Muckross House is close to the lakes of Killarney. It’s a Tudor-style mansion set in a picturesque setting – well worth a visit! You can only visit the house by guided tour, however. Tickets per adult were about €10 pre-covid, but this may have changed. Muckross Abbey is also nearby, with its own fascinated (albeit, dark) history.
There is so much to say about this little island! You can cross onto the island by car ferry or by bridge from Portmagee village. It’s only a small island but has loads to see, such as the Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs, and the Lighthouse. While there, you have to try the signature Valentia Island ice cream, as it’s made from Jersey cow dairy instead of the typical black and white Friesian breed of cattle. And it tastes so much better!
The little town of Kingstown covers your needs for food and drink.
The Tetrapod Treckway is a must-see on the island – 350-million-year-old imprints left from the prehistoric creature. This is insanely rare. The imprints found on Valentia Island are the best of only 4 or 5 tracks found in the world!
If that wasn’t enough to intrigue you, Valentia was the site of the very first transatlantic telegraph cable, set up over 150 years ago, connecting with Newfoundland in Canada!
The second of the two Kerry Peninsulas, the Iveragh Peninsula, more commonly known as the Ring of Kerry, is by far the more famous. It is famous worldwide for its postcard-perfect views dotted throughout the loop. It starts in Killarney Town, goes on to Kenmare and loops clockwise around the peninsula. Its a 176km-long treasure trove of beauty (109 miles). If you liked the Dingle Peninsula, you’ll be blown away by the Ring of Kerry!
Mein Aufenthalt:
Ich empfehle:
This is another great campsite. You aren’t packed in like sardines – each pitch is laid out and arranged at different angles, so you are never stuck with a boring view of your neighbour’s pitch. You instead get to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings! We got a pitch right by the water, and the vibe of the campsite is amazing. It has all the facilities you could ever need, and it even has a walled garden and common living area where people sometimes play live trad music. Rural Ireland at its best!
Muckross House is close to the lakes of Killarney. It’s a Tudor-style mansion set in a picturesque setting – well worth a visit! You can only visit the house by guided tour, however. Tickets per adult were about €10 pre-covid, but this may have changed. Muckross Abbey is also nearby, with its own fascinated (albeit, dark) history.
There is so much to say about this little island! You can cross onto the island by car ferry or by bridge from Portmagee village. It’s only a small island but has loads to see, such as the Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs, and the Lighthouse. While there, you have to try the signature Valentia Island ice cream, as it’s made from Jersey cow dairy instead of the typical black and white Friesian breed of cattle. And it tastes so much better!
The little town of Kingstown covers your needs for food and drink.
The Tetrapod Treckway is a must-see on the island – 350-million-year-old imprints left from the prehistoric creature. This is insanely rare. The imprints found on Valentia Island are the best of only 4 or 5 tracks found in the world!
If that wasn’t enough to intrigue you, Valentia was the site of the very first transatlantic telegraph cable, set up over 150 years ago, connecting with Newfoundland in Canada!
This is a fantastic stretch of between the towns of Waterville and Caherdaniel. It reaches a height of 250 metres (700ft) and is one of the most photographed panoramas on the ring of Kerry. An incredible place to stop and drink in the view, with good parking facilities. You may even find music at the car park or locals selling honey or feeding baby lambs! Can’t get more Irish (or random) than that!
This viewpoint got its name from a royal visit by Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting in 1861. She loved it so much, they named it in her honour! On a clear day, it will knock your socks off – but be warned! The queue for this spot is hellish in peak season – little parking, with cars and buses clogging the area. That said, it’s worth it. When you get a sunny day, the view here is unmatched. And it’s free!
Rossbeigh is a wonderful spot with an 11-kilometre (7-mile) long blue-flag beach. It lies directly opposite Inch Beach on the Dingle Peninsula. Here is a great spot for walks, horse riding, swimming, surfing and several other water sports. Every August, a horse and pony festival is held, and races take place on the strand. The nearby village of Glenbeigh has plenty of places for food and drink.
A visit to this gorgeous little cascade will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale. 20 metres tall, it’s nestled in a forest of rich greens and browns – a real hidden gem. There’s a car park at the edge of the woodland, and then it’s just a short walk through the trees and idyllic groves. There’s no charge for seeing them – they are simple but charming. You can climb a set of steps (aptly named the cardiac steps) to see the falls from above – another stunning view. If you want to get close for a picture, be prepared to get wet, or misted at the very least.
The Skellig Islands are two uninhabited rocky islets off the Kerry coast that are accessible by boat trip from Portmagee village. They’re a UNESCO World Heritage Site and appeared in the latest Star Wars Trilogy. Monks from the 6th century used to live isolated from the rest of the world on the larger island, Skellig Michael.
The ferry crossing is 50 minutes, but you’ll be rewarded with truly unique views. This doesn’t feel like any other island. This literally feels like a random rock in the middle of the ocean – a freeing (if not unnerving) feeling. A visit here is great for both the mind and body. Don’t skip it!
It’s best to drive this road early in the day to avoid traffic. The gap was formed during the Ice Age 25,ooo years ago, and offers stunning views from beginning to end. The most popular to drive through the gap is starting on the end with the 150-yeaer-old Kate Kearny’s Cottage. The route takes you over beautiful bridges, alongside streams, past old ruins and through a stunning landscape. At the start of the route you’ll find an old arch bridge known as the “Wishing Bridge”. Legend has it, any wishes made there will come true!
This park is famous for its 3 beautiful lakes. They’re surrounded by rugged mountains that create an immense sight. On a sunny day, it’s the most gorgeous place for a walk around the lakes, and even a lake-side picnic. Just pick a spot and relax. If you’re travelling with someone, rent a row boat and float your way through a relaxing, romantic lunch.
