| The Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland, is | | | | about 10:00am, after a leisurely breakfast, means |
| also known as The Ring of Kerry. It is part of an | | | | you'll arrive at the towns on the circuit an hour or |
| unspoiled part of Ireland even though it has had | | | | so behind most tour groups. That allows you to |
| visitors for hundreds of years. It is a spectacular | | | | avoid the crowds, especially in high season, and |
| center for outdoor activities including water | | | | you will have a much more relaxed experience. |
| sports, walking, cycling, golf, riding, and fantastic | | | | Visiting Ireland's highest mountain range, |
| freshwater fishing. The clear rivers provide eddies | | | | Macgillicuddy Reeks, in the morning will give you |
| and pools with salmon and trout; after they reach | | | | time to enjoy the mountain views. You'll also miss |
| the sea, fishing turns to bass, ray, conger eel, | | | | the crowds that return to Killarney in the evening. |
| cod, Pollack, wrasse, mullet, flounder, tuna, and | | | | The unusually rounded mountains of Moll's Gap are |
| mackerel. | | | | part of the movement of glaciers in the distant |
| Some of Europe's finest beaches are found on | | | | past. One of the most beautiful sights is the |
| The Ring of Kerry. Several of the towns along | | | | Lakes of Killarney at Ladies View. In wet weather, |
| the peninsula's shore contain all you need for a | | | | Torc Waterfall is spectacular and loud. The 70 ft. |
| wonderful seaside holiday. This circular tour | | | | waterfall begins at the "Devil's Punch Bowl" and |
| especially provides insight into Ireland's ancient | | | | splashes into Muckross Lake. |
| heritage. Ogham Stones, Iron Age Forts, old | | | | The Kerry Bog Village has been restored to |
| monasteries, and a rocky landscape carved by | | | | provide a view of rural life in centuries past. |
| the Ice Age, are all part of The Ring. | | | | Traditional cottages and tools used on the bog are |
| Just driving around The Ring would take 3 ½ | | | | displayed. You'll also have the opportunity to see |
| hours, but there are many stops you'll want to | | | | the rare breed of sturdy Kerry Bog Ponies. These |
| make. Allow at least one day for a tour. Staying | | | | small ponies have thick, long manes and tails, and |
| in Kenmare (one of Ireland's few planned towns) | | | | were used to carry turf from the bog. |
| means you will be less crowded than in Killarney. | | | | You could fit these places into a day, but there is |
| Enjoy gourmet restaurants, good pubs, and | | | | so much more to see as you circle The Ring, it |
| access to The Ring of Beara as well as The Ring | | | | would be a good idea to schedule several days to |
| of Kerry. Starting your tour from Kenmare at | | | | explore the glorious Ring of Kerry. |