Killarney & The Ring of Kerry - Self Drive

3 Day Killarney & Ring of Kerry Drive
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The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland's most scenic drives. It is a circular route, therefore any of the towns and villages along the route can be used as a starting point. The itinerary here begins in Killarney.



Day 1
From Kerry Airport, take the N22 to Killarney, one of Ireland’s best known tourist destinations. With its combination of epic mountains, ancient forests and sparkling lakes, Killarney is a gem to be discovered and the ideal starting point for exploring the Kingdom of Kerry. After a hearty Irish breakfast at your chosen accommodation, why not begin your day with a traditional jaunting car trip, departing Killarney town centre on a regular basis. See Muckross House, Muckross Abbey, Lough Leane, Knockreer Estate and Ross Castle the traditional way! Ross Castle is located on the Ross Road, about 3km from Killarney town overlooking Lough Leane. It is a typical example of an Irish chieftain’s stronghold from the Middle Ages and was built by the O’Donoghue Ross clan. www.heritageireland.ie.
Located 5.6 km from Killarney on the N71 Kenmare road, Muckross House is a magnificent Victorian mansion with elegantly furnished rooms overlooking landscaped gardens with exotic trees and plants. Or why not go back in time with a trip to the Muckross Traditional Farms; depicting life in Kerry in the early 20th century. www.muckross-house.ie

A short drive away from Muckross House (5km) on the N71 is the spectacular Torc Waterfall. Especially after heavy rains, the torrent foams violently off the hill top and explodes over the 60-foot rock face. Climb the flight of steps and you come to a wonderful viewing point overlooking the Killarney Valley and lakes. A sight not to be missed! If you fancy a spot of fishing, Killarney has much to offer the freshwater angler. The river Flesk gets a good run of spring salmon. The river Laune has excellent salmon, trout and sea-trout; late summer is usually best for trout. The Killarney Lakes are rich in salmon and brown trout and for good measure, require no fishing permit. For a real experience of Killarney’s Lakes, Irish Adventures offer half day guided kayak trips on Lough Leane. Morning, afternoon and sunset trips are available and are suitable for beginners and families. www.irishadventures.net

After lunch, why not take a leisurely stroll around the many shops and boutiques that Killarney has to offer. To entertain the children, come and meet the animals at Kennedy’s Pet Farm www.killarneypetfarm.com located on the N22, 8 km from Killarney town. Plenty to do here and admission includes a free pony ride for children! Or if exotic animals are more your taste, head to Coolwood Wildlife Park & Sanctuary www.coolwoodwildlifepark.com (located on the N22, take a turn to the left after the Killarney Heights Hotel 5 km from Killarney town) where you will be offered a unique opportunity to see an array of rare and exotic animals up close such as monkeys, lemurs, wallabies, raccoons, meerkats, deer, llama, parrots, bird of prey and lots more!

Explore the remoteness of the Gap of Dunloe and the beauty of the Lakes of Killarney. Travel to Kate Kearney’s cottage, take the 3rd exit on the Ballydowney roundabout signposted Killorglin on the N72, drive 8km and take turn off to the left signposted for Gap of Dunloe and drive 7 km. Change there to pony or jaunting car for the 11km journey through the Gap of Dunloe, a magnificent glaciated valley with high cliffs and isolated lakes. Descend via the remote Black Valley to Lord Brandon’s cottage at Gearhameen, on the shores of the Upper Lake. Many tour operators organise day trips with a combination of bus, jaunting car and open boat tours to the famous Gap of Dunloe, as well as offering options to walk, cycle or ride the most scenic sections. www.gapofdunloetours.com www.corcorantours.com www.derostours.com

The jewel in Killarney’s crown is undoubtedly the National Park. This was Ireland’s first National Park, comprising 25,000 acres and enclosing Killarney’s three lakes, the surrounding mountains and oak, alder and yew woodlands. Enter the park at Knockreer across the road from St. Mary’s Cathedral and enjoy a memorable stroll through these exquisite woodlands. If walking is not your thing, why not rent a bike www.killarneyrentabike.com. As Killarney National Park is a car-free zone, the trusty bicycle is ideal for sightseeing. Keep an eye out for the Rhododendron Ponticum, which was introduced from the Near East in the 18th Century as ground cover for game, and grows abundantly in Killarney National Park as it thrives on our acidic soil and damp climate. Or why not go horse riding. Killarney Riding stables located on the N22, 2km from Killarney town provides a wide range of treks suitable for all standards and abilities www.killarney-riding-stables.com. Another option is to do a spot of Pitch & Putt at Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club, Upper Lewis Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry (064) 6636768.Finish off your day with good Irish food followed by a feast of traditional Irish music.



