Killarney And The Ring Of Kerry

and climb the 100 or so steps alongside it for wonderful views of the lakes. Set against the stunning beauty of the national park is the stately Muckross House and Gardens, a 19 ^th century Victorian Manor with expansive and carefully manicured gardens. It s also the site of Muckross Traditional Farms where you can experience rural Ireland of the 30s and 40s.

Beginning in Killarney is the 179 kilometre long panoramic loop road that surrounds the wild Iveragh Peninsula better known as the Ring of Kerry, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful areas in Ireland and a photographer s paradise. Easily done as a day trip, the road winds through mystical landscape featuring imposing mountains dotted with farmhouses, incredible untouched coastline, colourful fishing villages, sparkling seascapes and ancient stone forts, ogham stones and standing stones. The most rugged section of the coastline is between Caherdaniel ancestral home of Daniel O Connell and Waterville - regular holiday spot of Charlie Chaplin. Stop in for a meal or drink in the charming, colourful market town of Kenmare.

Another scenic drive from Killarney is the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, a typically Irish landscape of outstanding natural beauty. With a patchwork of rolling green hills, rugged coastline with ocean-battered cliffs and secluded sandy coves, sapphire blue seascapes, charming towns and villages and quaint harbours. Visit the picturesque fishing town of Dingle and see Fungi the dolphin - resident and unofficial mascot of the town for the past 30 years. Stand at the most westerly point in Europe at Slea Head and nearby; see the ancient Beehive Huts, remarkable huts made of stone that prehistoric settlers lived in. Visit the Gallurus Oratory, believed to be an early Christian Church built somewhere between the 6 ^th and 9 ^th century.