LOW RES IMAGE DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/GREEN THE GREENER SIDE OF THE RING OF KERRY LOW RES IMAGE LOW RES IMAGE Introduction The Ring of Kerry in the southwest of Ireland is one of our most scenic routes located in some of the most beautiful, unspoilt natural environments in Ireland. So it’s really little wonder that a growing number of our tourism businesses are taking steps to conserve and care for these most precious of resources. The businesses in this guide have all taken steps to care for the natural environment without compromising on the high quality experience that they deliver for you the visitor. These steps range from reducing their energy and water consumption, to improving their waste management and ensuring that they source fresh seasonal produce from local suppliers. As a visitor to the Ring of Kerry you can help maintain our high quality environment and reduce your own carbon footprint as a traveller by choosing one of over fifty certified green accommodation options, activity providers, pubs, restaurants and attractions in the region. Canoeing, Lakes of Killarney 1 LOW RES IMAGE The Ring of Kerry The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most scenic drives; it is a trail of about Visit Derrynane House, the home of 180 kilometres with dramatic scenery, coastlines, colourful towns and villages Daniel O’Connell and Derrynane as well as ancient archaeological remains. National Park. Visit Staigue Fort in Castlecove, which is one of the largest From Killarney travel to Killorglin; continue southwest to the picturesque village of and finest examples of a circular stone Glenbeigh. Travelling to Kells Post Office one has a panoramic view of Dingle Bay, fort in Ireland. Stop at the colourful the Blasket Islands and Kells Bay. You will also pass the Gleesk Viaduct which is a village of Sneem, home to the Sculpture relic of the Great Southern and Western Railway Line, which ran from Cahersiveen Park and Garden of the Senses. to Farranfore Junction. The cliff section of the road offers spectacular views of the Blasket Islands and the Dingle Peninsula. Cahersiveen is home to the Old Barracks Continue east to the Heritage Town Heritage Centre, also take time to visit the spectacular Cahergal and Leacanabuaile of Kenmare, travel north to Killarney Stone Forts. via Moll’s Gap and Ladies View, with breathtaking views of the spectacular Continue to the village of Waterville, home to the world famous golf links. Along the Lakes of Killarney. road you will pass Valentia Island, home of the first Atlantic telegraphic connection and the setting out point for a visit to the Skellig Islands. From Waterville continue southeast towards the village of Caherdaniel. From the Coomakista Pass, you can take in the spectacular views over the Kenmare River, Scariff and Deenish Islands. Valentia Island 2 3 Go Green 10 Green things to do on the Ring of Kerry Once in Ireland, why not use our public transport system to get to the Ring of Kerry. Here are some sustainable travel options. 1 Take a Walk Train The award winning village of Sneem Ireland’s rail network is continually spots of Ireland, including the Ring of there are endless ways to get off is an ideal base from which to explore improving and travelling by train is an Kerry. Bus Éireann is the largest provider. the beaten track on two wheels in the Atlantic coastline and rugged absolute pleasure. Dublin is the hub for You can check timetables, routes Ireland. Click on the cycling section mountains of the Ring of Kerry. The almost all train services, with routes and book your tickets online at of Discover Ireland’s website peninsula is a haven for walkers and fanning out to all big cities and towns, www.buseireann.ie. The best way to www.discoverireland.ie/cycling, to offers open countryside, glens, including Killarney, a perfect starting travel around the Ring of Kerry is to see detailed lists of routes, bike hire mountains and beaches to be explored. point for your trip around the Ring of use one of a number of coach hire companies and cycling events. Retracing old “butter” roads, bogroads, Kerry. Visit Iarnrod Eireann’s website at companies approved to Fáilte Ireland droving roads and mass paths will reveal Walk www.irishrail.ie for timetables, prices standards which can be viewed on evidence of centuries of civilisation in Have a look at the ’10 Green things and special offers to and from Killarney. www.discoverireland.ie/gettingaround. Celtic standing stones, Bronze Age ring to do on the Ring of Kerry’ in the next There are lots of private companies forts and deserted abbeys. Bus section of this brochure for some great operating on a number