A Taste of Adventure in North Kerry
From world class golf courses to horse riding to sailing, surfing, kayaking and pony trekking and much more, North Kerry exhilarates.
For the walker, one is spoiled for choice in North Kerry with some of the most scenic marked short trails available as well as the varying landscape of the long distance way-marked North Kerry Way. Indeed, the terrain is quite varied – low hills, boglands, sandy beaches, small woods and sites of historical interest are plentiful. The North Kerry Way is made up of a number of short series trails which combined form the long distance Way-Marked North Kerry Way, a distance of 50km, (30 miles).
Golfers are certainly at home in North Kerry, for some it is one of the main attractions. One can choose from world class championship link courses and popular nine-holers that challenge the shot-making ability of even the best of players! The spectacular setting and scenery unfolding around you make the experience of golfing in North Kerry a memorable one, with woodland, beach and Atlantic Sea views in abundance.
Indeed, many of the worlds top players have been taken with the regions links and many U.S. majors have played at Ballybunion including Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, Steve Jones to mention but a few and many have returned year on year in preparation for the British Open. Ballybunion course itself boasts two separate and highly ranked challenging links courses which are world acclaimed, consisting of The Old Course and The Cashen Course. Indeed, with a magnificent setting, Tralee has also joined the elite group of Irish Golf courses with views of the Atlantic and white sandy beaches from almost every hole. Castleisland Golf course is a new 18 hole parkland golf course offering something different but no less challenging while Ardfert Golf Club is the perfect place for one seeking an inexpensive nine-holer which is a decent test to all golfers. Furthermore, Ballyheigue Castle provides a wonderful nine-hoer course with a spectacular view offering superb views of Ballyheigue beach and Mount Brandon.
With clean and fresh waters, North Kerry offers one the opportunity to come and enjoy a fun filled day of sailing, surfing, castle building or swimming in the breathtaking fresh Atlantic waters. Fenit Harbour Marina, situated just 8 miles from Tralee town is home to Tralee Bay Sailing School where a range of adventure watersports are available such as sea kayaking, power boating and sailing holidays.
The spectacular beaches, long indented coastline and the fresh Atlantic surf are resulting in a significant increase in the popularity of North Kerry for surfing, particularly in the spring and summer periods. The most popular area to surf is at Ballybunion Beach, a recognized surfing spot for the past twenty years and it is suitable for surfers of all level. Another popular place for surfers is Banna beach, close to Tralee town while kite surfing is commonly experienced in both Banna and Fenit.
In keeping with tradition, angling in North Kerry is a very special experience, be it out on the sea or on the shore of some of the finest beaches, where the views will equally relax and entrance you. Indeeed, the main types of angling in North Kerry are sea Angling at Fenit Island, Shore Island at Ballybunion, Banna and Ballyheigue beaches and river angling on the river Feale in Listowel. The most common types of fish include flounder, turbot, bass, Pollock and sea trout at shore angling while out at sea, shark and bottom can be caught.
The 160 km (100 mile) main river Feale, flows through picturesque landscape in its journey from North Cork, through the towns of Abbeyfeale and Listowel to the Atlantic at Cashen, south of Ballybunion. The Feale is a fast flowing spate river subject to flooding in persistent rainfall and large deep fish holding pools have dominated the lower section of the river and its tributaries. There are fish in the river from the opening day on March 1st, with the best spring salmon fishing up to mid May, depending on water levels. Grilse begin about mid June but the better fishing is had mid-August to September. The main types of fish in the river are salmon and sea trout. About 50% of the main river is controlled by local angling clubs – each club offers day tickets for visiting anglers.
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The Scenic Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is part of the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits including golf, watersports, cycling, walking, riding and the very best fishing for salmon & trout. The Ring of Kerry has some of the finest beaches in Europe that provide all the facilities for a traditional seaside holiday. Above all the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland - see the Iron Age Forts & Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. Visitors to Ireland should not miss a trip to the beautiful Ring of Kerry
Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean, the Iveragh Peninsula has a backbone of mighty mountains. Every environment is here, from the snow-capped Corrán Tuathail, Ireland´s loftiest peak, through woodland and blanket bog, to the sandy beaches of the coast. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream ensure a mild climate all the year round. Sub-tropical plants grow quite happily here - adding marvellous splashes of colour to the countryside.
This is the setting for Ireland´s greatest tour, The Ring of Kerry. The 110-mile (176k) circuit takes in Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem, Kenmare, and Killarney. Any one of the many stopping points along this magnificent odyssey makes an idyllic holiday destination. Killorglin, the home of the legendary Puck Fair, straddles the Laune, an excellent salmon-fishing river. The village of Glenbeigh is hugely popular in summer because of the glorious beach at Rossbeigh and the links course at Dooks.
