Kerry - "The Kingdom"

Kerry, otherwise known and referred to by locals as "The Kingdom" has a number of world famous beauty spots including the lakes of Killarney, the Ring of Kerry , Glenbeigh and the spectacular Connor Pass. Washed by the warm waters of the gulf stream, it's coastline features strangely tropical plants and beautiful scenery unmatched any where. From the northern plain, washed by the river Shannon to it's three mountainous peninsulas , Dingle, Iveragh and Beara in the south, the county of kerry has always been one of the most popular destinations for visitors to our shores. Killarney and it's lakes are probably one of the most beautiful attractions in Ireland. Other beautiful spots include the rugged Dingle peninsula which features safe and sandy beachs, world renowned restaurants, as well as many fine hotels .

Ballybunnion, it's golf links and long sandy beach is well worth a visit. With the options of surfing, bathing and golf , Ballybunnion offers something for everyone.Waterville is a good spot for both sea and freshwater anglers. Sea fishing for Shark is very popular also  mackerel and pollock. . Freshwater fishermen can pitch their skills against the local trout, salmon and sea trout.Listowel " Writers Week" held in may each year attracts contributors from across the world. The town has strong literary associations with the writers Brian McMahon and Brendan Kennelly living closeby. John B. Keane, author of "The Field" and other works owns a pub in the town

Ring of Kerry Guide

From Killarney take the road to Killorglin. "PuckFair" is a pagan festival celebrated in Killorglin in September. It dates back 3000 years and gives a goat pride of place on an elevated tower in the middle of town.. Not to be missed if you get the chance, the "craic" is mighty and revelling goes on non stop.When leaving Killorglin follow the signposts for Glenbeigh, and the  3 miles of beautiful sandy beach at Rossbeigh. Follow the signs to join the N70 to Caherciveen. Cahirciveen is the birth place of Daniel O'Connell, hero to the Irish people in the 1800's and referred to in historical terms as "The Liberator".  All visitor information for the area can be got at the Tourist Information Office near the town cente. Be sure to visit the two stone forts dating back to the 9th.Century. As you leave Caherciveen, Valentia Island, where the first Transatlantic Cable was laid  to America in 1857 can be seen on your right hand side and can be reached  from Caherciveen by  car ferry to Portmagee.  Visit the Slate Quarry and the Light House on the island where  there are many remains of old structures including Stone Forts and Churches. 

Out to Sea you can see The Skellig Rock  protruding 700 feet out of the Atlantic Ocean  used by monks as a monastery from the 5th. Century, you can visit the rocks by boat and it's highly recommended to bring a packed lunch.Heading on to Waterville turn right at the church and right again and head to the golf course. There is an excellent restaurant here for lunch ( the Smuggler's Inn ) after lunch walk the beach to stretch your legs, as Charlie Chaplin, Shirly McClaine, Walt Disney, Tiger Woods,  have before you. Next  head on one mile up to the Village where Chaplin used to walk every day when staying at The Butler Arms Hotel in the 60's and early 70's. Leaving Waterville you head up and over the mountains at Coomakisca Pass,  enjoy the views of  Ballinskelligs Bay and to the south Caherdaniel,  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. After Caherdaniel head for Staigue Fort ( 2500 years old )and experience the way  the Celt's lived 2500 years ago.

Next stop Sneem,  home of the famous "Casey" brothers, The New York times wrote : " The Toughest Family That Ever Lived " . Steve  was the undisputed World Wrestling Champion for more than ten years, Joe Louis refused many offers from Steve ( The Crusher ) Casey as he feared this Irish man who could box as well as wrestle.Tthere is a life size statue of him on the left as you leave Sneem. Folow the signposts for Molls Gap, where will have a good view of the Mountains of Kerry,  at Molls Gap and you will see lakes on your left with the Black Valley and  the Gap of Dunloe  in the distance.  At Ladies View  as you descend you can see the Three Lakes of Killarney. Pass the Upper Lake and the Middle Lake before you get to Torc Waterfall it's on your right.Less than 200yards further on ,on the right hand side is  Muckross Park Hotel , don't miss the opportunity to visit this fabulous Hotel, stop for a meal or a drink, you will remember it forever. After that head  on to Muckross House and Gardens, well worth a visit and stretch those legs after a great day touring The Ring of Kerry. Killarney Town  is 2Kms. up the road.