Day 2
The Ring of Kerry is part of the mystical & idyllic region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits including golf, water sports, cycling, walking, riding and the very best fishing in freshwater rivers - salmon & trout, and at sea - bass, ray, pollack, conger eel, cod, flounder, wrasse, mullet, mackerel and tuna. The Ring of Kerry has some of the finest beaches in Europe that provide all the facilities for a traditional seaside holiday. Above all, the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland. For the next two days, you will get an opportunity to experience this beautiful region. Leave Killarney on the N72 to Killorglin. After 14km stop off at Ballymalis Castle, a 16th century rectangular tower with fine triple-mullioned windows on the north and south sides, and representations of doves on the outside. It is beautifully situated on a peaceful stretch of the River Laune, with a good view of Carrantuohill – Ireland's highest mountain. Continue on towards Killorglin, 8km on the N72 to the gateway to the Iveragh Penninsula. The town is renowned for its Puck Fair Festival (10th – 12th August) when a male goat (Puck) is crowned King; a tradition from pagan times. Continue on the N70, 12km towards Glenbeigh and stop off at the Kerry Bog Village. This thatched village offers an insight into how people worked and lived in Ireland in the 18th century. www.kerrybogvillage.ie

Continue on to Cahersiveen, (Cathair Saidhbhín – fort of little Saidhbh) 27.7km from Glenbeigh on the N70; the birthplace of the great political agitator Daniel O’Connell (1775 – 1847). Why not stop off at the Daniel O’Connell Memorial Park located on the left hand side just as you enter the town. Visit The Old Barracks Heritage Centre. This unique building of Schloss design is a former Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks. It features exhibits on local history, archaeology, flora and fauna, the Fenian rising and on local heroes Daniel O’Connell and Monsignor O’Flaherty.www.theoldbarracks.com
Why not take a guided walk to the archaeological and historical sites of Cahersiveen by local historian James Casey. The tour departs at 11am just outside the Cahersiveen Tourist Office and is the perfect way of exploring the many historical gems that Cahersiveen has to offer. The tour incorporates a visit to Leacanabuaile and Cahergal stone ring forts, Ballycarbery Castle and a walk along the shoreline looking across at the beautiful Marina in Cahersiveen. Tel: 087-9039361. If walking is not your thing and you want to save your legs, why not take a trip on a “boat with wheels”. Valentia Harbour Tours offer unique boat trips on an “amphibious boat” departing the Marina at Cahersiveen at 10.30am (as you enter the town, take a right at the tourist office down Bridge Street and then just before the bridge, take a left and continue down that street and the Marina will be on the right hand side). It goes to Valentia Island, Knightstown, Beginish Island and back to Cahersiveen. View the beauty of South Kerry from the comfort of an enclosed boat, and without the seasickness!! www.valentiaharbourtours.com After lunch, why not take a trip to Valentia Island. A short drive from Cahersiveen, take the car ferry across to the island (drive 1.8km out of the town on N70 and at the crossroad, take the right and drive 1km to the bottom of the road to meet the ferry). It is a short ten minute trip on ferry and you will arrive at Knightstown. For almost 90 years it was the European base for the transatlantic cable. To entertain the children, why not stop off at Valentia Island Sea Sports. Here they can enjoy a water trampoline, canoeing and kayaking in Valentia Harbour. Tel: 086-8717846. Pop into Valentia Island Heritage Centre, located in Knightstown, and learn about the history and traditions of the Island. Tel: 066-9476411 There is plenty to do on the island! Take a wander through Glanleam House and Subtropical gardens. Here, you can view mature and exotic trees, groves of bamboo, rainforest-like walks and view plants and trees that grow nowhere else in Europe! Why not take a trip down to Fort Point lighthouse or visit the Tetrapod Trackway, located 4km from Knightstown towards the Valentia Coast Radio station. Dated at 385 million years old, they are the oldest dinosaur footprints in the northern hemisphere and they are preserved in rocks near Valentia Radio Station. Valentia Slate Quarry is located 2km nearby and the slate has been used on many public buildings including the House of Commons and the National Gallery. A must see viewpoint is Geokaun Mountain and Fogher cliffs located 2.5km from thegrotto. Here, you can enjoy the spectacular views from the highest point on the island. See right across to Dingle Bay, the Blasket Islands and the Skellig Rocks and view the information plaques illustrating the local heritage and legends associated with the island.www.geokaun.com
The Skellig Experience Centre is located on the right hand side as you drive across the bridge to Portmagee and tells the story of the Skelligs UNESCO World Heritage Site. The centre illustrates the four main themes associated with the Skelligs using graphics, models, exhibition items, reconstruction and an audio visual show. You can also enjoy a cruise around the islands. www.skelligexperience.com. Enjoy some exquisite cuisine in the little fishing village of Portmagee. Enjoy some Irish traditional music in The Bridge Bar (Tuesday, Friday & Sunday nights) and join in the craic for a true Irish experience!