At Caherciveen you can visit the birthplace of the great justice-seeker and parliamentarian Daniel O´Connell (1775-1847). The Liberator, as he was known, eventually settled near the beautiful secluded beaches of Derrynane. In this century, Charlie Chaplin of silent screen fame was a regular visitor to Waterville. Last year the people of the town erected a monument to his memory. Sneem, possibly Ireland´s most colourful village, has won national awards for its beauty and neatness. George Bernard Shaw did much of his playwriting while staying at the nearby Parknasilla Hotel. While much of the coach traffic takes the direct route from Sneem to Moll´s Gap, it is worth going the extra miles to visit the town of Kenmare with its delightful shops and excellent restaurants.
Indeed, en route through the Ring of Kerry, apart form the many idyllic villages and towns, one will encounter a significant number of worthy attractions namely, Bonane Heritage Park, Derrynane House & Gardens, Derreen Gardens, Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs, Gleninchaquin Park and Working Farms, Kenmare Heritage Centre, Kerry Bog Village Museum, Leacanabuaille and Cahergal Stone Forts, Molly Gallivans Visitor Centre Kenmare, Seafari Eco Cruises Kenmare, The Skellig Experience Valentia Island, Skelligs Boat Trips, Skelligs Chocolate Factory, Siopa Cill Rialaig Ballinskelligs, Sneem Sculpture Park and garden of the Senses, Staigue Forta and The Old Barracks, Cahersiveen.
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Experience City Life – Cork and Waterford Cities
A mere two hour road journey apart, the two cities of Waterford and Cork offer visitors an opportunity to experience modern life in two of Irish cities, in harmony with a backdrop of fascinating heritage, tradition, culture and natural beauty.
Steeped in history, Cork City is fast gaining a reputation as one of Europe's hippest cities. Like Venice, the city is built upon water, and the city centre is built on an island in the River Lee, just upstream of Cork Harbour. The two channels of the River Lee which embrace the city centre are spanned by many bridges, and this gives the city a distinctive continental air. Exploring Cork is an enjoyable, multi-day pursuit. Ring the Shandon Bells in the 300 year-old tower of St. Anne's Church, and marvel at the French Gothic spires of St. Finbarre's Cathedral.
One will discover unique shopping and dining options, ranging from the contemporary to the traditional including the English Market, with its stalls selling foods from all over the world, and numerous pedestrian walkways and sidewalks flanked by smart boutiques and major department stores. At every corner you'll come across another panoramic view, another interesting architectural feature and some of the best art galleries, theatres and museums in Ireland.
A must visit would be complete without a trip to Blarney Castle, home to the famous Blarney Stone. Tradition says that those who kiss the stone will receive the gift of eloquence. If cultural overload sets in, there are numerous picturesque fishing villages within easy reach that offer a welcome break to the bustle of the city. Think fishing on the Rivers Lee and Blackwater, sailing in one of the picturesque harbours of have a drop of real Irish brew - there are plenty of breweries and a distillery to choose from.
If Irish sports are your interest, then visit the local GAA grounds to enjoy Gaelic hurling and football, particularly as Cork is renowned nationally for it’s intense passion for Gaelic Games. Another option involves spend an exciting night dining and watching greyhound racing at Curraheen Park - a unique experience.
Whether strolling down historical streets, shopping, exploring the surrounding countryside, or simply basking in the City's hospitality, Cork City is an experience always to be remembered and cherished.
Waterford City, in the Southeast of the country, boasts a commanding presence next to the meandering River Suir. A hotbed of history and heritage, this strikingly beautiful city was founded by the Vikings in 853AD and experienced a further exciting architectural overhaul during its 18th Century expansion.
Despite it being one of Ireland’s oldest, Waterford City is a fabulous blend of ultra-modern shopping centers, pedestrianized walkways, lively traditional pubs and highly acclaimed gourmet restaurants. And the city promises to delight and impress the senses without relinquishing its unique local spirit. It’s not without its world-renowned attractions, too. Home to the exquisite Waterford Crystal, not many visitors return home without acquiring some hand-blown glass perfection.
But Waterford City isn’t just about the architecture and crystal, it has a long theatrical and musical tradition. The Waterford Light Opera Festival, Waterford Spraoi Festival and the Hullabaloo International Children’s Festival are sure to put a spring in the step of people of all ages, making this one of the most vibrant cities in the country to sojourn for a few days or more.
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The Islands of Cork and Kerry
Along the Cork and Kerry coastline, there are many habited and uninhabited islands. The last few remaining families on Dursey Island off the Beara Peninsula still get preferential treatment on the cable car so be prepared to wait either for the people or their animals coming across to the mainland.
The Cork coastline has many islands that make great daytrips or if you are interested in birds and wildlife, why not stay a little longer. In Roaringwater Bay, 13km from land is Cape Clear, the most southern point in Ireland. A bird sanctuary has been located here since 1959 but it is also a great place to spot whales, leatherback turtles, dolphins and sharks.
