Undoubtedly Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry is the name for the small highway that skirts the edge of the Iveragh Peninsula, passing along the way a panorama of rugged coastline.This 110 miles tour travels from one scenic wonder to the next.
The first stop will be at The Bog Village. This cluster of thatched-roof cottages do an effective job of demonstrating what life was like in Kerry in the early 1800s. The museum village (additional small charge, optional) has a blacksmith’s forge & house, turf cutter’s house, laborer’s cottage, thatcher’s dwelling & tradesmans’s house. Stacks of cut turf are piled by the road. There is also an old Irish pub where an early drink or morning coffee and scones may be enjoyed.
We continue through the village of Glenbeigh and a sight of Rossbeigh Beach, and a wonderful view of the hilly backs of the Iveragh.
Onwards to Waterville passing, Caherviveen, birthplace of Daniel O Connell (1775-1847) who was one of the most important political figures in 19th century Ireland. He earned the nickname “The Liberator” by leading impoverished Roman Catholics towards emancipation.
We arrive in Waterville, an idyllic beach resort between Lough Currane and Ballinskelligs Bay. For years it was a favorite retreat of Charlie Chaplin.
Lunch stop varies from day to day please check with driver.
After lunch the tour continues through Derrynane, the former seat of the O’Connell clan and home to Daniel O’Connell.
The next village is Sneem, another pretty but untypical village laid out English-style around a village green beneath a semi-circle of low mountains. Sneem marks the start of the most sheltered part of the Ring of Kerry’s coast. Here you will see lush, subtropical growth - wild rhododendrons, azaleas - evidence of the benign effect of The Gulf Stream.
Leaving Sneem, we travel through very rugged landscape and arrive at Molls Gap, where the viewing point at the gap affords sweeping views of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrantuohill - 3,414 feet high.
Continuing from Molls Gap to Killarney, we experience far-reaching views over the broad valley of the Killarney Lakes. Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting were so enthralled by this view that it was promptly named in their honor: “Ladies View”. Between Ladies View and Killarney, the coach will pass through National Park and return between 5:00-5.30pm.
Points of Interest
- Killarney Bus Tours with Deros Tours
- Driver/guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local taxes
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (please contact local operator after booking, if needed)
Experience the most splendid section of the Wild Atlantic Way Route - the Ring of Kerry Coach Tour.
Sights to visit include Iveragh Peninsula, Dingle Bay, Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Derrynane Bay, Sneem, Molls Gap, Ladies View, and Killarney National Park.
Optional tours available to the Bog Village, Famine Village and Sheep Dog Show (only available during certain seasons) - additional costs apply.
Front Row and wider seating options are available according to availability - extra fees to be paid locally.
The closest parking area is situated at Beech Road, Killarney, just a 2-minute walk from the pick-up location.
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Deros Tours reserve the right to cancel tours if insufficient numbers book.
- Clients are requested to check into the office at Deros Tours,22 Main Street,Killarney thirty minutes prior to departure.
- For health & safety reasons no hot drinks or food are allowed on the coach.
- Comfort stops are at The Bog Village when available and Sneem otherwise there will be alternate arrangements made for comfort stops.
- The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the driver due to weather or parking availability on the day.
- When a sufficient number of customers are not reached (only during the off season), we will make every effort to accommodate them, which may result in a tour with another touring company.
- Priority seats (first four rows) can be reserved in advance, and the fee of E 8 per person can be paid directly at the office before the tour begins.
- Size of vehicle depends on numbers of passengers booked and varies from all sized vehicles.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
