel: Coastal town offering golden beaches and dramatic ocean views

• Ballinskelligs: A Gaeltacht area where locals still speak Irish Gaelic, providing an authentic glimpse into Ireland's linguistic heritage

• Portmagee: A colorful harbor village where fishing boats bob in the water and visitors depart for the famous Skellig Islands

• Glenbeigh: Known as "the jewel of Kerry" for good reason, with stunning mountain and coastal vistas

  
  

Along the way, we made strategic photo stops at some of Ireland's most breathtaking viewpoints:

• The Gap of Dunlough: Despite some Irish mist (because Ireland wouldn't be Ireland without a bit of weather!), the dramatic valley views were spectacular

• Ladies View: Named for Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting who were enchanted by the vista in 1861. When the mist cleared, we understood why—the panoramic views over the Lakes of Killarney are simply stunning

The Ring of Kerry showcases the full spectrum of Irish landscapes: rugged cliffs, golden beaches, peat bogs, picturesque mountain ranges, ancient ring forts, historic churches, and seemingly endless shades of green. Rain or shine, this country delivers on its promise of natural beauty.

Travel Advisor Insight: The Ring of Kerry can be done as a self-drive, but there's tremendous value in having an experienced guide who knows exactly where to stop, when to stop, and what stories to share. You're not just seeing scenery—you're understanding the landscape's history, geology, and cultural significance.

As we headed back to Killarney we stopped for some fabulous gelato and then Natalie and I explored more of Killarney after a busy day.

Why These Days Exemplified G Adventures' Approach

Days five and six in Killarney perfectly illustrated what makes G Adventures' National Geographic Family Journeys special:

• Balance of Experiences: Iconic landmarks (Blarney Castle), natural wonders (Ring of Kerry), cultural performances (Celtic Steps), and authentic encounters (sheepdog farm)

• Flexibility: Built-in free time for families to explore based on their interests and energy levels

• Small Group Advantage: With just 12 people, we moved efficiently, got personal attention from our guide, and could ask questions without feeling lost in a crowd

• Educational Depth: Every stop came with context and storytelling that brought the experience to life

• Optional Enhancements: Families can customize their journey with add-ons like Celtic Steps based on interests and budget

As we settled back into our Killarney accommodation Thursday evening, my daughter and I reflected on two days that felt packed with experiences yet never rushed—the hallmark of a well-designed itinerary.

Our final two days would bring new adventures, but these Killarney days had already secured their place among our favorite travel memories. Sometimes the most famous destinations earn their reputation for a reason, and Ireland's southwest certainly proves that rule.

Stay tuned for the next installment of our G Adventures National Geographic Family Journey through Ireland, where we'll explore the dramatic landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula and discover why this quieter corner of County Kerry holds its own magic.

About G Adventures National Geographic Family Journeys: Designed for families with children ages 7 and up, these small group tours (typically 12-16 travelers) combine iconic destinations with hands-on learning experiences. With more than 14 Family Journeys worldwide and over 86 Nat Geo Journeys for adult travelers and families with children 12 and up, G Adventures offers thoughtfully designed itineraries that balance education, adventure, and cultural immersion.

Interested in planning your own Irish adventure? Contact me to discuss G Adventures tours and other family travel options that create lasting memories.