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The Ring of Kerry tour
The Ring of Kerry is Ireland's most famous scenic
day trip. It has some of the best natural scenery
seen anywhere in Europe. Here I have made some
suggestions to make this trip a most memorable
one.
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Leaving the Lake
Hotel take a left turn at the main road and you head
for Killarney town, take the Killorglin road (N70). Here
on the left you will see the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain
range and Ireland's highest mountain, Carrantoohil.
Killorglin is the home of Puck Fair, a pagan festival
for over 3000 years. (10/11/12 August). Continue on to Glenbeigh
a popular beach and seaside resort.
You will also pass the Red Fox Inn
and Traditional Bog Village.
Next stop is Glenbeigh, it has a beautiful beach at Rossbeigh,
3 miles
of sandy beach, head back to the N70 to Kells or go over
the mountain at Cahill's pub ( cars only ) to join the N70.
From the mountain stage there is a great view of DINGLE
bay, this is a good spot to stretch your legs and enjoy
the view.
Cahersiveen is next, at the new bridge on the left can be
seen
the birth place of Daniel O'Connell " The Liberator
"
and hero to the Irish people in the 1800's
It is also home of two stone forts dating back to the 9th.Century,
all visitor information can be found at the tower like building,
an refurbished R.I.C Barracks near the town center.
There is also an Train Engine here that was used here on
the old Railway.
You can also find Ballycabbery
Castle ( ruin )
once a fortress to The McCarthy Mór ( as that at
Castlelough
beside the Lake Hotel ). Leaving Caherciveen on your right
hand side you can see
Valentia Island which can be accessed from
Caherciveen by a car ferry and exit at Portmagee.
Valentia was where the first Transatlantic Cable was laid
all the way to America in 1857, you can also visit the Slate
Quarry and the Light House, there are many remains of old
structures including Stone (Ring) Forts and Churches. Out
to Sea you can see The Skellig
Rocks 700 feet out of the Atlantic Ocean was used by monks
as a monastery from the 5th. Century, you can visit the
rocks by boat and is highly recommenced so bring a packed
lunch from the Lake Hotel.
Heading on to Waterville turn right at the church
and right again and take the Cosatal road into Waterville.
There are some very good restaurants here for lunch,
the Smuggler's Inn, Huntsman and the Fisherman's Bar.
After lunch you can walk the beach to stretch your
legs, as Charlie Chaplin, Shirley McClaine, Walt Disney,
Tiger Woods, Pane Stuart and Michael Jordan have in
days gone by.
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The Ring of Kerry can be seen by bus tour of car.
Having your own car will give you a chance to
customize your tour to get maximum enjoyment.
So give yourself plenty of time to do the
Ring of Kerry. You will need a whole day to get
the most from this magnificent tour.
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Points of interest.
Kerry Bog Village
Valentia island
Waterville
Derrynane
Statue of Steve Casey in Sneem
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Leaving Waterville you head up and over the mountains
at Coomakista Pass,
park here and enjoy the views,
to the north Ballinskelligs Bay and to the south Derrynane
and Castlecove, in the far distance you can see Co.Cork.
If it is a nice day go to Derrynane, the nicest beach
in all of Ireland.
You can also visit Daniel O'Connell's home which is
now a museum. Derrynane
Time stands still at Derrynane so enjoy the moment !
After Caherdaniel head for
Staigue Fort ( 2500 years old )
and experience the way it was, 2500 years ago for the
Celt's.
Next stop Sneem home of the famous Casey brothers,
The New York times wrote : " The Toughest Family
That Ever Lived " . Steve Casey was the undisputed
world wrestling Champion for more than ten years, when
wrestling was " Wrestling ", Joe Louis refused
two offers to fight from Steve Casey as he feared this
Irish man who could box as well as wrestle, there is
a life size statue of Steve ( the crusher ) Casey on
the left as you leave Sneem on the Killarney road. It
is said his hands were 15 inches wide form the point
of his Thumb to the point of his little finger.
To complete the Ring of Kerry
you head to Kenmare next or turn left and head for Molls
Gap, here you will have a good view
of the Mountains of Kerry, left at Molls Gap and you
will see lakes on your left with the Black Valley and
the Head of the Gap ( the gap of dunloe ) in the distance.
At Ladies View you can see the Lake
Hotel , that white building in the distance and
as you descend you can see the Three Lakes of Killarney.
You will pass the Upper Lake and the Middle Lake before
you get to Torc Waterfall on your right and then on
to Muckross House and Gardens, well worth a visit and
stretch those legs after a great day. All that is left
is, back to
the " Lake " and Shower / Bath / or relax
in a Jacuzzi if you are lucky enough to have one of
use the out door hot tub then a relaxing drink in the
Devil's Punchbowl Bar
overlooking the Flood lit Castle and Lake, and its time
for dinner in The Castlelough Restaurant / Lakeside
Bistro.
If dining in Killarney Town
we recommend
Chapter Restaurant 40
Loher Stone Fort near Waterville.
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