**Departure Time - 10:15 am
**Pick-Up Location: 22 Main Street, Killarney
The Ring of Kerry is the small highway that skirts the Iveragh Peninsula and, for the most part, follows the route of the Wild Atlantic Way. It is undoubtedly Ireland’s most popular scenic drive. Iveragh, the more southerly of Kerry’s two great peninsulas, is a natural wonderland of forest, blanket bog, river, lake, sandy beach and hills, including Ireland’s highest peak Corrán Tuathail. Lapped by the warm Gulf Stream, it enjoys exceptionally mild winters and is home to sub-tropical vegetation.
ITINERARY
Killorglin
Pass through Killorglin, the home of the ancient Celtic festival Puck Fair. Dating back to 1613., this is one of the oldest festivals in the world where a goat is crowned king of the village and placed on a pedestal for 3 day in August each year. People come from far and wide to pay homage to the king goat and enjoy the festivities of street stalls, music, and much more. This section of the tour takes you along part of the famous "Ring of Kerry" driving route.
The Bog Village
The first stop will be at The Bog Village – also a comfort stop. This little cluster of thatched-roof cottages demonstrates what rural life was like in Kerry in the 1800s. The museum village (an optional feature with an additional small charge) has a replica blacksmith’s forge + house, turf cutter’s house, labourer’s cottage, thatcher’s dwelling, and tradesman’s house.
See the stacks of turf piled high by the road. There is also an old Irish pub named The Red Fox Inn, where you can enjoy an early drink or tea/coffee and scones. NOTE: Primarily a comfort stop, time is very limited at this stop as we make our way around the ring.
Gelnbeigh
After departing the Bog Village, we will continue through the village of Glenbeigh with a view of the beautiful Rossbeigh Beach and a fantastic view of the hills at the back of the Iveragh Peninsula.
Sheep Dog Demonstration at Kells - (Optional Extra)
The sheepdog demonstration at Kells is one of the most unusual-and popular-sights on the Ring of Kerry. This show only operates April to Oct but check with the Deros Office for the schedule. Local farmer Tom O Sullivan will introduce you to his sheepdogs. You will be able to see the flocks of sheep on the mountain behind Tom.
Tom then gives a fascinating demonstration of how a sheepdog is used to bring in the sheep on real farms. Responding to Tom’s whistled commands, the dogs guide the sheep downwards. Miraculously, by the end of the demonstration, all the sheep are calmly gathered in a pen beside you.
Tom has trained Border Collies in the art of sheep herding, for over 15 years, and his amazing skills are on show here with his dogs responding to his every command. Tom always has four dogs trained and two learning at all times. Visitors can watch demonstrations of sheepdogs rounding up sheep.
A lively question – and-answer session follows. The sheepdogs are the real stars of the show. They obviously love their work and listen to Tom, panting happily after another successful demonstration. The flock includes a number of rare breeds and Tom will answer any questions you have about them. The admission charge is €8 per person, and please be aware this is only a cash payment and paid on site.
Dingle Bay
We enjoy a scenic drive along some parts of the famous Dingle Peninsula. We stop for photos en route with amazing views of Dingle Bay, Skellig rocks, Inch beach. This ideal setting is perfect for panoramic photographs admits the Wild Atlantic Way.
Waterville
Picturesque little village overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay with its own beautiful beach, famed by the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. A regular visitor, Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and hence the statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. It is also home to one of Ireland's finest golf clubs and most famed footballer Mick O'Dwyer and Mick O'Connell.
Derrynane
The tour continues through the area of Derrynane, a rocky cove notorious as a port of call for smugglers in the 18th century. It is the former seat of the O’Connell clan and home to “The Liberator”, Daniel O’Connell.
Sneem
We take a stop in the charming village of Sneem. This is one of Ireland's most colorful and charming villages. With two squares and a beautiful bridge in the middle of the village, this is where the River Sneem meets the currents of Kenmare Bay. It was also the regular holiday choice or Charles de Gaulle.
Moll's Gap
Leaving Sneem, we travel through the very rugged landscape and arrive at Moll’s Gap, where the viewing point at the Gap offers sweeping views of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Ireland’s highest mountain, Corrán Tuathail – 3,414 feet high.
Ladies View
Continuing from Moll’s Gap to Killarney, we experience far-reaching views over the broad valley of the Killarney Lakes. On her visit in the 19th century, so enthralled by this view, Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting promptly named in their honour: “Ladies View”.
Muckross Estate
Between Ladies View and Killarney, the coach will pass through the Muckross Estate and return to Killarney at approximately 4.30pm.
Killarney National Park
One of the most beautiful and admired national parks in the world, Killarney National Park was the first of its kind established in Ireland in 1932. With magnificent views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley, the park gives you an opportunity to enjoy a walk in this amazing landscape and spend time strolling along the lakes.
Torc Waterfall
Torc Waterfall is a 18m high waterfall which cascades through the wooded Friers Glenn. We take a stop at this magnificent natural site of beauty. Enjoy a short walk , and maybe even see the red deer which are well known inhabitants of the Killarney national park . The waterfall has a public hiking path that stretches to the top of Torc Mountain.
HIGHLIGHTS:
☘️The Iveragh Peninsula
☘️Ring of Kerry Tour
☘️Peat Bogs
☘️Ancient Stone Forts
☘️The beautiful "Kingdom" of Kerry
☘️Dingle Bay
☘️Wild Atlantic Way
☘️The Picturesque little Village of Waterville
☘️Sneem, one of Ireland's most colorful and charming villages.
☘️Killarney National Park
☘️Moll's Gap
☘️Torc Waterfall
☘️Wooded Friers Glenn
ABOUT THIS TRIP:
Experience world famous Iveragh Peninsula on the most comprehensive Ring of Kerry day tour from Killarney.
The Ring of Kerry is considered one of the finest drives in the world. From rugged cliffs to golden beaches, small villages and pastures green to peat bogs and picturesque mountain ranges. This peninsula illustrates all that is beautiful, wonderful and wild in our beloved motherland.
The variety of attractions makes this one of the most diverse and interesting day tours that one is likely to experience in their travel adventures. From ancient stone forts to landscapes carved out of rock by the Ice Age, from sparkling lakes to winding mountain passes our day trip shall be a highlight and shall ensure lasting memories of the beautiful Kingdom of Kerry.
**Why choose this tour?
*See all of the highlights in just one day
*Visit Ireland's most famous bucket list Tour
*Stress-Free Planning – All the details are handled, so you can relax and fully enjoy the experience
*Ireland's most experienced drivers and guides, highly trained and proudly patriotic
*Ireland's most luxurious fleet - Luxury Coaches equipped with the latest amenities
*Free unlimited WiFi & USB ports
Additional Info:
**Language
This tour is exclusively in English
**Ticket
You will receive confirmation and receipt for your reservation immediately upon booking. You will receive your ticket (featuring your booking number) via email shortly after. There is no need to print the ticket. If you wish, you can simply show it on your phone or tablet.
**Food & Drink Not Included
Cost of lunch and drinks not included in tour price.
**When to Book?
Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
**Should I tip?
Gratuities are not required. However we think the drivers and guides put a lot of passion and time into their craft, so if you enjoyed your experience, please do tip your driver and guide appropriately – it is truly appreciated.
