Where to go & what to do in Killarney

WHERE TO GO... WHAT TO DO... IN

KIL LARNEY

Hotel Dunloe Castle

l The Europe Hotel & Resort l Ard na Sidhe Country House

www.killarneyhotels.ie

Surrounded by Beauty, Steeped in History, Immersed in Culture - Full of Life 2

K I L L A R N E Y & N AT I O N A L PA R K

K

illarney, Co. Kerry is one of Ireland’s best loved destinations. Over 26,000 acres of National Park offer numerous

trails. Set at the foot of the majestic McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range the park also boasts the three world

famous Lakes of Killarney.

Killarney town is well known for its excellent shops, restaurants and cosmopolitan appeal. During summer months the lively on-street musical entertainment is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. On bright evenings one can browse in a

bookstore, admire art, or savour the delights of homemade ice cream or a creamy pint of Guinness.

The traditional way to tour all of the local 'beauty spots' is by Jaunting Car (local 'unique' horse drawn carriage), in the company of a 'Jarvey' (driver and guide) who will spin the 'old stories' at every corner on the road. Jaunting Cars are available for large groups and independent travellers. Tours include The Lakes, Ross Castle, Muckross House and Gardens, Torc Waterfall, Gap of Dunloe and just about anywhere in Killarney you might want to visit.

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M U C K R O S S H O U S E , G A R D E N S & T R A D I T I O N A L FA R M S

T

he focal point of the National Park and a ‘must see’ attraction is Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional

Farms. Dating from 1843 it is a former private residence, now open to the public, where you can view the

children's toys, the historic Killarney furniture of the library & drawing room and the famous specially prepared bedroom where Queen Victoria slept during her visit in 1861.

At Muckross Traditional Farms you are invited to take a glimpse into the past, to a time before the advent of electricity when all work was carried out using traditional methods. Meet and chat with the farmers and their wives as they go about their daily work in the houses, on the land and with the animals. Visitors can also enjoy a complimentary trip aboard the Muckross Vintage Coach which circulates the farms.

Groups may arrange private events on the farms, supper by the fire listening to the tales of a ‘seanchai’ (a local storyteller) or a summer’s evening enjoying Irish music and dance in the most traditional of settings.

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GAP OF DUNLOE Photo by Olivier Thierry

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he Gap of Dunloe is one of the most stunningly beautiful parts of County Kerry and indeed Ireland. Stretching

through the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, this beautiful glacial valley simply must be experienced to

be appreciated.

The Tour…

Guests of The Europe Hotel & Resort and Hotel Dunloe Castle can be collected from the front door of their hotel for this memorable trip. The tour begins with a short coach journey to Kate Kearney's Cottage where you can take a jaunting car or go on horseback through the six mile pass. This winding road meanders through the gap as the mountains rise above you bringing you to the shores of the lake which sits at the far side of the valley.

Once through the gap, boats are waiting at Lord Brandon’s Cottage for the homeward journey via the enchanting Upper, Middle & Lower Lakes to historic Ross Castle where coaches await you for the journey back to Killarney.

Refreshments such as a packed lunch or BBQ can be arranged at Lord Brandon's cottage upon request. Groups which are taking part in the Gap of Dunloe Tour, can, by prior arrangement, return by boat directly to The Europe Hotel & Resort’s own private pier.

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RING OF KERRY

Castlegregory Ballyferriter Dunquin

Camp

Dingle Ventry

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Inch Annascaul

Castlemaine

Killorglin Glenbeigh

Kells

Cahirciveen

KERRY

Sneem Waterville

Tralee

Castleisland

Farranfore

Milltown

Killarney Lakes of Killarney

Ladies View

Moll’s Gap

Kenmare

Caherdaniel

Castlecove

popular road circuits for tourists

in the South West of Ireland, the Ring

Dunmanway

Castletown Bere

Image courtesy of Dan O’Donoghue

O

Bantry

ne of the most famous and

Rosscarbery

of Kerry traverses the coastline of the

Schull

Iveragh Peninsula. Dramatic panoramas,

Skibbereen

majestic mountains, ancient sites and towns are found along the 166km (104 mile) route through the southern tip of Kerry.