Day 3
Begin your morning with a visit to Kerry’s most spectacular cliffs located 2km from Portmagee village. The 300m cliffs offer fine views of the Blasket Islands and are also the nearest viewing point of the famous Skellig Rocks and Puffin Island. Bird watchers will delight in the cliff birds. Continue on the R566 on the Skellig Ring drive towards St. Finian’s Bay where you can enjoy a stroll on the beach, and again fantastic views of the Skellig Rocks. Continue on the R566 towards Ballinskelligs and enjoy a swim in this fantastic blue flag beach. Next travel to the village of Waterville, 14.8km from Ballinskelligs. Set on the seafront is a statue of Charlie Chaplin looking out onto Ballinskelligs Bay. There is lots to do, from golf at the famous Waterville Golf Links www.watervillegolfclub.ie to fishing trips on Lough Currane. The lough is about 3/4 miles long and just under 2 miles at its widest. It is predominantly shallow, intersected by numerous islands, the largest being Church Island where there is a church and bee-hive dwellings dating back to the sixth century. Experienced fishing guides are available providing boats and engines. Due to their experience and companionship better catches are usually obtained. A large variety of boats are available for hire to the experienced, but care is advised due to the rocky nature of the lough. Tel: 066-9474303 www.lakelandshouse.com. Or why not take a walk out to Hog’s Head looking out onto Ballinskelligs Bay, which is located on the right hand side as you exit Waterville village. As you exit Waterville and continue on the N70 on the Ring of Kerry towards Caherdaniel, 1.5 km from the village on the left you will discover Eightercua which is a four-stone alignment (stone-row) Megalithic tomb. The tallest stone reaches 9 feet in height, and the alignment stretches for twenty five feet in an east-west direction. Surrounding artifacts, including remains of a possible tomb and an ancient enclosure, suggest that the site had a ritual purpose at one time. Eightercua is thought to originate from circa 1700 BC, and by tradition is the burial place of Scéine, wife of the leader of the Milesian invaders, Amergin mac Míled. Next stop is Caherdaniel and Derrynane House and Gardens. The ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, Derrynane House contains memorabilia from the life and career of the lawyer, politician and statesman. Surrounded by 120 acres of land, Derrynane National Historic Park is an excellent spot for leisurely walking through the 18th century garden. www.heritageireland.ie

Continue on to Staigue Fort 8.2km east of Caherdaniel which is one of Ireland’s finest stone forts. The walls of this fort are up to 6m high and 4m thick. It is more than 2,500 years old, so well worth a visit! Next stop on the Ring of Kerry is the village of Sneem, 17.4km from Staigue Fort. The winner of many national awards, Sneem is one of Ireland’s most colourful and picturesque villages. Visit The Sneem Sculpture Park, a unique outdoor display of international sculptures which are in the square of the village. The nearby Garden of the Senses offers spectacular walks along the riverside with interesting interpretative panels on the wildlife in the area. Continue on the N70 to Kenmare (27.3km). First stop is Kenmare Heritage Centre. This heritage centre examines Kenmare’s history as a planned estate town, its landlords and the effects of the famine as well as its famous residents, its historical sites and its tradition of lace making. Tel: 064-6641233. Why not take a fun econature and seal watching cruise down the Kenmare River on Seafari. This trip cruises around the many islands around the bays shelteredKillarney & The Ring of Kerry waters between the Beara and Iveragh Peninsulas. www.seafariireland.com Or visit the Bonane Heritage Park 10.8km from Kenmare which offers a 3km circular walk incorporating an insight into the life and times of Ireland’s first settlers. It is rich in archaeological monuments including a stone circle, ring fort, standing stone and the ruin of a famine house www.bonane.com . Take a trip back in time and visit Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional farm, to the simple lifestyle of rural Ireland in the days before electricity and modern conveniences. www.mollygallivans.com To finish off the Ring of Kerry, travel back to Killarney 32 km on the N 71 and enjoy the views of Molls Gap and Ladies View which derives its name from the pleasure expressed by Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting on their visit here in 1861.

Download the brochure here : Killarney & The Ring of Kerry