Ring of Kerry - County Kerry
For visitors to County Kerry, the Iveragh Peninsula is usually synonymous with the Ring of Kerry. However, in truth, the Ring of Kerry is a two-lane strip of secondary road measuring 179km that is very popular with tour buses whereas the Iveragh Peninsula is nearly 1125km of untamed beauty and rugged coastline, pristine beaches, views of the island-dotted Atlantic, medieval ruins, mountains and lakes.
The best way to complete the Ring of Kerry is to begin and end in the town of Kenmare. Travelling counter-clockwise past Killarney, carry on to Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair. The Puck Fair is a lively pagan festival which takes place in August every year. The next town on the route is Glenbeigh and then Cahirciveen whose population was desecrated by the Great Famine and emigration to the New World.
Waterville
Taking a southerly direction on the route, Waterville is a breezy beach resort probably best known for its Golf Links which attracts serious golfers from afar. Continuing south, Caherdaniel boasts a Blue Flag beach where visitors can enjoy easy access to water sports equipment, diving, rock climbing and canoeing. Halfway between Caherdaniel and Kenmare, Sneem is nicknamed ‘the knot in the Ring of Kerry’ due to the River Sneem whirling, knot-like, into the nearby Kenmare Bay. These are the main towns on the Ring of Kerry.
Kenmare
Kenmare, deemed the best starting point of the Ring and located at the mouth of the River Roughty on Kenmare Bay. The town is picture perfect with stone cottages, colourful gardens and flowers overflowing from its window boxes. It is by far the most attractive town on the Ring of Kerry, clean and easy to find your way around with good quality restaurants, pubs and shops.
Killarney
The town of Killarney draws millions of visitors each year and can be attributed not only to its proximity to lakes, waterfalls, woodland and moors in the shadow of 1000m peaks but also to a range of other accessible indoor activities including eating, drinking and shopping as well as outdoor activities such as horse riding, golf, fishing and cycling. The valley surrounding the town is gorgeous with three lakes, scenic islands and 40km of woodland. Visitors, even those on a budget, can expect to find high standards in Killarney’s superb restaurants, great pubs and good accommodation. Most pubs put on live music and most nights are therefore lively.
Killarney National Park
The main entrance to Killarney National Park is at Muckross House. The park comprises 10,236 hectares of natural beauty. Walk, cycle or hire a jaunting car to get around. The horse–drawn jaunting car is Killarney’s traditional transport and comes with a driver known as a jarvey. Cost depends on the distance travelled. Three lakes – the glacial Lower Lake (Lough Leane), the Middle Lake (Muckross Lake) and the Upper Lake – make up about a quarter of the Park whose area is rich in wildlife including cormorants, deer, salmon, trout and perch.
Muckross House
The core of Killarney National Park is the Muckross Estate. The ivy covered Victorian mansion known as Muckross House dates from the 19th century and has been restored to its former glory. It now houses a mix of locally carved furniture, paintings and crafts mixed alongside imported treasures like Oriental screens, Venetian mirrors and Turkish carpets. The beautiful gardens which slope down to the lake include a walled garden.
Muckross Abbey
Near the House, visitors can find the ruin of the 15th century Muckross Abbey, founded about 1448 and burned by Cromwell’s troops in 1652. Jaunting cars will take visitors from the House to the Abbey as well as to the pretty Torc Waterfall on a magical journey through deer parks and woodland.
Macgillycuddy Reeks
Just west of Killarney lies the central mountain range named Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. Formed of red sandstone they have been gradually shaved down by glaciers until they reached the gentle shape they hold today. The range boasts nine of Ireland’s ten highest peaks, the highest mountain being Carrantuohill at 3,414 feet.
Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe, technically outside Killarney National Park is located approximately 10 km southwest of Killarney and can be reached by taking a path that begins at the Upper Lake within the Park and leads right through the Gap.
Salmon and brown trout fishing
Fishing for salmon and brown trout in Killarney’s unpolluted lakes and rivers is a very popular pastime. Licences can be organised by the Wallis Arms Hotel. Many trails in the Killarney area are suitable for horseback riding. For walkers, there are four sign-posted nature trails in the Park. Alternatively guided walks or tours can be joined ranging from a day to a week.
Kerry Way
For the more serious long-distance walkers, the Kerry Way offers approximately 325km of sign-posted walking routes heading out from Killarney around the Ring of Kerry.