Kerry - Sightseeing Tours - Traveling Around Ireland with Patricia Tunison Preston

	Kerry — Sightseeing Tours
	Photos: Different ways of seeing Kerry include (left to right) a jaunting car ride in Killarney; "Lily of Killarney" boat cruise on the lakes; and a bus tour around the Ring of Kerry with time to get out and take photographs.
	It's easy to spend a week or more in County Kerry and do a different local sightseeing tour or activity every day. Here is a round-up of some of the many options. Just click the area of your choice: Killarney Kenmare Ring of Kerry Dingle Peninsula Killarney Bus Tours of Killarney — Highlights of Killarney – including the Muckross area, Torc Waterfall, Gap of Dunloe, Ross Castle Aghadoe and Lower and Middle Lake – are visited on these tours year-round, depending on demand. Departure times vary. All tours depart/return to Killarney. Reservations recommended (call one day in advance). Contact: Deros Tours, Main St., Killarney, tel. 064-663-1251; web site: www.derostours.com Gap of Dunloe — This is a trip that is unique to Killarney. First you travel for 7 miles through the scenic glacial valley known as the "Gap of Dunloe" — you can go by walking, cycling or riding on a pony, although most people take a seat as a passenger in a horse-drawn cart. The trail passes by three lakes (Black, Cushvalley and Augur) and three sets of mountains (Purples, Tomies), and MacGillycuddy Reeks), ending at Lord Brandon's Cottage where a picnic lunch is customary, followed by a boat trip across the three lakes of Killarney. It's an exhilarating way to see Killarney where no cars/buses are allowed. 5-6 hrs. May-September at 10:30 a.m. and other times of year according to demand. Departs from Kate Kearney's Cottage at the Gap of Dunloe; ends at Killarney. Bus transfers available from/to your place of lodging. Contact: Deros Tours, Main St., Killarney, tel. 064-663-1251, Web site: www.derostours.com ; Gap of Dunloe Day Tours, tel. 064-663-1068 or 663-3483, Web site: www.gapofdunloedaytour.com; Gap of Dunloe Tours, 7 High St., Killarney, tel. 064-663-0200, Web site: www.gapofdunloetours.com; or O'Connor Autotours, Ard Ross, Ross Rd., Killarney, tel. 064-663-1052, Web site: www.oconnorautotours.com Jaunting Car Rides — Without a doubt, the #1 way to see Killarney is by traditional horse-drawn jaunting car (an open side-cart). The driver (known as a "jarvey") provides a commentary, folklore, humor and occasional song as well. Jaunting car rides are available from various points throughout Killarney, such as Kenmare Place, first entrance to Killarney National Park, Muckross Abbey entrance to Killarney National Park, Muckross House & Gardens, and Kate Kearney's Cottage. 1/2 hour or longer. The cost depends on the length of the ride and number of passengers but averages from about 32 to 50 euros per jaunting car. No reservations are needed; first come, first served. For more information, contact the Killarney Tourist Office, Beech Rd., Killarney, tel. 064-663-1633. Web site: www.killarneyjauntingcars.com Killarney Lakes Boat Cruises — Spend an hour cruising around Killarney's Lower Lake, with an informative commentary en route. Cruises are offered on glass-enclosed boats with panoramic views from inside and outside. 1 hr. Apr.-Oct. daily or according to demand; schedules vary. Boats depart from Ross Castle Pier. Reservations are not required but are suggested in peak summer months. Contact: "Lily of Killarney Watercoach" — operated by Deros Tours, Main St., Killarney, tel. 064-31251; web site: www.derostours.com/local.html; or "M.V. Pride of the Lakes Waterbus" — operated by Destination Killarney, Scotts Garden, Killarney, tel. 064-663-2638. Killarney Walking Tours – Local guides conduct two-hour walking tours around Killarney, departing from the west end corner of New Street (opposite St. Mary’s Cathedral), at 11 a.m. daily or according to demand; evening walks can also be arranged. The walking route includes the National Park, 15th century Ross Castle or 6th century island ruins of Innisfallen Abbey from the lakeshore. Half-day or full-day walks are also available. More information: Richard Clancy, Currach, Aghadoe, Killarney, Co Kerry tel. 064-663-3471 or 087-639 4362; and web site: www.killarneyguidedwalks.com Kenmare Seafari — View Kenmare and the surrounding waters on board this eco-nature and seal-watching cruise. The 64-ft. boat covers 10 miles, with an informative commentary on the history of the area and close-up views of tropical plants nurtured by the Gulf Stream, bird life, and Ireland's largest seal colony, where 300 or more seals make their home. The fare includes free use of binoculars, charts and books, and complimentary drinks and snacks. 2 hrs. May-Sept. daily; schedule varies. Departs from The Pier, Kenmare. Advance reservations suggested. Contact: Kenmare Seafari, tel. 064-668-3171; web site: www.seafariireland.com. Ring of Kerry Bus Tours of the Ring of Kerry - From Killarney — This tour takes you around the full circuit of the Ring of Kerry (Iveragh Peninsula), starting out and returning to Killarney. 