Irish Road Trip and Shark Watching🇮🇪🦈

Accomodation - Killorglin. Killorglin is a charming town located in County Kerry, Ireland, nestled between the rugged beauty of the Slieve Mish Mountains and the serene waters of the River Laune. Known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history, it offers a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and traditional Irish charm. This location is an ideal base for our upcoming activities. Whether we're exploring the nearby Ring of Kerry, hiking in the stunning Killarney National Park, or enjoying the local culture, Killorglin provides convenient access to all. The town itself is lively and welcoming, offering cozy pubs and local shops, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploration. For our stay, we will be sleeping in one of the local accommodations, which are well-located and comfortable, offering the perfect spot to rest after a day of adventure. With spacious rooms and modern amenities, these properties will provide us with a peaceful retreat while still being close to the heart of the action in Killorglin. Staying in Killorglin means we can easily access the best of County Kerry, while enjoying the tranquility of a small town. It’s the perfect spot for adventure, exploration, and relaxation all in one.

Day 1 – Arrival & Killarney National Park Our first stop after departing from Kerry Airport will be the stunning Ross Castle, located in the heart of Killarney National Park. This impressive 15th-century castle, with its striking stone towers and scenic views over Lough Leane, is a perfect introduction to the beauty and history of County Kerry. Ross Castle is steeped in history and legend, once home to the O'Donoghue clan. As we explore the castle, we’ll be able to appreciate its well-preserved architecture, including the defensive walls, watchtower, and medieval interiors. The surrounding grounds are equally captivating, offering beautiful lakeside walks and opportunities to take in the tranquil natural beauty of the park. For those interested in history and nature, Ross Castle provides the perfect mix of both. It’s an iconic landmark and a fantastic starting point for our journey through County Kerry.

Day 1 – Arrival & Killarney National Park Our next stop will be Muckross House, a grand Victorian mansion set within the stunning Killarney National Park. This beautiful house, surrounded by lush gardens and the tranquil waters of Muckross Lake, is a fantastic example of 19th-century architecture. We can explore its well-preserved rooms, which offer insight into life during the Victorian era, or wander through the expansive gardens that are particularly lovely in spring and summer. The nearby Muckross Traditional Farms give a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s rural past. The combination of history, nature, and scenic beauty makes Muckross House a must-see.Our next stop will be Muckross House, a grand Victorian mansion set within the stunning Killarney National Park. This beautiful house, surrounded by lush gardens and the tranquil waters of Muckross Lake, is a fantastic example of 19th-century architecture. We can explore its well-preserved rooms, which offer insight into life during the Victorian era, or wander through the expansive gardens that are particularly lovely in spring and summer. The nearby Muckross Traditional Farms give a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s rural past. The combination of history, nature, and scenic beauty makes Muckross House a must-see.

Day 1 – Arrival & Killarney National Park Next, we’ll head to Ladies View, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Killarney National Park. From here, we’ll be treated to panoramic views of the lakes and the surrounding mountains, including the stunning Macgillycuddy's Reeks. This spot got its name from Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, who were said to have been so taken with the view during her visit in 1861 that they remarked on its beauty. The sweeping vistas and tranquil surroundings make Ladies View an unforgettable stop on our journey.

Day 1 – Arrival & Killarney National Park Finally, we’ll visit Torc Waterfall, one of the most picturesque and accessible natural attractions in Killarney National Park. The waterfall, with its impressive 20-meter drop, cascades through the forest and creates a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for a peaceful walk. The hike to the waterfall is short but scenic, winding through ancient woodlands. The sound of the water, combined with the lush green landscape, makes it a truly magical experience. After visiting the waterfall, we’ll head to our accommodation in Killorglin to relax and unwind after a day full of exploring. The apartment will be the perfect place to rest, offering comfort and convenience to prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Day 2 – Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring On Day 2, we’ll begin our journey by exploring a portion of the famous Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most scenic driving routes. This iconic loop will take us through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of County Kerry, with its winding roads offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, rolling green hills, and rugged mountain ranges. As we travel along the route, we’ll pass through charming villages and picturesque coastal towns, all while soaking in the stunning natural beauty that the Ring is known for.

Day 2 – Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring One of the key stops on our journey will be Cahersiveen, a small town full of charm and historical significance. Located on the southern edge of the Ring of Kerry, Cahersiveen is known for its lovely scenery and ancient monuments. Here, we can take a brief detour to explore the Bunavalla and Cahergall Stone Forts, impressive ancient ring forts that date back to the early Iron Age. The town is also a great place to grab a bite or take in the local atmosphere before continuing our journey.

Day 2 – Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring From Cahersiveen, we’ll take a scenic detour to explore the Skellig Ring, a more remote and less-traveled route that offers some of the most spectacular views in Kerry. The Skellig Ring takes us through dramatic coastal cliffs, with sweeping vistas over the Atlantic and the famous Skellig Islands, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Skellig Michael. As we drive along this stunning route, we’ll have the opportunity to stop and enjoy the views, taking in the rugged beauty of the coastline and the quaint villages nestled between the hills. The Skellig Ring is perfect for those seeking tranquility and unparalleled scenery, and it will be one of the highlights of our journey through Kerry.

