One of Ireland's most popular destinations is the Iveragh Peninsula - known as the Ring of Kerry.
Visitors have been drawn to this wonderfully scenic part of the Emerald Isle since Victorian times – and Queen Victoria herself stayed in Killarney in 1861.
The 'ring' is a 115 mile loop, but those who opt to stay on a tour bus miss the gems of west Kerry, best seen and enjoyed by striking out on foot.
Ireland across the centuries
From Muckross House, where Victoria rested the royal head, to a 2,000-year-old fort and ancient Celtic writings on a time-weathered standing stone, this is Ireland across the centuries, unfolding in front of us.
Let’s let the 'jarvey', the driver of the traditional horse-drawn jaunting car give us a ride – and no doubt a few stories too – on our way to the spectacular Torc Falls.
Follow the remote Beara Way for wonderful views and come upon a remote farmhouse, where there’s the chance to taste some delicious local cheeses, fresh as they come.
The beach at Derrynane is as beautiful as any, anywhere, and here’s the home of 19th century Irish patriot, Daniel 'The Liberator' O’Connell.
In Waterville, it’s hard to resist a 'selfie' next to the statue of Charlie Chaplin, for whom this was a favorite vacation spot and who used to stay at the Butler Arms hotel – as do we!
The Kerry Way
The Kerry Way leads us to lovely Caragh Lake, where we take a boatride to land at the lakeside gardens of our hotel.
Above the lake, we hike gorse and heather-covered hills, to come upon a river where fishermen compete for the best wild salmon and we meet a farmer, still cutting the turf for his winter fuel in the age-old way.
What more? Irish hospitality, the best of local food and drink, music, dancing and the 'craic'. To see the full itinerary of our Ring of Kerry Walk, click
here.
