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Ring
of Kerry route
The
Ring of Kerry is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland
and draws people from
home and abroad to wonder at its outstanding natural beauty.
The Ring refers to the road
that circumnavigates the Iveragh Peninsula and passes through
towns and villages such as
Kenmare, Sneem, Castlecove, Caherdaniel, Derrynane, Waterville,
Caherciveen,
Glenbeigh, Killorglin, and Killarney and then completing the
route at Kenmare again.
When driving from Killarney to Sneem you could take a short
cut by taking a right turn at
Molls Gap.
While this describes the route in simple terms the experience
is very different so read on
for some highlights on your journey. |
Derrynane
National Park,
Kerry
Daniel
O'Connell was born near Caherciveen in 1775, was adopted by
his uncle and
raised at this house in Derrynane. His
career began as a lawyer and following the 1798
rising he successfully campaigned for Catholic Emancipation.
The house and gardens are open to the public and the house
contains many personal
items and paraphanalia from his political career. The gardens
are well maintained and
the setting is extraordinary. This should not be missed on
your journey.
The house is open all year and for more information visit
this site.
heritageireland.ie
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Archaeology
This Ogham stone at Caherdaniel is listed as a national monument
and was moved to its
present position as it was in danger of being lost to the sea
nearby.
Ogham is a form of writing, carved in stone consisting of groups
of parallel lines. It is
the earliest written text in Ireland. |
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Staigue
Fort at Castlecove near Sneem and overlooking
Kenmare Bay is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved
stone forts. This fort probably dates to the first century BC.
When you are planning your archaeological tour the Ring of
Kerry this should not be missed. |
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The
Skelligs
The
Skelligs are now home to one of the biggest gannet colonies
in the world but in
centuries past the inhabitants included hermit monks aswell
as the wildlife. These 2
rocky islands of the south coast of Kerry have a mystical
quality and their remoteness is
definitely appealing on a warm summers day at least.
The community of monks lived and prayed in the beehive cells
from about 600AD.
Today boat trips during the summer months will ferry you to
the islands for the day,
boat trips leave from Portmagee and Ballinskelligs.
The Skellig Experience on Valentia island is also worth a
visit.
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Skellig
Rock Natural History
The Gannet colony on Little Skellig is the second largest
breeding colony in the world
and can be seen from the ferry as you pass on your way to
Skellig Michael.
Skellig Michael has a diverse range of birds such as the
Kittiwake pictured here nesting
on rocky crevices as you walk up the path from the quay.
Puffins are also very accessible
and you won't need too long a lens here if you intend bringing
your camera.
Other birds include cormorants, storm petrels and a variety
of gulls
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