Killarney & the Ring of Kerry
From 5 days / 4 nights – Departures throughout the year
Private coach transport whilst in Ireland
3 nights half board at a minimum 3* hotel in the Killarney area
Sample excursion package as detailed in our itinerary
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – On arrival in Kerry you will be met by your private coach for the transfer to the Killarney area and your hotel. Dinner included.
Day 2 – Joined by a local guide for a full day included guided coach tour of the Dingle Peninsula, which has amazing mountain scenery and unusual antiquities to see. We will pass by the famed Inch beach, which is a site of outstanding natural beauty before continuing to the most westerly drive in Europe, known as the Slea Head Drive. Considered by many photographic magazines as the most beautiful peninsula in the world, it was recently voted the number one area for dramatic shots. The road winds around through Gaelic speaking Corca Dhuibhne from Ventry beach, passing by the 4000 year old beehive huts and onwards to Dunquin, where there are amazing views of the great Blasket Island and the Sleeping Giant. Passing through the pretty village of Ballyferriter, you can marvel at the Atlantic Coast as you travel on this spectacular road which hugs the western shoreline. You will also visit Dingle town, one of the most picturesque fishing towns in Ireland, famed for Fungi the dolphin who has been a local for almost 30 years. Dinner included.
Day 3 – This morning you will have free time where you can explore at your leisure Killarney, a vibrant ‘little’ town with incredibly beautiful surrounding countryside. Explore Killarney National Park where you will find the famous Lakes of Killarney and the McGillicuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. Enjoy the park’s scenic beauty and nature trails. Visit St. Marys Cathedral, a Killarney landmark. This afternoon, you have the option between two pre-bookable optional excursions when you can either choose to visit nearby Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms which was the former residence of Lord Kenmare, which is located in a spectacular setting overlooking the Lakes of Killarney or alternatively, you may choose an excursion which takes you to Kate Kearney’s Cottage where you will travel through the world famous Gap of Dunloe by pony and trap. On arriving at Lord Brandon’s Cottage you will then board an open boat for a cruise along the Killarney’s lakes toward the historic Ross Castle. Dinner included this evening.
Day 4 – Accompanied by your guide, we take you on a full day guided excursion by coach of the famous Ring of Kerry. Kerry’s unique character is drawn from its unequalled diversity of land and seascapes, while its offshore islands add another dimension to the beauty of the coastline which is frequently dotted with castles, forts and watchtowers. Warm summers and mild winters produce many sub-tropical and alpine species of flora while the temperate ocean waters, heated by the Gulf Stream, produce magnificent underwater vistas with whales, dolphins, seals and even turtles being frequent visitors. The Ring of Kerry traces the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula which begins in the oak woods of Killarney National Park. Your tour includes visits to the picture- postcard towns of Kenmare, Sneem and Glenbeigh and you may have time to take a step back in time at historic Derrynane House and Staigue Fort. Returning to the hotel dinner is included.
Day 5 – This morning we visit the beautiful small town of Kenmare. Founded in 1670, the Irish name of the town Neidin means little nest and the unique charm and inherent beauty of the town remains unchanged. The Irish Tourist Board officially recognised the historical, cultural and environmental significance of Kenmare by bestowing upon it the title of ‘Kerry’s First Heritage Town’.
Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor adjustments to this itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.