County Kerry
Dingle
Kenmare
Killarney
Ring of Kerry
Tralee
Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry takes in about 176 km of the most southern peninsula in Kerry, Iveragh. The route passes through beautiful villages and towns such as Killarney, Waterville, Glenbeigh, and Killorglin, and there is plenty to see and do on the way.
In the coastal waters bordering the Ring are the Skellig Islands, daunting outcrops in the wild Atlantic that were once home to 6th century monks who built a monastery 600ft up on the edge of sheer cliffs! If you are not interesting in venturing across the water, you may take refuge in the Skellig centre at Valentia, which depicts the lives and history of the monks and how they survived, and also the wonderful array of flora and bird life on the island.
Between Killorglin and Glenbeigh is the Bog Village, demonstrating how peat has been harvested and used since the 18th century.
The Puck Fair at Killorglin has become world renowned for a great weekend of singing, dancing, music, and craic and if you find yourself here in August be sure to make a day of it, if not a weekend!
Kenmare
Kenmare won the title of Kerry's tidiest town in 1998 and is surely a deserving winner. It is one of the few planned towns in this part of Ireland, laid out in an x-plan by the first Marquees of Lansdowne in 1775 who wanted a model landlord's town.
Just off Market Street is the Bronze Age Druid's Circle, which consists of 15 standing stones. It is thought that the Circle was used for human sacrifice.
During the famine years the nuns at St. Clare's introduced lace-making to create work for women and girls. Some of Ireland’s finest restaurants and hotels have found a home in Kenmare.
Tralee
Tralee sits in the shelter of Tralee Bay, with a panorama of sea and mountains stretching into the west. Lying in the heart of Kerry, the coast, lakes, and mountains of 'The Kingdom' (as Kerry is known) are all within arm's reach.
The town is the capital of the county, the hub of its affairs. Founded by the Normans in 1216, the town has known many rebellions. One of Tralee's main attractions is Kerry County Museum. This Museum comprises three unique attractions combining audio-visual technology with life-size reconstructions and priceless archaeological treasures to trace man's history n Kerry from 5,000 BC to the present day.
Among the center’s highlights is a time car ride through the reconstructed streets and house of medieval Tralee. As you travel through the streets you will experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the town on market day and witness the daily life of the townspeople.
Also based in Tralee is Siamsa Tire folklore theatre. Founded in 1974, Siamsa Tire is a showcase of Celtic music, dance, storytelling and mime. Siamsa Tire is renowned for its exciting performances and has presented this important aspect of Irish cultural life all over the world. The evening programs commence at 8.30pm and advance reservations are recommended during the peak summer season.