If your sea legs are not quite strong, why not take the 10-minnute ferry ride from Baltimore to Sherkin Island. It is three miles in length and one and a half miles wide which makes it a very easy place to explore. The local beaches make it a great place for a picnic or else visit one of the few pubs on the island or take a look at some of the well-known local arts and crafts. If you are interested in military history, why not visit Bere Island, a strategic deep-water anchorage with the remains of Martello toweres, gun emplacements and a British Naval Base. Traces of a naust or Viking Boathouse have also been unearthed in Lonehort Harbout on the Island.
Valentia Island is perched on the most westerly tip of the country. The island can be reached by ferry or by road and is home to a thriving community in Knightstown. Take a ferry from here to the Skelligs or visit the oldest prehistoric footprints found in the Northern Hemisphere in a trail 15m long formed by a tetrapod about 350 to 380 million years ago. Valentia is also famous for being the eastern landing point for the first transatlantic telegraphic cable. It became a key communications centre linking Europe and the United States particularly with its ability to transmit news of war in Europe.
The dramatic rocky outcrops of Skellig Mhichil and Little Skellig are located 12km off the southwest coast. Skellig Mhichil, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the world’s finest examples of an early Christian Monastery. The Monastic enclosure is located at the top of the island’s 218 meter summit and consists of six beehive huts, two oratories and a church. Little Skellig is one of the most important sites for nesting birds in the British Isles and is home to a large ganner colony as well as swearwaters, storm petrels, puffins, guillemots and razorbilld. The underwater sea cliffs here support an impressive array of sea life, making diving popular in good weather.
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The Heritage and Cultural Infused Counties of Kilkenny and Wexford
With Wexford famous throughout Ireland for its spectacular coastline, stunning historical sights and scrumptious strawberries, a fascinating corner of Ireland South East awaits. Indeed, with over 200km of spectacular coastline, a wealth of historical sites and attractive towns and villages, it’s a little wonder that Wexford is a favorite holiday destination for visitors and locals alike. It is the sunniest and warmest county in Ireland, with many of Irelands best loved seaside resorts including the Blue Flag baches at Courtown, Curracloe, Rosslare Strand and Duncannon.
Wesford is a historic county with bustling towns such as Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross and Wexford Town. Wexford Town is the lively and ancient capital of the county with excellent shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The world famous Wexford Opera Festival takes place every year, while the regions ancient history is uncovered at the Irish National Heritage Park, just outside the town. In New Ross, the Dunbrody famine Ship offers a fascinating insight into the transatlantic voyages taken by Irish emigrants during the Great Famine years. Wexfords maritime heritage is also celebrated at the Hook Lighthouse, one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world, while in Enniscorthy, the National 1798 Rebellion Centre explores the birth of modern democracy in Ireland.
The county offers a mix of mountainous scenery, river valleys with fine fishing, and mile upon mile of clean, golden beaches. Yet Wexford is also a county of parks, walking trails and spectacular gardens, including the John F. Kennedy Arboretum near New Ross and Johnstown Castle Estate and Gardens near Wexford Town. Wexford is also world renowned for the diverse range of bird-life that inhabits and passes through many nature reserves.
The neighboring county of Kilkenny also offers a number of delectable surprised to visitors to this region. Indeed, known as the heart of Ireland and home to celebrated craft trails, workshops and artists’ studios, Kilkenny is a beautiful and ancient county where history, modern living and rich culture fuse together across an unspoiled landscape.
Kilkenny has some of the finest countryside in the South east, along with castles and abbeys, ancient burial sites and rock formations. The historic allure of Kilkenny City, Ireland’s medieval capital, with its narrow slipways, side streets and preserved buildings, is matched only by its reputation for fine dining, great shopping, entertainment and accommodation. At its heart, Kilkenny Castle looms magnificently over the River Nore; a must for anglers and the channel taken by the first Norman settlers to this river crossing some 900 years ago.
The Nore Valley is home to some of Irelands most celebrated monastic settlements, including the wonderfully Jerpoint Abbey near Thomastown. Elsewhere the town of Graiguenamanagh on the River Barrow is home to the Duiske Abbey, which dates back to the early 13th century.
Kilkenny’s many towns and villages have a relaxed atmosphere, and visitors will feel at home from the moment they arrive. Golfers will be spoiled for choice with a number of challenging courses including the world famous Mount Juliet near Thomastown, while for horseracing enthusiasts, Gowran Park holds prominent national horseracing fixtures throughout the year.
Indeed, throughout both counties, a number of notable attractions exist which merit attention on any trip to these areas. In terms of Gardens and Parks, Kilkenny offers numerous choices in terms of Woodstock Garden and Arboretum, Jenkinstown Park, Castlelinch Wood and The Watergarden, Thom
astown while Wexford offers ample alternatives in the form of Kilmokea gardens, Johnstown Castle Gardens, Courtown Wood and Coolaught Gardens.
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