The Ring of Kerry is probably the most famous tourism route in Ireland, and covers 125 miles (200km) in its entirety. Covering it takes a full day, and we suggest that Fuchsia Cottage guests join the Ring route in nearby Kenmare. Below are some of our favourite tour highlights; a complete tour is linked at the bottom.
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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