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The RING OF KERRY begins
and finishes at the Lake
hotel.
Leaving the hotel turn left 1.5 miles to Killarney, veer left
for the Killorglin road, pass Killarney Golf Club on your
left ( 1.5 miles )
and your are on the road to Killorglin. Killorglin is famous
for PUCK Fair pagan festival dating back 3000 years ( 10 /
11 and 12th. August ).
Further on 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.
CAHERCIVEEN 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 at Renard pier and exit at the
bridge in PORTMAGEE on the other side of Valentia..
VALENTIA was where the first Transatlantic Cable was laid
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.
You now have an option to take the "Skellig Ring"
and visit Saint Finians Bay, it is a narrow road but worth
it for the scenery, it is breath taking, natural rugged
Irish Coastline. Go to Ballinskelligs and then head on to
Waterville.
Heading on to Waterville turn right at the church and take
the Coast road into Waterville. In Waterville why not drop
in to the Fishermans Bar at the Butler Arms Hotel for lunch,
after lunch walk the beach to stretch your legs, Charlie
Chaplin, Shirley McClaine, Walt Disney, Tiger Woods, Payne
Stuart and Michael Jordan have all visited here.
Next you travel on one mile to the Village along where Charlie
Chaplin used to walk every morning and park on the right side
and take a walk on the promenade. You can visit Charlie Chaplin's
statue. (above left) Soon we will have Micko Dwyer legendary
footballers statue for this living legend of Kerry Football.
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,
there is a beautiful beach here.
You can also visit Daniel O'Connell's home which is now a
museum.
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 Legend 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 many offers 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. It is said his hands
were 15 inches wide form the point
of his Tumb to the point of his little finger. When you are
in Sneem ask who was "Johnny Mountain", now there
is another story.
More Information on the Casey's
of Sneem
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 the
outdoor Jacuzzi and a relaxing drink in the Devil's Punchbowl
Bar overlooking the Flood lit Castle and Lake, Native Red
Deer and Wild Eagles soaring over the Lakes.
The LAKE HOTEL recommend visitors
purchase a good map or guide book
as this is only a brief description
of " The Ring Of Kerry " there are so many hidden
gems along the way
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Enjoy the The Ring
of Kerry !
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Ring of Kerry Hotel
Ring of Kerry Hotel Accommodation
Derrynane Pier on the Ring of Kerry
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