Tuesday, May 26: Kenmare

Kenmare’s location nestled between the high mountains and the sea explains its name in Irish, Neidin meaning ‘little nest’. A heritage town, Kenmare is an important example of a planned town. Designed and built by the first Marquees of Lansdowne in 1775, the town is laid out in an X-plan and has a fine, wide main street and square. Situated on the Ring of Kerry it is better known today as an attractive tourist town with many fine restaurants, and interesting craft shops. Kenmare retains its links to a more ancient past, with its Bronze Age Druid’s Circle, consisting of 15 standing stones once a burial place and a site used for worshipping the Sun god. Enjoy some free time here before returning to Killarney, passing some of the highlights of the Ring of Kerry en route. Molls’ Gap is a spectacular photographic viewing point. Close by is Ladies View viewing point with gives a different perspective of this magnificent countryside, with the three Lakes of Killarney all surrounded by the Kerry Mountains. We enjoyed some free time in Killarney.  In the evening we enjoyed dinner and traditional entertainment at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, picturesquely situated at the entrance to one of the most beautiful valleys in Ireland, the Gap of Dunloe.

Overnight: Randles Court Hotel