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Leaving Kenmare and heading towards Killarney, you will pass through the Killarney National Park on a journey that takes you on steep and narrow roads through Ireland’s highest mountain range. Carrying along the route, you’ll encounter the following:

1. Moll’s Gap and Ladies View

At Moll’s Gap the unusually rounded shapes of the mountains were formed by glacial movement many millions of years ago. You may see some of the hardy and resilient local sheep here – they seem to be able to live on nothing!

At Ladies View you have a panoramic view of the Lakes of Killarney, probably one of the most beautiful sights in Ireland – photographs don’t really do it justice.

2. Glenbeigh & the Kerry Bog Village

Behind the Red Fox pub (famed for it’s Irish coffee) just outside Glenbeigh is the Kerry Bog Village where traditional cottage dwellings have been restored and give an excellent view of life in days gone by.

Traditional tools used on the bog are on display, but the most interesting aspect of a visit here is a chance to see some rare Kerry Bog Ponies. Fewer than 20 of these small, sturdy ponies remained at the start of the 1990s. They were conserved and now number more than 2000.

3. Sneem

The pretty village of Sneem and its surrounding area has become quite a haven for artists and craftspeople, and while there it would be a shame not to visit the Sneem Art Studio and artist Rosemary Bradshaw’s Studio. It’s also worth pausing in the village of Tahilla to visit the Brushwood Studios, where a group of talented artists who live locally display and sell their work. The nearby Tahilla Cove is popular with surfers, windsurfers and kayakers.

Tour highlights courtesy of Dochara.com | » Complete tour and map
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This small, traditional and picturesque coastal town features numerous superb restaurants, craft shops and pubs. The colourful buildings offer a delightful incongruity in one of Ireland’s few planned towns, laid out in 1670. However, Kenmare has an ancient history. One of the largest stone circles in the south-west of Ireland is close to the town, and was constructed in the Bronze Age (2,200-500 B.C).

The circle consists of 15 stones around the circumference with a boulder dolmen in the centre. Vikings are said to have raided the area around the town which at that time was called Ceann Mhara, which means “head of the sea” in Irish.

Since 1864, when a lace-working industry sprung up in the town as a response to the economic crisis of the famine, Kenmare has been famous for Kenmare Lace. The crafting of this lace has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years and older examples can be see in the Kenmare Heritage Centre and in the Kenmare Lace and Design Centre.

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Horse riding is available at the nearby Eagle Rock Equestrian Centre (1 mile). Local beaches include Rath Beach (200m), Carrolls Cove and beach bar (1mile) and Derrynane beaches and harbour which are within 2 miles of the cottage. The activities at the Water Sports Centre here include sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and waterskiing.

Derrynane House, birthplace of Daniel O’Connell, and its gardens are also within 3 miles. For golfers there are nearby courses at Waterville and Parknasilla, (10 miles) and Kenmare (25 miles). Other local activities and places of interest include hillwalking, the archaeological site of Staigue Fort, craft shops and nightly entertainment in the local pubs.

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Fuchsia Cottage is a beautifully restored, comfortably furnished, character cottage situated on a very quiet Boreen, just off the main Ring of Kerry road. The Cottage is in a quiet position and not overlooked, and has wonderful sea views of Rath Beach, adjacent to Caherdaniel.

Ground Floor: There is a newly fitted, fully equipped kitchen/dining room with a charming staircase separating the kitchen area from the dining area, which contains an antique dresser and a dining table and chairs. Both areas have exposed beams throughout and a slate tiled floor.

An archway leads to the large living room with its open fireplace and full height patio doors offering stunning views over the magnificent lush gardens to the sea, just a few metres away, and Kenmare Bay. This room is well equipped with a TV, video and CD stereo system and superbly furnished with leather seating, easy chairs and additional occasional furniture completing the cosy intimate setting.

The cottage has full central heating and the open fire is an additional attraction in the colder months.

Top Floor: Three bedrooms – one double room, two twin rooms and a bathroom. The double bedroom affords magnificent views of Kenmare Bay while the two well furnished twin bedded rooms have lovely views of this tranquil area.

Outside: The annex contains a laundry room complete with a cabinet deep freeze, washing machine and tumble dryer. A stone patio area leads into the large, well maintained, mature gardens which enjoy uninterrupted views of the sea, just 100 metres at the closest point, and the mountains. There is off road parking for two cars.

Facilites:

• Central Heating
• Open Fire
• Washing Machine
• Tumble Dryer
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Freezer
• Gas Grill/BBQ
• TV
• Linen Provided
• Garden
• Pets Welcome
• Parking
• Short Breaks
• Meters

The Studio: The Studio is a modern, sunny and comfortable private hideaway on the grounds of Fuchsia Cottage. It shares a drive and part of a path with the main house, but is a separate building with its own grounds, high hedges and a private wooden deck.

Accommodation: Separate kitchen, lounge with double futon, tiled shower room.

Please note: The Studio is only rented in conjunction with the Cottage.

Facilities:

• Central Heating
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Freezer
• Linen Provided
• Garden
• Private Deck
• Skylight
• Pets Welcome
• Parking
• Short Breaks
• Meters