Foley's Townhouse

Breath taking scenery!

by healy_ger

I have lived in Killarney all my life. I used to go back there practially every weekend when in college. The best thing about Killarney is the scenery, even if it is probably the most popular tourist destination in Ireland. However, there are many places throughout the national park to find peace and tranquility. When I am in Killarney I really enjoy taking a boat on the lakes. It is possible to get away from the busy town and just relax. There are also some great hiking trips to be experienced whatever the weather!

The Ring of Skellig

by globetrott

"The Ring of Skellig" is the small and widely unknown brother of the Ring of Kerry. Not far from the village of Waterville you may leave the well-known " Ring of Kerry " and go on driving the " Ring of Skellig " - a rather narrow road ( restricted to small cars with less than 3,5 tons ONLY )
You will see some great views of the Skellig islands in a distance and you will see also this small water-castle (at my 2nd picture)
Most probably you will be the only tourist-car there, as most of the tourists simply rush through the big Ring of Kerry !
Watch out for the signpost "Ring of Skellig" at Waterville in order not to miss this really scenic road !

go see ross castle

by Anadeas

Ross Castle
Located about 10mins walk from the town centre, Ross castle is a magical place, and the magic is not just the castle its self, It is a fairytale backdrop set on the side of the lakes, where there's is a lovely little beach, It is not advisable to swim here,but Itake your shoes off and get your feet wet, the water is cold but very soothing, the views will take your breath away, . There are tours of the restored building every hour (but check before you go as, it is seasonal) if you decide to take the tour, check in well in advance, there are only so many places per tour and they fill up quickly, especially in the summer. In my opinion the best time to go is in the early evening, you will find very few people there at this time (after 6;00pm) the sun is starting it's decent and the light is perfect for photographs. There is a little coffee shop with a picnic area, but it closes around 5;00pm,
so bring your own and share a sandwich with the ducks, watch the boats sail slowly by as the local boatmen make their way home. Failing that go early in the morning before 9.00am. This place is amazing, so enjoy.

The Lakes Hotel

by SabrinaSummerville

I have included this tip under "things to do" because, if you're not actually staying here, you should make a point of going for lunch or drinks or dinner. The grounds of this hotel are situated right on the banks of the lake and as far as hotels go the view here is spectacular.

There's a big long bar where you can sit for drinks or pub food, with doors that open onto the gardens and patio areas. Plenty of tables and chairs are provided for eating and drinking outdoors and as the warm Irish summer sun makes your face glow you can gaze across the gardens to the lakes, the mountains, and the sky.

There are ruins of an old castle just at the water's edge and it makes a short but romantic walk to stroll out there, climb the old stone steps, and drink in the view.

I watched an elderly man order a bottle of champagne. I waited for his wife to arrive, but he sat alone reading the paper and sipping his bubbly drink. A sad smile crossed his face and after a while he gave the bottle of champagne to some other guests. It made me realise how so many people have so many memories of Killarney.

Killarney

by whvcebu

"Gap of Dunloe"

Within the "Ring of Kerry" I drove with a hired bicycle through a very rough but scenic area. One could also get a horse drawn car.

The Gap of Dunloe is a wild and rugged gap created when ice forced its way during the last ice age.

Not very far from Killarney there are "pony-cars and bicycle stations" where you can leave your car and hire either one of those "vehicles" before entering Killarney National Park.

Splendid views over lakes, rocks and also oak wood forests make it very a much interesting morning. The air is so clean and clear, only the song of birds and wind is in the air apart from an occasional whinnying of those approching ponies.

Sheeps you will find all over the place and therefore, shops with woolen sweaters and other woolen wear can be found in many shops and cottages in and outside the Ring of Kerry. It is fun to rest in one of those cottages, where in many cases a welcome drink is served and Irish music belongs to entertainment.