Explore Kerry
The is a huge variety of landscapes, activities and tourist attractions in the Kingdom of Kerry. Below are just a few hints as to what we think are not to be missed. When you arrive at Reception ask for a free copy of the Kerry Gems magazine which is the best guide to Kerry we know of, or visit their website here.
Dingle Peninsula (southside)
Dingle deserves a full day so we advise you to leave early!
Take the Conor Pass road, Irelands highest mountain pass, to the quaint fishing village of Dingle, home to Fungi the friendly dolphin. The road is very narrow and twisty in parts so is only suitable for small vans or cars. There is a viewing point at the very top which enables you to take picture postcard photographs of the rugged views below.- Arriving in Dingle take a quick stroll around the village, visiting the many artisan craft shops or take a boat ride out to see Fungi, the friendly Dingle dolphin.
- Going clockwise on the Slea Head drive is advised to get the best views along the way. Makesure your camera is well powered up as you will take many photo-stops along the very scenic drive. You can hop on a Ferry at Dunquin and take a trip out to Great Blasket island which is steeped in history. Its rugged mountains give way to a beautiful white sandy beach. There are no roads, so the only way around is by foot.
- Visit Gallerus Oratory, the oldest church in Europe for some history and culture.
- Take the main road back to Tralee and stop off at the South Pole Inn in the village of Annascaul. This pub was once owned by Tom Crean, a very famous Antarctic explorer and is like a mini museum inside. Enjoy a pint of his home brew if you wish.
Dingle Peninsula (northside)
- Glanteenassig - Forestry Recreation Park. This is an area of outstanding natural beautiful with a serene lake surrounded by green forest set in the mountains near Castlegregory. To get here you must drive up a narrow mountain lane which is unpaved in places. You can hike on the boardwalk around the lake, keep an eye out for some local wildlife or have a picnic on the rocks as you take in the beauty that surrounds you.
- Sandy Bay – Watersports beach. This white sandy beach with the sheltered water gently lapping against the shore is the perfect place to learn how to windsurf, swim, take a ride on the many watersports or just soak in the sunshine (where available!). Just a short walk to the other side of the peninsula brings you to the back beach where you can rent a surfboard and take the waves coming straight in from the wild Atlantic. After working up an appetite there is only one place to go, Spillanes Bar and afterwards take a quick stroll down to Scraggane Pier for a quick dip or just watch the fishing boats come and go.
- Mount Brandon – Mountain Climbing & Hill Walking. Mount Brandon is one of the most interesting mountain climbing experiences to be had in Ireland where you can start on the beach, sea level, and climb to
the top 952m (or like most, start from the carpark a little further up!). As you climb the grassy wilderness of Mount Brandon you are surrounded by spectacular views of azure blue waters, golden sandy beaches and lush green countryside in every direction. On the trail to the top you hike past tranquil lakes with fluffy sheep gently grazing nearby, oblivious to the beauty of their surroundings. Turning around to admire the view you follow the tide as it lazily makes it way out of the bay far below. A few cheerful yachts bob up and down in the distance, their white sails glinting in the sun. Having made it to the top, if you are not already breathless from the final rocky scramble, the splendour of Tralee bay laid out beneath you will certainly take your breath away. With the salty Atlantic wind whipping at your face you hope to catch a glimpse of steep cliffs giving way to the open waters. Next stop America! Descending the rugged mountain, the cry of seagulls tells you you’re nearly home. The satisfying ache in your legs reminding you of what you achieved. You will never forget your first climb of Mount Brandon. - Afterwards, take a quick drive down to Brandon Pier for a well-deserved pint or soak your sore feet in the soothing sea.
The Ring Of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is perhaps the most famous scenic route in Ireland. Rugged Mountain vistas meeting windswept coastlines make for spectacular scenery throughout the drive.
You start in the picturesque riverside town of Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair which takes place every summer and is one of the oldest festivals in Ireland. Driving towards Rossbeigh you will get your first glimpse of the Atlantic on your right. Heading onto Cahirciveen you can take the ferry out to the beautiful Valencia Island which is well worth a visit. The breath-taking views from Geokaun Mountain on a clear day are a highlight of the region. Heading down to Waterville (watch out for the statue of Charlie Chaplin) you can discover Derrynane, another beach that could be classed as Kerry’s best beach and the home of Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator, who played a crucial role in Irelands History. Visiting the immaculate town of Sneem its worth taking a wander around and soak up the atmosphere in this quaint town with its traditional buildings, pubs and restaurants painted in a myriad of beautiful colours. The name of the town comes from the English word “knot” which probably refers to the winding Sneem river which flows through the town. Next stop is the lovely Kenmare, originally a plantation colony; it is a very attractive town which has won Ireland’s tidiest town award.
From Kenmare you travel up Molls gap along a meandering road towards Killarney which is definitely worth a whole day to explore in itself.
When staying at Woodlands we will happily help you plan your Ring of Kerry route to get the most out of your day and give you all the maps and info that you need.
