Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a tourist trail in County Kerry, south-western Ireland. The route covers the 170 km circular road (N70, N71 and R562), starting from Killarney, heading around the Iveragh Peninsula and passing through Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville (favourite holiday spot of Charlie Chaplin that now has a statue of him to commemorate his love of the place), Cahersiveen and Killorglin. Popular points include Muckross House (near Killarney), Staigue stone fort and Derrynane House, home of Daniel O'Connell. Just south of Killarney, Ross Castle, Lough Leane, and Ladies View (a panoramic viewpoint), all located within Killarney National Park, are major attractions located along the Ring. The complete list of major attractions along the Ring of Kerry includes: Gap of Dunloe, Bog Village, Rossbeigh Beach, Cahersiveen Heritage Centre, Derrnyane House, Skellig Experience, Staigue Fort, Kenmare Lace, Molls Gap, Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, The Blue Pool, Ross Castle, Ogham Stones, St Mary’s Cathedral, Muckross Abbey, Franciscan Friary, Kellegy Church, O’Connell Memorial Church, Sneem Church and Cemetery, Skellig Michael, Beehive Cells and the Stone Pillars marking an important grave. [ [http://infoireland.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/10-things-to-do-in-ireland-before-you-die/ The Ring of Kerry] ]

There is also an established walking path named The Kerry Way, which takes its own route, and a signposted Ring of Kerry cycling path which uses older quieter roads where possible. The Kerry Way roughly follows the scenic driving route of the Ring of Kerry.

There are numerous variations to the route taking in St. Finian's Bay and Valentia Island which the official driving ring misses (the official cycling route takes in Valentia island). The Ring of Kerry has much to offer in terms of attractions. Not only does it have some of Europe's finest beaches, but also offers the Gap of Dunloe, Bog Villiage, Derrynane House, the Skellig Experience Valentia Island, Molls Gap, Torc Waterfal, Muckross House and Ross Castle. [ [http://infoireland.wordpress.com/2008/03/14/take-a-tour-of-munster/ Tour of Munster] ]

"The Ring" is a popular day trip and numerous bus companies offer trips during the summer months. As the narrow roads make it difficult for tour coaches to pass, all tour buses run in an anti-clockwise (or counter-clockwise) direction, traveling via Killorglin first. It is recommended that car owners travel in the opposite direction, going first to Kenmare to avoid delays caused by tour buses. In 2008 satellite navigation systems were blamed for directing bus drivers in a clockwise direction around the route. [ [http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0903/craic.html Sat-Navs sending Kerry bus drivers astray] ]

External links

* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/26366816@N07/sets/72157605017670551/ Ring of Kerry image gallery]
* [http://www.lakehotel.com/ring_of_kerry.htm Ring of Kerry photo gallery and Information]
* [http://www.walkinginireland.org/ringofkerry/ Ring of Kerry Maps and Photos]

References