Loch Lein, Killarney’s Lower Lake
Killarney is the jewel in the crown of The Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is an amazing day trip of natural beauty taking in majestic lakes, rivers, mountains and truly spectacular Atlantic views. The scenery is unrivalled but it is the towns, villages and most definitely the people that will leave a magnificent lasting impression on the visitor.
Beginning in Killarney you take a counter clockwise route past Killarney Golf Club (Four Time Host to the Irish Open) on the lake shore and follow the River Laune to the Town of Killorglin. On route you will see the towering peak of Carrauntouhil on your left ruling over the McGillicuddy Reeks. Carrauntouhil stands at 1,038 metres, which is the highest mountain in Ireland. It is worth it on a clear day to climb and see the views from on top; however a good local guide is recommended to ensure your complete safety. Fitness and route dependent its takes about 6 hours to climb up and down, what awaits are spellbinding views as far as the Atlantic, not to mention the astounding Holy Cross on top which was erected in 1976 by a hundred local volunteers.
Onwards to the town of Killorglin (home of Puck Fair every August 10th, 11th,12th ) passing Dooks (home to a fantastic links golf course) you begin to appreciate the beautiful vistas of the Wild Atlantic Way. The meandering road takes you along the coast to Glenbeigh, bypassing Rossbeigh Beach and along to Kells on route to Caherciveen. The beauty is all around for you to admire, each twist in the road reveals another hidden gem. I recommend taking the Car Ferry to Valentia Island outside Caherciveen if only to admire the Atlantic Beauty as you drive around the Island. The first Trans-Atlantic Cable was laid here and there are magnificent Tetra Pod tracks arer to be admired also, rumour has it they are over 350 million years old. Fogher Cliffs and Geokaun Mountain provide jaw dropping views of the Atlantic. Take the short drive over the bridge to Portmagee, a picturesque fishing village where boat trips to the famous Skellig Islands depart from. The trip is seasonal and only operates from May to September and advance reservations are essential, but the weather determines above all else whether or not sailings will occur. Firstly inhabited by monks from about 600AD, The Skelligs are a truly magical place and one cannot but feel enlightened whatever your religion upon setting foot on the natural rock islands which provided solitude and refuge for those brave souls many centuries ago. Their recent role in the “Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi” Star Wars Movies has led to unprecedented interest in visiting the islands which are 12 kilometres off the coast; please allow yourself 4/5 hours for the trip overall.
Giving a history lesson on The Skelligs
Departing Portmagee a short drive to the Cliffs of Kerry is a huge must for the awesome views and then on to Ballinskelligs to complete what is known as The Skellig Ring. The village of Waterville is next, home of the famous Golf Links and the favourite holiday destination of Charlie Chaplin. As you leave Waterville and ascend the mountain pass of Coomakista you will have to stop and take some photos of the rugged coastline. The Wild Atlantic Way has at this point engulfed you and everywhere along the coast from Derrynane to Kenmare you cannot but admire your surroundings.
As you leave the Kenmare Valley to pass through Molls Gap you are in fact entering the Killarney Valley, twisting and turning downwards to reveal picture postcard views along the way, Ladies View is stunning and uncounted are the lovestruck men whom have got down on one knee here to propose marriage to their beloved right down through the centuries.
Europe Whiskey The Killarney Park Hotel Killarney County Kerry Golf Nature History Sports Hiking
PC has worked in the hotel industry for over 25 years entirely in Ireland and mainly in Killarney. Both his parents worked in the industry and this had a bearing on his career choice. PC started out his working career in bars and restaurants in the early 1990s. In 2002 he gained his 1st Five Star position in the Muckross Park Hotel. He was appointed Restaurant Manager in the Aghadoe Heights Hotel in 2003 and promoted to F&B manager in 2008; he thoroughly enjoyed his time there and spent a lot of time in the hotel lobby which led to him seeking a position as Concierge in 2012. It was a new beginning for him and he has not looked back since. In late 2015 PC was offered the position of Head Concierge at the Killarney Park Hotel. PC and his Concierge Team have recently been ratified into the Irish Clefs d’Or and it has been a wise move, it has helped his Team immensely and the contacts and friendships made are second to none. PC feels he has been extremely lucky in his chosen profession and it is an honour to share his experience and local knowledge with both guests and colleagues each and every day.
The Killarney Park Hotel is one of the finest luxury hotels Ireland has to offer, minutes from town life and nature's wonderful attractions alike. Perfectly located in the very heart of Killarney town centre , set in mature grounds and framed by the legendary surroundings of Killarney National Park, this is a Five Star Hotel really like no other. Awarded the "Number One Hotel in Ireland" Accolade by Trip Advisor in January 2018, this proud Leading Hotel of the World offers a warm and welcoming retreat for guests in search of exceptional comfort with all of those little extra touches. Old-world elegance meets modern day luxury in the family-owned Killarney Park Hotel, where you can look forward to the solace and comfort from a real log fire and the very best of Killarney hospitality and flawless service after your journey. Our highly knowledgeable and welcoming Guest Relations Manager and Concierge Team shall assist you with any aspect of your Killarney itinerary. Complimentary high speed WiFi and Car Parking is available to all Guests at Killarney Park Hotel.
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