Day 2 – Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring Our day will culminate at Derrynane National Park, a true gem of natural beauty. The park, located near the town of Caherdaniel, is home to expansive woodlands, scenic walking trails, and stunning beaches. It’s a peaceful place to explore and unwind, with a combination of lush green forests, tranquil bays, and rugged coastline. We can take a leisurely walk through the park’s trails, or simply relax by the beach, enjoying the incredible views and the peaceful atmosphere. Derrynane is a perfect place to finish our day, offering a serene escape and a connection with nature that will stay with us long after we leave.

Day 3 – Basking Shark Watching in Dingle and Blasket Islands On the third day, we'll begin with an exciting marine wildlife tour. We'll head out on a boat dedicated to shark watching, with a special focus on the incredible basking sharks, the largest fish in the Atlantic. These gentle giants are known for their impressive size and calm nature, often coming to the surface to filter plankton. Along the way, we'll also have the chance to spot playful dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds.

Day 3 – Basking Shark Watching, Blasket Islands and Slea Head Drive After the shark watching adventure, we’ll continue to the Blasket Islands, renowned for their natural beauty and historical significance. The Great Blasket Island, in particular, offers beautiful hiking trails, ancient stone cottages, and stunning vistas of the wild Atlantic. This island, once home to a Gaelic-speaking community, now has an abandoned village that provides a fascinating look into its past. We’ll be able to take in the panoramic views of the rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and neighboring islands as we explore the island's trails. The tour lasts around 7 hours, with a return to Dingle in the late afternoon.

Day 3 – Basking Shark Watching, Blasket Islands and Slea Head Drive In the evening, we'll take a scenic drive along the famous Slea Head Drive, a 30-kilometer route that offers some of the most spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscapes. One of the highlights of this drive is Coumeenole Beach, with its golden sand and towering cliffs. It’s the perfect place to stop and take in the scenery, especially at sunset. The late afternoon light in April will add a warm glow to the landscape, creating a magical atmosphere. We’ll want to make sure we have enough time to fully appreciate the drive, as there are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the incredible beauty of the Dingle Peninsula.

Day 5 – Tralee & Fenit Wildlife Reserve We’ll start the morning by visiting Blennerville Windmill, one of the largest windmills in Ireland. Afterward, we’ll take a scenic walk or drive along Tralee Bay to enjoy the coastal views and perhaps spot some local wildlife. The area is great for birdwatching and photography, with the tranquil waters and marshlands offering a peaceful start to the day.

Day 5 – Tralee & Fenit Wildlife Reserve On our stop in Fenit, we’ll have the opportunity to explore this charming fishing village, just 14 km from Tralee. We can take a relaxing walk around the harbor, visit the historic Fenit Lighthouse, and even explore the area by kayak, paddling around the lighthouse and along the coastline for a unique perspective of the sea and surrounding scenery. If we’re feeling adventurous, we might also consider coasteering or kayaking, where we’ll explore hidden coves, leap into the sea, and experience the coastline up close in an exciting way. After enjoying Fenit, we can head to nearby Banna Strand, known for its expansive sandy beach, perfect for a stroll or simply unwinding by the sea. The beach also offers us the chance to try out more water activities, like kayaking or coasteering, depending on our interest and energy levels. The views from the beach are spectacular, and it’s a great spot to relax and take in the beauty of the area.

Day 5 - Gap of Dunloe and Purple Mountain For the fifth day, we’ll be exploring the Gap of Dunloe by car, enjoying the incredible views from the comfort of the vehicle. This mountain pass is known for its breathtaking scenery, with the rugged peaks of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks on one side and the Purple Mountains on the other. We’ll drive through the narrow, winding road that runs through the gap, passing by several picturesque lakes, and making stops along the way to fully take in the beauty of this dramatic landscape. If we’re interested in a bit of hiking, there are some great intermediate-level trekking options nearby, especially around the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, which is home to Ireland’s highest peak, Carrauntoohil. While Carrauntoohil itself is a challenging climb, there are several easier trails in the area that provide stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and valleys. One notable option is the Devil’s Ladder, which is a popular intermediate hike that takes us up to the base of Carrauntoohil. The views from here are absolutely stunning and definitely worth the effort. After our drive through the Gap, we’ll have the option to continue our exploration with some shorter walks or perhaps even visit Kate Kearney’s Cottage, where we can take a break and enjoy some local food. Afternoon: After a morning of exploration, we’ll head back to our starting point, bringing home memories of an unforgettable adventure.

Day 5 - Gap of Dunloe and Purple Mountain Based on the skills of the group, we’ll tackle the Purple Mountain Loop starting from Kate Kearney's Cottage. This circular trail will take us through the heart of the Gap of Dunloe, then up toward the summit of Purple Mountain. The loop continues along a scenic ridge including Tomies Mountain, before circling back to our starting point. It takes 5 to 6 hours to complete it.

Day 6 - Sunrise on Strickeen Mountain and Airport On our final morning, if we will still have some energy left, we can enjoy a sunrise hike up Strickeen Mountain. It’s a short but rewarding trail starting near the Gap of Dunloe, offering sweeping views over the valley, especially magical in the early light. We’ll start early, breathe in the fresh mountain air one last time, then head back for a quick refresh before making our way to Kerry Airport to say our goodbyes.