of routes and Ireland also has an excellent bus network walking ideas, or click on the walking details on this can also be sourced from servicing all regions. The major towns section of Discover Ireland’s website www.discoverireland.ie/gettingaround. all have a main bus station, which will www.discoverireland.ie/walking, to allow you to branch off to surrounding Bike get a detailed list of walking routes in smaller towns and villages, and in some Whether you are heading off with your South Kerry. cases the more isolated own bike, or hiring one when you get to LOW RES IMAGE your destination on the Ring of Kerry, 4 5 2 Visit Gleninchaquin Park 3 The lakes by boat 4 A day in the Garden 5 Gone fishing 6 Take a jaunt 7 What a view Why not spend the day exploring The spectacular lakes of Killarney Spend some time in Glanleam Gardens. Take a day trip and go salmon or sea If staying in Killarney why not leave The best views on Valentia Island are Gleninchaquin park on foot. This comprise Lough Leane, Muckross lake These gardens comprise 40 acres of trout fishing on the beautiful Lough the car at home and try something from Geokaun - the islands highest family run park is located on the and the Upper Lake. Why not explore subtropical garden around Glanleam Currane, just beside Waterville village. different and unique to Killarney- point. Take a walk up to the peak which northwest side of the Beara Peninsula, this natural environment by canoe or House in a wild Robinsonian style, This Lough is Ireland’s premier sea-trout take a jaunting car. A tour by jaunting has a 360o views as far as the Blasket and accessible from Kenmare on the kayak using one of the many ‘green’ interplanting natural habitats with fishery. Check out the ‘Play Green’ car is one of the most traditional ways Islands, the Skelligs, the MacGillycuddy Ring of Kerry. This idyllic valley is activity providers in this guide. exotics. This, along with recent extensive section of this guide to get details about to take in Killarney town, lakes and Reeks, and Dingle Peninsula. A viewing perfectly suited for day outings with additions, has resulted in an enchanted Ireland’s first eco-certified ghillie! National Park. deck stands on the edge of the spectacular the entire family, with ample parking garden, a subtropical paradise, a rain Fogher cliffs. and a coffee shop on site. forest and a jungle all at the same time. Glanleam is famous for Southern Hemisphere & Asian plants thriving in the mild climate of Valentia Island. LOW RES IMAGE LOW RES IMAGE LOW RES IMAGE LOW RES IMAGE LOW RES IMAGE 6 7 8 A day at the beach 9 Buy some local food 10 Stay, play and eat green Visit one of the five blue flag beaches Visit one of the many farmers markets As a visitor in Ireland you can help located around the Ring of Kerry from along the Ring of Kerry. The Kenmare maintain our high quality environment Rossbeigh, near Killorglin, White Strand farmers market is located indoors and and reduce your own carbon footprint STAY GREEN and Kells beach near Cahirsiveen, open all year round. The market runs as a traveller by choosing one of over Ballinskelligs and Derrynane beach from Wednesday-Sunday 10am - 6pm fifty certified green accommodation at Caherdaniel. These beaches have and 7 days a week during July and options, activity providers, pubs, achieved the highest standards in water August. restaurants and attractions along the PLAY GREEN quality, environmental management, Ring of Kerry. safety and services, and provide envi- ronmental information and education. Have a look at the map at the back to EAT GREEN see exactly where these are located! LOW RES IMAGE LOW RES IMAGE LOW RES IMAGE 8 9 STAY GREEN Annagry House B&B Atlantic Villa B&B Beaufort Lodge Annagry House is a classic Victorian style Located in Knightstown, Valentia Island, This family run B&B, has four beautifully LOW RES IMAGE house in a peaceful location in Kenmare, this area is an unspoilt haven for all those furnished en-suite bedrooms and self-catering set amid beautiful scenery. Located only a who enjoy natural beauty or sea sports. cottage in a peaceful unspoilt environment 6 minute walk to the town centre with its Overlooking the sea and yet located close with an outstanding garden. Located within wonderful shops, pubs and restaurants, to pubs and restaurants, Atlantic Villa has walking distance to the local pubs and this is a perfect base for touring the its own private gardens, with hens and fresh restaurants and close to the scenic gap of Ring of Kerry. Travel advice and tips can organic ingredients grown for the table. Dunloe, Killarney National Park, Irelands be provided to guests. Ideally located for trips to the Skelligs.