The following is a suggested route only, with some highlights and attractions noted. The is shared between Counties Kerry and and is perhaps the most rugged and beautiful of the many peninsulas in the southwest of .

The Ring of Beara is a scenic coastal driving route around the finger like peninsula that stretches from to Dursey Sound and from Dursey Sound to . It encompasses picturesque villages and towns, enchanting islands, unspoilt scenery and many places of historical attraction.

Take the N71from Kenmare towards Glengarriff and turn right onto the R571 signposted .

Continue to Tousist and take either the coast road (R573) or continue on the R571 to Lauragh. Continue on the R571 to passing Derreen Tropical Gardens, planted over 100 years ago by Lord Lansdowne. Sub-tropical plants including eucalyptus, blue gums and bamboo thrive in the soft Kerry climate. The most famous feature is a grove of New Zealand tree ferns. June is a great month for the richly coloured rhododendrons and azaleas.

There are many examples of stone circles and standing stones in Ireland. Dating form the middle to late Bronze Age (1,400 – 700 B.C.) the stones and circles may contain burials but also may have simply been erected as territorial markers, way markers or to commemorate special events. There is a near Ardgroom.

Eyeries is a multi-coloured village and home of “Milleens Cheese”. It is situated on a hill overlooking Coulagh Bay with a view of its islands from a well-placed picnic spot.

Both and nearby Travara beaches are safe for swimming. Near Eyeries is a peculiar rock reputed to be the petrified remains of the ‘Hag of Beara’, a mythical goddess who lived through seven periods of youth and seven husbands!

The tallest Stone in the world is located at Ballcrovane and stands at 17½ feet high.

Allihies is surely one of the most beautiful and interesting places in Ireland. The cliff top walk is highly recommended. was the centre of copper mining in Ireland. The mines opened in 1810 and continued until the early 1900’s (A group of Cornish miners were brought to Allihies for their expertise in undersea mining).

At the far end of the Beara peninsula lies , accessible by cable car from the mainland. The cable car crosses a spectacular gorge separating the island from the mainland and is used to transport people, provisions and livestock.

The remoteness and beauty of Dursey Island are well worth exploring and the Bull Rock is reputed to be

the gateway to the next world. Dursey Island is a haven for seabirds and occasionally whales.

From Dursey Island return to Castletownbere (15 miles), one of Ireland’s most important fishing ports. Near Castletownbere is , ancient seat of the O’Sullivan-Bere clan, that is a combination of melancholy history, spectacular ruins, wooded walks and pleasant seascapes.

Continue to , a village between the sea and the imposing Caha Mountains. From Adrigole take the R574 across the Healy Pass, a spectacular summit pass with spectacular views of Glanmore Lake with the Kenmare River to the north and Bay to the south.

Rejoin the R571 at Lauragh and return to Kenmare.