The Dingle Peninsula
Tralee, a busy market town is the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula, a circular coast of magnificent scenery and charming towns and fishing villages. (2 hours and 15 minute drive each way).
Killarney
Take in the legendary lakes of Killarney by starting at Ross Castle, where you can rent a boat to roam the Lakes and Innisfallen Island. (1 hour drive each way).
Ross Castle
Now a legendary ruin, dating back to the 14th Century, stands on a peninsula which extends into Lough Leane (the Lower Lake) and is one of the finest Castle buildings in County Kerry. Figuring prominently on the Cromwellian Wars, it was defended by Lord Muskerr and the Royalist forces against General Ludlow in 1652. (1 hour and 30 minute drive each way).
Killarney National Park
Serves as a visitor centre, which will guide you to the Knockneer House, Muckross House and Torc Waterfall, one of the most spectacular in all of Ireland. You will also find Ladies View, or Kate Kearny's cottage...as the story goes, the inn was hosted by the famous Kate who cast her spell on all who entered and toasted them in her special brew. (1 hour and 15 minute drive each way).
Muckross House
A 19th Century Manor house, which is now a Folk Museum with a blacksmith, weaver, potter and harness-maker at work, where no cars are allowed, and you can tour on foot or horse-drawn jaunting car. (1 hour and 15 minute drive each way).
The Ring of Kerry
A circular route of mountains and cliff-top roads through towns and fishing villages. Also the Lakes of Killarney can be seen on this trip. (NOTE: The Ring of Kerry is the entire coast road around the County of Kerry. It begins along the River Shannon when you leave Limerick and enter Kerry on the way to Ballybunion – continues onward to Tralee and then out around the Dingle Peninsula and back through Inch and out again around the south side of Dingle Bay past Valencia Island, around Finan’s Bay, over Bolas Head past Waterville and up Kenmare Bay until it then crosses the Cork County line where it finishes. To drive the entire ring would consume a full summer day – the Ring should be taken in segments. 1. The trip to Ballybunion via the Shannon Road and then to Tralee. Segment 2 – continue out to Dingle and back through Tralee and return. A separate trip is to go through Cahircerveen and on to Waterville and then up Kenmare Bay, and return from Kenmare.)
Cork City
Ireland's capital of the 'south', was founded by St. Finnbarr in the late 6th Century and later settled by the Vikings and became a thriving port at the mouth of the River Lee. (Cork city is 1 hour and 30 minute drive to city centre).
SITES IN CORK
(1 hour and 30 minute drive each way).
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St. Anne's Shandon Church. with it's pepper box tower and famous chiming bells.
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Patrick's Hill: a climb and view reminiscent of the streets of San Francisco.
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The City Market: an enclosed 18th century shopping arcade.
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Coal Market Quay: an outdoor flea market on Cornmarket Street.
Also in Cork is the Cork City Museum, the Malting Building, St. Finnbarr's Cathedral and the Granary Theater.
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Blarney Castle: Legendary for the famous Blarney Stone which is said to impart the 'gift of eloquence' to all who kiss it. Be sure to stop by the Blarney Woollen Mills for a delightful shopping spree, located nearby the Castle. (1 hour drive each way)
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Kinsale: 20 miles south of Cork city, a picturesque fishing port village known for its clusters of gourmet restaurants and colorful pubs. (1 hour and 40 minute drive each way).
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Town Of Cobh: The deepwater port to Cork – lies on Fota Island just 10 miles east of Cork City – site of Arboretum and the town is situated on a hill similar to San Francisco – old streets – at the bottom on the main wharf there is a Heritage Centre depicting the city’s history as the principal embarkation point for America – also the pier which hosts the U.S. ships that visit Ireland. (1 Hour & 30 Minute drive each way.)
Estimates from Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort are dependent on time of year, traffic and weather.
