The Ring of Kerry, a popular day trip for visitors to Ireland
This area of Ireland is popular with overseas visitors with the best way to explore this part of the country being to hire a car and head for County Kerry in the south-west of Ireland. The popular tourist trail known as the Ring of Kerry covers a 170km circular road starting from Killarney, travelling clockwise and passing through the stunning communities of Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen and Killorglin. Waterville was a favourite holiday destination of Charlie Chaplin and a statue of him was erected and proudly stands in the town to commemorate his association with the place.
“The Ring” is a popular area for day trippers and bus companies offer a number of trips during the summer months allowing people to see the sights along this scenic route. The roads that make up this course are often very narrow and tour coaches find it difficult to pass along it so are asked to travel along the route in an anti-clockwise direction from Killarney, taking in Killorglin first. Car drivers are asked to travel in the opposite direction, via Kenmare, to avoid delays caused by the buses. Those visiting the Ring can rent a car from most major cities, including Dublin and its airport.
The area is not only popular with tourists for its spectacular beauty, but is also a favourite of those who enjoy outdoor pursuits including golf, water sports, horse riding, walking and offers some fantastic freshwater fishing, sea fishing trips and some of the best beaches in Europe.
There are also a number of attractions along the route, including Muckross House, near Killarney, Staigue Stone Fort and Derrynane House, the home of Daniel OConnell. South of Killarney further along the Ring and located within Killarney National Park can be found Ross Castle, Lough Leane and a panoramic outlook known as Ladies view.
The Ring of Kerry provides a fascinating look into Irelands heritage and is a trip not to be missed.