Killarney (Cill Airne in Irish) is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry and is one of best places in Ireland to explore the outdoors. The attractive town is outshone by the Killarney National Park and the surrounding countryside with its mountains, lakes, woods and overall beauty. Killarney town has charming architecture and style reminiscent of the late nineteenth century and offers the fine restaurants, gift shops and traditional pubs. About 6 miles west is the Gap of Dunloe with steep sides and deep glacial lakes, it offers spectacular scenery. The Ring of Kerry meanders around the Iveragh Peninsula with sensational views, especially at Caherdanial where you will find Ireland`s only beach pub.
This Self-Drive, independent vacation package will introduce you to all the most breathtaking aspects of Ireland. Pick up your car in Shannon and drive to Medieval Limerick (King John`s Castle, Lough Gur Neolithic Settlement and Stone Age Centre); then proceed to Killarney (Muckross House and Gardens, Ring of Kerry); and finally, visit the Irish capital city Dublin (rimming with tradition; old pubs and trendy coffee shops). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
Ireland is thought to have been inhabited from around 6000BC by people of a mid-Stone Age culture, about 4,000 years later, tribes from Southern Europe arrived and established a high Neolithic culture. Places to see include: Jerpoint Abbey, Hill of Tara, Newgrange, Rock of Cashel and much more!
The Ring of Kerry (Iveragh Peninsula) is a part of the mystical & unspoiled region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question. It provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago.
Ireland`s countryside is dotted with castles that range from romantic castles and towers that are in ruins to stately Chieftain Castles and Irish Castle Hotels. They are all filled with character and history. Many of these castles are medieval, dating from the 11th to the 15th century.
Ireland has some of the most beautiful public and private gardens in the world. There are formal gardens, Victorian gardens, Japanese gardens, and decorative vegetable gardens. We recommend that you take time to `stop and smell the roses` during your journey. Ask locally about gardens, which may be visited in the area. Remember - all of Ireland is a garden.
From uncanny lunar landscapes and the powerful Atlantic to labyrinthine caves and crystal clear waterways. Ireland enjoys over 714 miles of spectacular coastline, surrounded by the mighty Atlantic on the west and the Irish Sea on the east. As well as towering cliffs, clear fresh waters, pristine sandy beaches.
Driving Time
Dublin- Cork: 3 hrs. approx.
Cork - Killarney: 1 hr. 15 mins. approx.
Killarney - Dublin: 3 hrs. 25 mins. approx.
Driving Time
Dublin - Kilkenny: 1 hr. 30 mins. approx.
Kilkenny - Cork: 1 hrs. 50 mins. approx.
Cork -Killarney: 1 hr. 20 mins. approx.
Killarney - Limerick: 1 hr. 35 mins. approx.
Limerick - Shannon Airport: 30 mins. approx.
Driving Time
Dublin - Killarney: 3 hrs. 35 mins. approx.
Killarney - Kilkenny: 2 hr. 40 mins. approx.
Kilkenny - Dublin: 1 hr. 30 mins. approx.
Driving Time
Shannon Airport - Limerick: 30 mins. approx.
Limerick - Killarney: 1 hr. 40 mins. approx.
Killarney - Waterford: 2 hrs. 50 mins. approx.
Waterford - Dublin: 2 hrs. approx.
Driving Time
Shannon Airport - Limerick: 30 mins. approx.
Limerick - Killarney: 1 hr. 40 mins. approx.
Killarney - Waterford: 2 hrs. 50 mins. approx.
Waterford - Dublin: 2 hrs. approx.
Driving Time
Shannon Airport - Galway: 1 hr. 10 mins. approx.
Galway - Dublin: 2 hrs. 20 mins. approx.
Dublin - Kilkenny: 1 hr. 30 mins. approx.
Kilkenny - Killarney: 2 hrs. 40 mins. approx.
Killarney- Limerick: 1 hr. 40 mins. approx.
Limerick - Shannon Airport: 30 mins. approx.
Driving Time
Dublin - Killarney: 3 hrs. 45 mins. approx.
Killarney - Ennis: 2 hrs. 15 mins. approx.
Ennis- Dublin: 2 hrs. 35 mins. approx.
Driving Time
Shannon Airport - Ennis: 30 mins. approx.
Ennis - Killarney: 2 hrs. 10 mins. approx.
Killarney - Waterford: 2 hr. 55 mins. approx.
Waterford - Dublin: 2 hrs. approx.
Driving Time
Shannon Aiport - Limerick: 30 mins. approx.
Limerick - Killarney: 1 hr. 50 mins. approx.
Killarney - Kinsale: 1 hr. 40 mins. approx.
Kinsale - Kilkenny: 2 hrs. 15 mins. approx.
Kilkenny - Dublin: 1 hrs. 35 mins. approx.