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| Ring of Kerry |
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Irelands most famous tour begins here in Fossa taking in
spectacular scenery along the route. Places included in the tour
are:
Killorglin - home of the 'Puck
Fair'.
Glenbeigh - magnificent views of Rossbeigh beach
and sandhills.
Cahersiveen & Derrynane - home of 'The
Liberator' Daniel O' Connell.
Waterville - renowned for
its beaches, walking, cycling and archaeological
sites.
Sneem - Kerrys most colourful town - winner of
Irelands' Tidy Towns competition.
Molls' Gap - the most
spectacular stop on the Ring with breathtaking views of the south
Kerry mountains and Killarney lakes.
Along the same route there are plenty of sea views to choose from
- Rossbeigh beach, Dingle Bay, Kells Bay, Valentia Island,
Ballinskelligs Bay,Skellig rock, Kenmare Bay and Derrynane
beach.
The distance of the ring is approximately 177km and is
well worth while. Organised coach tours are available.
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| Gap of Dunloe |
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The Gap of Dunloe is the 10km mountain pass dividing the purple
mountains from Mcgillycuddys' Reeks. One of the most scenic glacial
valleys in Ireland is only about 7km form Beech Grove. The Gap is
renowned worldwide for its tour, but has to be seen to be
appreciated. The combination of its rugged beauty, enchanting lower
lakes and rivers, and colourful flora and fauna make the Gap a
magnificent masterpiece. Leaving from Kate Kearneys cottage,
visitors can enjoy the tour as they please i.e. on horseback,
jaunting cart, cycling or walking. On reaching the 'upper lake', the
tour can be continued in the classic 'gap boat' trip through the
Killarney lakes. A must for all day-trippers.
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| Muckross House, Gardens and
Traditional Farms |
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Built in 1843, Muckross house is a magnificent Victorian mansion
standing in the scenic heart of Killarney, the National Park. The 65
- room mansion portrays both the lifestyles of the landed gentry and
their servants. The famous gardens of the house reach down to the
shore of Killarneys' middle lake and are surrounded by the mountains
Mangerton, Torc, Eagles Nest, Tomies and Shehy. The farming
traditions of a rural community of the 1930s are represented also in
Muckross. The traditional farms recreate the past using skilled
artisans to carry out daily tasks and are complete with animals,
poultry and traditional farm machinery. A fascinating insight into a
simpler way of life in the 1930's.
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| Ross Castle |
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This 15th century castle lies on the shore of Killarneys Lough
Lein. In 1652, Ross Castle was the last castle in Munster to fall to
the English general Cromwell. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the
castle was used as a military barracks. In recent years the castle
has been beautifully restored and guided tours are available to the
public. From Ross Castle also there are trips by open boat to
Innisfallen and watercoach tours of Lough Lein.
Innisfallen
Island - The 2.5km tour across Lough Lein by open boat is highly
recommended. The island, which is famous for its Innisfallen annals
and as a place for learning, contains monastic ruins dating from the
6th to the 13th centuries. The early Augustinians founded their
University of the West here - a monastery of learning and culture
sought after the nobles of Ireland and Europe.
Lough Lein
- The original gaelic name of the lake meaning 'the lake of
learning' derived its name from the abbey on Innisfallen (the centre
of education). Taking the trip by watercoach or boatman is
recommended as the tour is enhanced by the commentary on the history
and legends of the lakes. Lough lein is also renowned for its
angling being both rich in brown trout and salmon.
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| Aghadoe |
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Only 1.5km from Beech grove is one of Killarneys most spectacular
viewing points of the lakes and mountains. Aghadoe has been regarded
as a special place since ancient times. Apart from the panoramic
views, monastic remains dating as far back as the 6th century can be
seen. One can climb the stairs of the remaining round tower, which
was built in1026AD. The Normans also built a castle here in the 13th
century below the church. Aghadoe - a perfect spot for a picnic.
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| The Dingle
Peninsula |
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Renowned for its rugged beauty, the Dingle Peninsula juts out
into the sea and commands spectacular views. The town itself, while
progressive, still retains much of its old-world atmosphere. The
visitor is spoilt for choice here - go swimming with Fungie the
friendly dolphin; visit the Blasket Islands; enjoy a game of golf at
Ceann Sibeal; take in the sea breeze at Inch; go pony trekking on
the hills. There's something for everyone.
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| North Kerry |
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| North Kerry, containing the busy towns of
Tralee (the capital of Kerry), Listowel and Castleisland, has a lot
to offer. The sandy beaches of Ballybunion, Banna and Ballyheigue
are a few of the coastal resorts to be found in North Kerry. You can
follow the footsteps of the stars into the glorious Ballybunion Golf
Club, where the likes of Tiger Woods and Bill Clinton have played.
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History and legend can be found in the medieval Ratoo Round Tower
in Ballyduff, Ballylongfords' Carrigfoyle Castle and the monastic
remains at Ardfert and Abbeydorney. The 'Rose of Tralee' festival
guarantees Tralees' standing as one of the country's main holiday
centres. Listowel, the main market town of North Kerry, centres
around a 15th century castle and is regarded as the 'literary
capital of Kerry', being the birthplace of many great writers.
Castleisland boasts one of the widest streets in Castleisland and
also has some excellent restaurants and pubs.
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Useful links:
Irish Caravan Council - http://www.camping-ireland.ie/
Irish Tourist Board - http://www.ireland.travel.ie/
Killarney Online - http://www.killarneyonline.ie/
Kerry Gems Visitor Guide - www.kerrygems.ie
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