Where to stay

The nearest town is Kenmare which buzzes with two 5 star hotels, The Park and Sheen Falls. It has a number of other 3 star hotels, namely the Landsdowne Arms, Kenmare Bay Hotel, Brook Lane and Coachman’s Inn and numerous quality guesthouses. 

Killarney is only 30-40 minutes drive away, and it is the best option for accommodation in the south-west. Known as Ireland’s premier tourist town, Killarney has countless, top quality hotels, all a short walk from the town centre. Whether you are looking for a luxurious 5* Hotel, a comfortable 4* Hotel, a friendly 3* Hotel or a welcoming Guest House, Killarney has plenty to offer. For 5* you can choose the centrally located Killarney Park Hotel while the Hotel Europe and Aghadoe Heights are both located outside the town. If 4* would be your preference your options include the Great Southern Hotel, Randles Court Hotel or Killarney Plaza. 3* Hotel or Guest House selection can be made at The McSweeney Arms Hotel, Eviston House Hotel, Fairview Guest House or the Killarney Lodge, all of which are only a short walk from the town centre.

What to See and Do

The Ring of Kerry is famed for its unique mix of both natural beauty and rich historical charm. Any trips in the county will prove rewarding for any nature and history buff, and there is an almost limitless diversity of places to go to and things to do.

Off the coast of Kerry lie the forbiddingly impressive Skellig Michael Rocks. Rising from the Atlantic Ocean to an impressive 700 feet high, the rocks are home to vast colonies of seabirds, (the gannet colonies number around sixty thousand in total). Below, at the base of the cliffs, families of seals huddle which, if you take a boat trip from the coast, you will see on your way to the landing strip at Skellig Michael. From here you will scale 600 6th century steps en route to one of the oldest monasteries in Europe. These impressive geological features have recently featured in the 2015 Star Wars prequel, The Force Awakens.

One of Ireland’s most westerly points, Valentia Island is an area of outstanding beauty, offering unparalleled views of the Kerry coastline. The western part of the island is largely occupied by the karst landscape of the Burren. The contrast drawn between the two halves of the island is one that mimics the entire West of Ireland, although on a smaller scale.

Other sites of interest in the region include the nearby town of Waterville’s Craft Market, Derrynane House, the stunning conservation zone of Rossbeigh Beach, the popular tourist trail Iveragh Peninsula, and the Ring of Kerry itself.

Local History

Lying on the south-east stretch of the Ring of Kerry is the picturesque town of Kenmare, a local hub of gourmet food, Irish traditional music and cultural charm. The village of Templenoe, home to the Ring of Kerry Golf club, is situated roughly 6 km away. Templenoe, though small, has a historic charm that far surpasses the limitations of its town borders. Dromore Castle was built here in the 1830s and its impressive Gothic Revival facade looks out over the passing Kenmare River.

The Castle grounds are largely owned by the Irish Forestry Board and the Kerry Way passes through with various pathways that lead to the river. A short distance away lies the remnants of the older Cappanacuss Castle, built in the 15th century. Though little remains today, it is a reminder of the town’s history and one mirrored by the ruins of Dunkerron Castle, which stand nearby.

Further insights into the Christian heritage of Templenoe and its surrounding areas can be seen in its 11th-century medieval church and the nearby Holy Well in Dromore. The Ring of Kerry connects a multitude of historical monuments and ruins that intersperse the scenic Kerry countryside.