RING OF KERRY

The Ring of Kerry forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way and presents a trail that is a mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its beauty is unrivalled and it is a centre for outdoor pursuits including walking, running, cycling, golf, water-sports, horse riding and truly amazing freshwater fishing. More again, The Ring of Kerry is a true photographer’s or instagrammer’s paradise (depending on your era).

Picturesque scenery is found at all corners of the Ring of Kerry and throughout, presenting all landscape forms including mountainous, coastal, river and forrestry. The Ring of Kerry provides an amazing history lesson to those who travel it too. One can see the Iron Age Forts, Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape that was formed some 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.

The Ring of Kerry is 120 miles long and Killarney Town is the usual starting point. The route passes through several traditional Irish villages & towns, most notably; Kenmare, Killorglin, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh and of course Killarney. Popular points of interest include; Muckross House, Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfal, Molls Gap, The Gap of Dunloe, Skellig Michael and much much more. For visitors to Ireland, a journey around the beautiful Ring of Kerry simply cannot be missed!

KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK

Here where the mountains sweep down to the lake shores, their lower slopes covered in woodlands, lies the 10,236 hectare (26,000 acres), Killarney National Park. The distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls under ever changing skies gives the area a special scenic beauty.

The focal point of the National Park for visitors is Muckross House and Gardens. The house which is presented as a late 19 th century mansion featuring all the necessary furnishings and artefacts of the period is a major visitor attraction.

Killarney National Park contains many features of national and international importance such as the native oakwoods and yew woods together with an abundance of evergreen trees and shrubs and a profusion of bryophytes and lichens which thrive in the mild Killarney climate. The native red deer are unique in Ireland with a presence in the country since the last Ice Age.

CAHERSIVEEN

Another great town to stop off at is Cahersiveen in the region of Skellig Kerry. Known as ‘the town that climbs the mountain, and looks upon the sea”, there is plenty to see and do here from breath-taking beaches, forest walks, and much more.

Located on the Beentee Hill on the lower course of the River Ferta, Cahersiveen is the principal settlement of the Iveragh Peninsula.

While you’re here, you can do the 9 km Beentee Loop walk that takes you to the top of the Beentee mountain for spectacular views of the scenery around Cahersiveen and the nearby Valentia Island.

LADIES VIEW

This scenic viewpoint on the Ring of Kerry is on the N71 about 19km from Killarney. Ranked by the Irish Times as one of the most photographed places in Ireland, you’re sure to see some breathtaking Irish scenery with a stop here.

The name “Ladies View” dates back to Queen Victoria’s 1861 visit to Ireland when her ladies-in-waiting expressed their admiration for the view.

TORC WATERFALL

Another must-see sight is Torc Waterfall. The 110-metre long waterfall is just a five-minute walk off the N71 Killarney Kenmare road and is surrounded in stunning woodland scenery. Lying at the base of Torc Mountain, Torc Waterfall is formed by the Owengarriff River and drains from the Devil’s Punchbowl corrie lake at Mangerton Mountain.

KENMARE

This small town in the south of County Kerry is known as the ‘Little Nest’ of the Wild Atlantic Way. Located between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara peninsulas, Kenmare is a great place to stop for lunch if you want to explore a cute, little Irish seaside town.

The town is set in a picturesque location at the head of Kenmare Bay between the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks to the north and the Caha Mountains to the east.

While you’re here, you can take in the views of the stunning Kenmare Bay or check out the colourful painted houses.