Day 1 in Killarney

Welcome to Killarney! Arrive at your hotel, check in and then grab a bite to eat before heading out to explore Killarney National Park on foot or in a horse-drawn 'jarvey.' Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981, Ireland's first national park is nestled at the foot of the country's highest mountain range, The MacGillycuddy's Reeks, and contains the most extensive area (over 26,000 acres) of natural woodland remaining in Ireland. This area is known for its scenic beauty and botanical wonders including native oak and yew woods, evergreens, lichens and red deer.

Within the park's limits you will find two estates, Muckross House and Gardens and Knockreer House, as well as the remains of medieval abbeys and castles. The park is also home to the famous Torc Waterfall and the three Lakes of Killarney. The largest of these is the Lower Lake, Lough Leane, which means 'lake of learning' and is where you will find historic Ross Castle. Innisfallen Island sits approximately one mile offshore from Ross Castle and is home to the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey. Time permitting you may want to take a boat tour out to the island (available for hire at Ross Castle).

Next, head to the Gap of Dunloe, a ruggedly beautiful mountain pass through the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. Geographically, this glacial valley is located outside the Killarney National Park, but most people include it in the same visit. Have a bite to eat at the 19th-century pub, Kate Kearney's Cottage, before walking the gap to admire its lush green pastures, clear mountain streams, five lakes and dramatic vistas! Likewise, the viewing point at Aghadoe, with the 11th century ruins of Aghadoe Cathedral and Round Tower, will help you truly appreciate the serene landscapes that Killarney is all about.

Day 2 in Killarney

Wake up early this morning and spend the day driving the famous Ring of Kerry, the 111 mile circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula, stopping often to take in the stunning scenery and small villages. Leaving Killarney town, the road winds through dense forests along the lakes of the Killarney National Park up to Moll's Gap. Along the way, be sure to stop at Ladies View, offering panoramic views of the three lakes and mountains. The first stop on the route is Kenmare, a picturesque market town located in Kenmare Bay between the Iveragh and the Beara Peninsula. From Kenmare, head west through a wooded area and around a hairpin turn where you will then cross the Blackwater Bridge over the roaring Blackwater River. The next stop on the route is Sneem, particularly popular with fisherman and sailors. Here, we recommend you stop for a traditional Irish Breakfast - Sneem's Black Pudding is considered to be the best in all of Ireland!

Continuing on, you pass rugged coastal terrain with small sandy beaches and rising mountains in the heartland. At Castlecove take a detour to the Staigue Fort, one of Ireland's best preserved ringforts, and an outstanding attraction of the Ring of Kerry. At Caherdaniel another detour should be made to Derrynane where you can see an ogham stone, the earliest system of writing to appear in Ireland, as well as Derrynane House, the former mansion and ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell, one of the Irish Republic's most famous political figures. From here, the journey takes you to Waterville and past one of Ireland's most scenically beautiful coastal areas. In Waterville, you can visit Lough Curraine, or time permitting, you can make side trips to the 'Kerry Highlands' or the Skellig Ring.

Back on the Ring of Kerry, Cahersiveen is the next stop. Nearby, there are two well-preserved ring forts and the ruins of Ballycarbery Castle. Continuing through the heartland you reach Kells, where you can enjoy a panoramic view over the sea. Another scenic highlight is the beach of Rossbeigh, located near Glenbeigh; and finally Kerry Bog Village, an open-air museum, which provides an insight into the life and work of Irish peat farmers. On the way back to Killarney you can stop in Killorglin, idyllically situated on the Laune River. Killorglin is known for a three-day fair, the 'Puck Fair', that takes place in August and whose origins are linked to the Celtic feast Lughnasa, the harvest festival.

Additional Days in Killarney

Should you be able to spend additional days in Killarney then you should consider a trip to Skellig Michael, a remote, rock-hewn monastery, and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique bee hive huts and population of Puffins. The Skellig Ring passes through Ballinskellings to the beautiful St. Finan's Bay and onwards along the steeply increasing Coomanaspig Pass down to Portmagee. The boats to Skellig Island launch from the tiny fishing village of Portmagee as long as the tides allow. (You must be in good physical condition to attempt the climb up the steps to the monastery because it can be very exhausting). In addition, Valentia Island can be reached across the bridge at Portmagee.

Alternately, you can head to Tralee and take the Conor Pass to Dingle (or go through Castlemaine and past Inch Strand) where you can drive the Slea Head Loop, part of the larger Wild Atlantic Way. Admire such archaeological sites as the Kilmalkedar Church and Gallarus Oratory or ferry over to the remote Blasket Islands (time permitting) before returning to Dingle Town for a fresh seafood dinner and live traditional music. Maybe you'll even see Fungie, the Dingle Dolphin!

Your Last Day In Killarney

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. Please remember to leave enough time to return your rental car before your flight out.