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Ring of Kerry |
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Irelands most famous tour begins here in Fossa taking in spectacular
scenery along the route. Places included in the tour are:
Killorglin - home of the 'Puck Fair'.
Glenbeigh - magnificent views of Rossbeigh beach and sandhills.
Cahersiveen & Derrynane - home of 'The Liberator' Daniel
O' Connell.
Waterville - renowned for its beaches, walking, cycling
and archaeological sites.
Sneem - Kerrys most colourful town - winner of Irelands'
Tidy Towns competition.
Molls' Gap - the most spectacular stop on the Ring with
breathtaking views of the south Kerry mountains and Killarney
lakes.
Along the same route there are plenty of sea views to choose
from - Rossbeigh beach, Dingle Bay, Kells Bay, Valentia Island,
Ballinskelligs Bay,Skellig rock, Kenmare Bay and Derrynane beach.
The distance of the ring is approximately 177km and is well worth
while. Organised coach tours are available.
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Gap of Dunloe |
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The Gap of Dunloe is the 10km mountain pass dividing the purple
mountains from Mcgillycuddys' Reeks. One of the most scenic glacial
valleys in Ireland is only about 7km form Beech Grove. The Gap
is renowned worldwide for its tour, but has to be seen to be appreciated.
The combination of its rugged beauty, enchanting lower lakes and
rivers, and colourful flora and fauna make the Gap a magnificent
masterpiece. Leaving from Kate Kearneys cottage, visitors can
enjoy the tour as they please i.e. on horseback, jaunting cart,
cycling or walking. On reaching the 'upper lake', the tour can
be continued in the classic 'gap boat' trip through the Killarney
lakes. A must for all day-trippers.
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Muckross House, Gardens and
Traditional Farms |
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Built in 1843, Muckross house is a magnificent Victorian mansion
standing in the scenic heart of Killarney, the National Park.
The 65 - room mansion portrays both the lifestyles of the landed
gentry and their servants. The famous gardens of the house reach
down to the shore of Killarneys' middle lake and are surrounded
by the mountains Mangerton, Torc, Eagles Nest, Tomies and Shehy.
The farming traditions of a rural community of the 1930s are represented
also in Muckross. The traditional farms recreate the past using
skilled artisans to carry out daily tasks and are complete with
animals, poultry and traditional farm machinery. A fascinating
insight into a simpler way of life in the 1930's.
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Ross Castle |
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This 15th century castle lies on the shore of Killarneys Lough
Lein. In 1652, Ross Castle was the last castle in Munster to fall
to the English general Cromwell. In the 18th and 19th centuries,
the castle was used as a military barracks. In recent years the
castle has been beautifully restored and guided tours are available
to the public. From Ross Castle also there are trips by open boat
to Innisfallen and watercoach tours of Lough Lein.
Innisfallen Island - The 2.5km tour across Lough Lein by
open boat is highly recommended. The island, which is famous for
its Innisfallen annals and as a place for learning, contains monastic
ruins dating from the 6th to the 13th centuries. The early Augustinians
founded their University of the West here - a monastery of learning
and culture sought after the nobles of Ireland and Europe.
Lough Lein - The original gaelic name of the lake meaning
'the lake of learning' derived its name from the abbey on Innisfallen
(the centre of education). Taking the trip by watercoach or boatman
is recommended as the tour is enhanced by the commentary on the
history and legends of the lakes. Lough lein is also renowned
for its angling being both rich in brown trout and salmon.
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Aghadoe |
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Only 1.5km from Beech grove is one of Killarneys most spectacular
viewing points of the lakes and mountains. Aghadoe has been regarded
as a special place since ancient times. Apart from the panoramic
views, monastic remains dating as far back as the 6th century
can be seen. One can climb the stairs of the remaining round tower,
which was built in1026AD. The Normans also built a castle here
in the 13th century below the church. Aghadoe - a perfect spot
for a picnic.
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The Dingle Peninsula |
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Renowned for its rugged beauty, the Dingle Peninsula juts out
into the sea and commands spectacular views. The town itself,
while progressive, still retains much of its old-world atmosphere.
The visitor is spoilt for choice here - go swimming with Fungie
the friendly dolphin; visit the Blasket Islands; enjoy a game
of golf at Ceann Sibeal; take in the sea breeze at Inch; go pony
trekking on the hills. There's something for everyone.
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North
Kerry |
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North Kerry, containing the busy towns
of Tralee (the capital of Kerry), Listowel and Castleisland, has
a lot to offer. The sandy beaches of Ballybunion, Banna and Ballyheigue
are a few of the coastal resorts to be found in North Kerry. You
can follow the footsteps of the stars into the glorious Ballybunion
Golf Club, where the likes of Tiger Woods and Bill Clinton have
played. |
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History and legend can be found in the medieval Ratoo Round Tower
in Ballyduff, Ballylongfords' Carrigfoyle Castle and the monastic
remains at Ardfert and Abbeydorney. The 'Rose of Tralee' festival
guarantees Tralees' standing as one of the country's main holiday
centres. Listowel, the main market town of North Kerry, centres
around a 15th century castle and is regarded as the 'literary
capital of Kerry', being the birthplace of many great writers.
Castleisland boasts one of the widest streets in Castleisland
and also has some excellent restaurants and pubs.
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Useful links:
Irish Caravan Council - www.camping-ireland.ie
Irish Tourist Board - www.ireland.travel.ie
Killarney Online - www.killarneyonline.ie
Kerry Gems Visitor Guide -
www.kerrygems.ie
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