7 hrs. Operates year-round, depending on demand (unless specified otherwise). Departs 10:30am. Contact: Bus Eireann, The Travel Centre, Killarney, tel. 064-663-0011 (June-Sept. only), web site: www.buseireann.ie; or Deros Tours, Main St., Killarney, tel. 064-663-1251 (year-round); web site: www.derostours.com; or O'Connor Autotours, Ard Ross, Ross Rd., Killarney, tel. 064-663-1052, Web site: www.oconnorautotours.com Bus Tours of the Ring of Kerry - From Kenmare — This tour travels around the complete Ring of Kerry (Iveragh Peninsula), starting out from and returning to Kenmare. 7 hrs. June-September, depending on demand. Departs Mon., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m. from The Square, Kenmare. Reserve before 10 p.m. the previous night. Contact: Finnegan's Tours, tel. 064-664-1491. (Note: this company also offers tours of the nearby Beara Peninsula and Glengariff/West Cork, starting out from and returning to Kenmare). Web site: www.kenmarecoachandcab.com Skellig Islands Boat Trips — Passenger boat services operate from Portmagee Pier or Valentia Island to see the Skellig Rocks. 2 or 3 hrs. April-Sept. daily; times vary (weather and sea conditions permitting). Advance reservations required. Contact Des Lavelle, tel. 066-947-6124; web site: http://indigo.ie/~lavelles; Joe Roddy & Sons, tel. 087-120-9924, web site: www.skelligstrips.com; or Casey Boats, tel. 066-947-2437, web site: www.skelligislands.com. Tour a Sheep Farm: Two Ring of Kerry farmers open up their sheep farms for visitors. In addition to seeing various types of sheep up close, you can also watch demonstrations of sheep dogs rounding up the sheep. April-September. For more information and open days and hours, contact Brendan Ferris, Kells Sheep Centre, Kells, Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry (tel. 087-260-4566) or John Kissane, Kissane Sheep Farm, Moll’s Gap, Kenmare, Co. Kerry (tel. 064-663-4791 or visit www.adopt-a-sheep.ie Dingle Peninsula Archaeological Adventures — Departing and returning to Dingle Town, this guided mini-bus tour provides insight into life on the Dingle Peninsula over the past 6,000 years. Tour includes visits to 4 or 5 archaeological sites and some walking. Operates with 6 to 11 people. 2.5 hrs. May-Sept. daily at 10:30am and 2pm, and at other times according to demand. Advance reservations required. Contact: Sciuird, Holyground, Dingle, tel. 066-915-1606, e-mail archeo@eircom.net. Blasket Islands Boat Trips: Travel to the Blasket Islands, the storied islands off the coast of Dingle. Once a thriving community with a great literary legacy, these islands are now inhabited only by seabirds and small wildlife. The following companies provide eco-tours (2-3 hours) and ferry crossings (40 minutes) from Dingle Town Pier and/or Dunquin Pier – Dingle Bay Charters, tel. 066-915-1344; web site: www.dinglebaycharters.com; and Blasket Islands Eco Marine Adventure Tours, tel. 066-915-4864, web site: www.blasketislands.ie Boat Trips to "Fungie" — Since 1983, when "Fungie" the bottlenose dolphin first appeared in Dingle Bay, the Dingle Boatmen's Association has been offering boat trips to see the frolicking and friendly dolphin up close. Longer 2-hour trips are also available early each morning, allowing passengers to "swim with Fungie" (hire of wet suits extra). 1 hr. or 2 hrs. Year-round, daily, schedules vary (depending on weather); swimming trips depart at 8am. Reservations required for the swimming trip. Contact: Dingle Boatmen's Association, The Pier, Dingle, tel. 066-915-2626. Bus Tours of the Dingle Peninsula — From Dingle Town - Presenting a comprehensive view of the western Dingle Peninsula, these guided tours visit a dozen points of interest including Slea Head, Gallarus Oratory, beehive huts, Ventry, Coumeenole (filming location for "Ryan's Daughter") and Graigue (location for "Far and Away"). 3 hrs. May-Sept. daily (times vary). Departs from Dingle Pier. Advance reservations required. Contact: Moran's Slea Head Tours, tel. 066-915-1155. Bus Tours of the Dingle Peninsula - From Killarney — This guided bus tour travels along the Dingle Peninsula with stops at Dingle Town and Slea Head. 7 hrs. Operates year-round, depending on demand. 7 hrs. Departs and returns to Killarney. Contact: Deros Tours, Main St., Killarney, tel. 064-663-1251; web site: www.derostours.com; or O'Connor Autotours, Ard Ross, Ross Rd., Killarney, tel. 064-663-1052, Web site: www.oconnorautotours.com Dingle Bay Harbour Cruises – sightseeing tour of Dingle Harbour and Bay, enhanced by a commentary o the local maritime an cultural history. Cruises depart from Dingle Yacht Marina. Duration: 1 hour. More information: Dingle Bay Charters, tel. 066-915-1344. Dingle-Valentia Ferry – Combine a visit to the Dingle Peninsula with the Ring of Kerry and vice-versa. This 72-passenger boat cruises between Dingle Town on the Dingle Peninsula and Knightstown, Valentia Island, on the Ring of Kerry. Launched in June 2010, ferry initially operates on Sat-Sun with two crossings per day, for foot passengers and bicycles only. Duration: 1 hour. More information: Dingle Bay Charters, tel. 066-915-1344. Return to: Kerry Main Page
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