| The 'Ring of Kerry' has become a major | | | | (R565) and head west along the peninsula to |
| attraction with tour buses carrying eager visitors | | | | discover Valentia Island, the remote towns of |
| around the route every day. However, we | | | | Portmagee, Ballinskeillgs and the Skellig Islands. |
| recommend that the best way to see it, is to | | | | This area is a must see if you are looking for |
| drive at your own pace (as the buses adhere to | | | | somewhere 'off the beaten track' as it is less |
| an itinerary, stopping at only some of the | | | | frequented by visitors. |
| attractions). | | | | However, if time is against you, continue on your |
| By driving, you can adapt the trip to suit yourself, | | | | way through Cahirciveen and follow directions for |
| so you can stop where you want, and take in the | | | | Waterville on the N70. |
| fresh air and breathtaking scenery for as long as | | | | Waterville is located about half way on the Ring |
| you like. It can be covered in a day by leaving | | | | of Kerry, so it's a good place to stop for lunch. |
| early in the morning, but if you really want to | | | | After something to eat, you can wander around |
| take your time to explore it, then you won't have | | | | this colourful town as many famous people have |
| any problem finding accommodation, as the route | | | | done before you like, Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, |
| is lined with B&B's. | | | | Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. There is, in fact, |
| So to get the best out of this trip, hire a car, get | | | | a statue of Charlie Chaplin in the town! |
| a road map, buckle up your seatbelt and off you | | | | Waterville is also a famous game angling resort, it |
| go! | | | | has an 18 hole championship golf links course (one |
| Firstly, it is advisable to start the Ring of Kerry in | | | | of the top 20 in the world!) and also a fantastic |
| Killarney and travel the route in an anti-clockwise | | | | sandy beach. |
| direction. The reason for this is that the route is | | | | As you continue your journey on the N70 from |
| narrow in parts so all the major coaches and | | | | Waterville to Caherdaniel, you will cross over what |
| buses travel in the one direction. | | | | is called Coomakista Pass. Get your camera ready |
| Leaving Killarney on the N72, you'll find it hard to | | | | - park up, and admire the views of the Kenmare |
| miss the McGillycuddy's Reeks on your left, with | | | | River, the Scariff and Deenish Islands. |
| the highest point in the range Carrantoohill, peaking | | | | If it is a nice sunny day, then stop off at |
| at 3411ft. This is the highest mountain in Ireland! | | | | Derrynane Beach, considered to be one of the |
| At the base of this mountain range, lies the Gap | | | | finest beaches in the country! Derrynane House is |
| of Dunloe, widely recognised as one of the most | | | | worth a visit if you are interested in exploring the |
| picturesque glaciated valleys in Europe and the | | | | house that was once home to Daniel O' Connell. |
| home of the famous Kate Kearney's Cottage | | | | Next on the itinerary has to be a visit to Staigue |
| (great spot for a pint and some food!). | | | | Fort, a large stone fort, about 4km off the N70, |
| Continue on the N72, and the first town you'll | | | | which is thought to be over 2000 years old! Its |
| come to is Killorglin. On the 10th, 11th and 12th of | | | | exact purpose is still unclear, but it was probably |
| August each year, a very extraordinary festival | | | | built as a stronghold to protect a local king or lord. |
| takes place in this town involving a goat! | | | | Back on the N70 again and make for the pretty |
| It is said that a goat once saved this town from | | | | town of Sneem, a popular holiday destination |
| invasion of the Cromwell's troops, so each year a | | | | because of its sheer beauty and relaxed |
| wild goat is taken from the mountains and placed | | | | atmosphere. The town was once home to the |
| high on a pedestal in the town (don't worry he's | | | | famous 'Casey Brothers', world-wrestling |
| well looked after by animal welfare!). People flock | | | | champions. The statue on your left as you leave |
| from near and far to see the goat and enjoy the | | | | on the N70 for Killarney, is a life size statue of |
| craic, music and drink which flows for the three | | | | Steve 'the crusher' Casey. |
| solid days of Puck Fair! | | | | Pass through the picturesque villages of Parknasilla |
| Exit Killorglin on the N70 and follow directions for | | | | and Templenoe and the next town you'll enter is |
| your next town, which is Glenbeigh. On your way | | | | the heritage town of Kenmare, which is regarded |
| here, you will see a little thatched village on your | | | | as the "The Jewel on the Ring of Kerry". Stroll |
| right hand side. This is the Kerry Bog Village and | | | | around its charming streets to find out why. It |
| Museum, which gives a visual insight into the work | | | | has gourmet restaurants, friendly Irish pubs, craft |
| and livelihood of people in Ireland during the 18th | | | | shops and a whole host of outdoor activities if |
| century. Afterwards, you can relax with a nice | | | | you want to stick around. |
| creamy pint at the Red Fox Inn and Restaurant, | | | | If not, continue north on the N71 for the last leg |
| which is next-door to the bog village. | | | | of the journey. The views you will see on this |
| The road to Glenbeigh runs close to Caragh Lake, | | | | part of your journey will simply take your breath |
| a fisherman's paradise. Glenbeigh is a sleepy | | | | away. Pull over at Molls Gap viewing park and |
| picturesque village, which is home to a popular | | | | admire the MacGillycuddy Reeks and the glaciated |
| sandy beach called Rossbeigh - a great place if | | | | Black Valley. |
| you want to stretch your legs while breathing in | | | | Further along the road you will come to 'Ladies |
| the invigorating sea air from the Atlantic Ocean. | | | | View', one of the most beautiful views of the |
| Back on the N70, and onto the pretty fishing | | | | three Killarney Lakes and the National Park. It is |
| village of Kells, which also boasts its own sandy | | | | so called, because when Queen Victoria came to |
| beach and stunning views of Dingle Bay and the | | | | Killarney in 1861, her ladies-in-waiting were |
| Atlantic. | | | | overwhelmed by the view they saw from here. |
| The town of Caherciveen is the next stop on | | | | And finally to Killarney, famed the world over, for |
| your travels. This is the main market town on the | | | | its unequalled beauty. You could easily spend a |
| Ring, so it's quite a busy spot all year round. This | | | | day in Killarney exploring its attractions, and you'd |
| town was the birthplace of Daniel O'Connell, a | | | | still have not seen everything. If you are short on |
| famous political leader in the early 19th century. | | | | time though, visit Muckross House and Gardens, |
| The cathedral in the town is dedicated to him - | | | | Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall the National Park. |
| the only one in the country to be named after a | | | | Wrap up a day of driving with a nice meal in one |
| lay person. | | | | of Killarney's many award-winning restaurants, |
| Also, check out the Barracks, which is a really | | | | followed by a lively traditional Irish music session in |
| usual building. It's said that the plans for this | | | | one of the local pubs. The town has a buzzing |
| building got mixed up with plans for a barracks in | | | | nightlife scene and a warm and friendly |
| India, as the British had occupation of these two | | | | atmosphere. It offers so much to see and do, so |
| countries at that particular time! | | | | it's easy to see why it is one of Ireland's |
| If you are enjoying your adventure so far, we | | | | best-loved tourist resorts! |
| suggest you exit Cahirciveen on the Valentia road | | | | |