BANTRY to KILLARNEY
HIGHLIGHTS
- Kerry Cliffs. Right in front of Skelling Islands these spectacular cliffs reach over 300 meters and are almost 400 million years old.
- Dursey Island. Located at the tip of the Beara peninsula, it is reached by a mythical cable car over the Dursey Sound. A day in absolute wilderness.
- Skellig Michael. Six hundred steps lead to the remains of the monastery from the 10th Century, protected by UNESCO.
- Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. On clear nights the sky is so transparent that you can see many stars with the naked eye.
- Garinish Island (Ilnacullin). A garden island with tropical and Mediterranean plants in a protected bay in West Cork.
- Staigue Stone Fort. Almost hidden in the hills of the Ring of Kerry, one of the many vestiges that remains of the Celtic past of the Southwest.
- Geokaun Mountain & Fogher Cliffs. The highest point of Valentia Island is reachable by a pay road. 360° spectacular views
- Kells Bay Gardens. A corner of the southern hemisphere in Irish territory. Trails and the longest Irish rope bridge.
- Muckross House. On the bank of the Muckross lake, an estate of over 5000 hectares and a 19th Century residence.
- McCarthys. Good food and music in a pub and groceries shop, heart of Castletownbere.
AUHOR’S TIPS
Two Green Shoots, Glengarriff.
A multisensory garden of flavours, aromas, images and sounds. Also tasting lunch with garden products and botanical-themed rooms.
Garinish Island (Ilnacullin), Glengarriff.
A garden island with tropical and Mediterranean plants in a protected bay in West Cork.
https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ilnacullin-garinish-island/
McCarthys, Castletownbere.
Part pub, part grocery store, at the heart of local life. Historic and authentic.
Dursey Island Cable Car, Ballynacallagh.
The cable car to the wild Dursey Island is the only one in Europe that crosses a sea strait.
https://www.durseyisland.ie/cable-car-timetable.html
O'Neill's Bar, Allihies.
In the Beara peninsula, a colourful pub with good music and good food.
Chez Shea Gypsy Wagon, Fehanaugh, Lauragh.
To experience the thrill of sleeping in a restored gypsy carriage.
www.airbnb.ie/rooms/2643072?source_impression_id=p3_1692629619_pW26xxUuhpSqWmhb
Teddy O'Sullivan's, Kilmackillogue.
A pub on the harbour with great views and good food. The fish comes from the fishermen's boats, just a few meters away.
Dromquinna Glamping, Kenmare.
In the grounds of a castle on the shores of Kenmare Bay, luxury tents furnished with Persian rugs and period furniture.
Sneem Seaweed Baths, Sneem.
To immerse yourself in a seaweed bath, in an outdoor tub, with a view of the sea and the mountains.
Atlantic Irish Seaweed, Caherdaniel.
Walks with seaweed collection and final tasting.
The Blind Piper, Caherdaniel.
Amazing pub, opened in 1865 with views of Scariff Island. Good beer and traditional music evenings.
Cill Rialaig Arts Centre, Ballinskelligs.
Art gallery off-the-beaten-tracks, with works by resident artists. Café and restaurant zero kilometre.
https://www.facebook.com/CillRialaigArtsCentre/?locale=it_IT
Skellig Michael, Portmagee.
Protected by UNESCO, it can be reached by boat or circumnavigated.
To visit the remains of the 10th-century monastery you have to climb 600 steps.
https://skelligislands.com/booking-and-reservations-for-skellig-michael-boat-trips/
Glenleam House, Valentia Island.
Surrounded by subtropical gardens, a historic country house made from an ancient linen factory.
https://hiddenireland.com/house-pages/glanleam-house/
Geokaun Mountain & Fogher Cliffs, Valentia Island.
At 266 meters, it is the highest point on Valentia Island, which can be reached by toll road. Spectacular views.
Kells Bay Gardens, Cahersiveen.
A corner of the southern hemisphere on Irish soil. Skywalk on the long rope bridge.
Carrig Country House, Killorglin.
On the shores of Caragh Lake, an authentic Irish country house.
Muckross House, Killarney.
An estate of over 5000 acres and a mansion from 1843 in the heart of the national park.
Mór Active, Killarney.
Discover the lakes of the national park by kayak to the island of Innisfallen.