The Tour…

Visitors can experience the Ring of Kerry on a full day trip (approx 10.30 am-5pm). Guests of The Europe Hotel & Resort and Hotel Dunloe Castle are collected directly from their hotel to begin their tour of this mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years.

The morning begins in the colourful market town of Killorglin before travelling on to the Kerry Bog Village, a thatched village and National Heritage award winning site. The tour encompasses Kerry’s rugged mountains, scenic lakeland valleys and timeless rural character, visiting the towns and villages of Cahirciveen, Waterville & Sneem. On return, the circuitous trip will bring you through Moll’s Gap, a panoramic beauty spot with views stretching over the Ring of Kerry, to Ladies View which looks towards Killarney.

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DINGLE PENINSULA

Ballyheigue

D

ingle town is a charming

Castlegregory

fishing port, the most

westerly in Europe and a truly

Ballyferriter

memorable destination. Brightly

Dunquin

painted houses and busy streets lead you to the harbour, where you can meet Fungi, a playful bottle-nosed dolphin who has made Dingle Bay his home.

Dingle Ventry

ATLANTIC OCEAN

The Tour…

A full day can be spent visiting the Dingle Peninsula (approx 10.30am - 5pm). Guests of

Camp Inch

Annascaul

Cahirciveen

Killorglin

KERRY

Sneem Waterville

The Europe Hotel & Resort and Hotel Dunloe

of the Peninsula along the Slea Head Drive as it

Farranfore

Milltown

Killarney Lakes of Killarney

Ladies View

Moll’s Gap

Kenmare

Caherdaniel

Castlecove

Castle are collected directly from their hotel.

Beginning in Dingle town you will take a looped tour

Castleisland

Castlemaine

Glenbeigh

Kells

Tralee

Bantry

Dunmanway

Castletown Bere

twists and turns through some of the most ruggedly beautiful landscape in Ireland. Highlights include views of the Blasket Islands and visits to Gallarus Oratory and the Beehive Huts as well as the Blasket Heritage Centre which is home to one of Ireland’s finest collections of authentic Stone Age, Bronze Age, Celtic and Viking artifacts giving visitors a fascinating insight into Ireland’s history.

The trip brings you back to Dingle town where you can spend time visiting the local art and crafts shops, cafés and bars or simply strolling along the harbour and marina.

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ADVENTURE

Land…

With 26,000 acres of National Park and miles of nearby golden "blue flag" beaches there is no better way to explore Kerry than on foot. From short walking breaks to week-long treks, there really is a walking route for everyone. There are few places elsewhere on this earth that can offer the outdoor enthusiast such wonderful choice.

Water…

In Kerry you are spoiled when it comes to water activities for all skill levels. Freshwater lakes, rivers and the Atlantic ocean offer surfing, kayaking, diving, fishing, even whale and dolphin watching!

At each of our three hotels you are based directly on the water, The Europe Hotel & Resort on the shores of Lough Lein, Ard na Sidhe Country House nestled on Caragh Lake and Hotel Dunloe Castle on the banks of the River Laune. We are more than happy to arrange activities for our guests with local, experienced guides. One of the most popular trips is kayaking on the River Laune which will bring you right back to the Hotel Dunloe Castle.

Air… For the really adventurous your spirits can soar! Imagine zip lining across the Gap of Dunloe or abseiling down cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean, climbing to the peak of Ireland’s highest mountain For a bird’s eye view, both The Europe Hotel & Resort and Hotel Dunloe Castle offer private helipads and we are happy to arrange tailored aerial tours.

Images courtesy of Outdoors Ireland

or soaring above it on a private helicopter tour.

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GOLF

G

olfers will always seek out the best destinations and Ireland is a golfing haven,

being home to 40 of the world's 150 links courses and some of the world's

oldest established parkland courses. The South West of Ireland is recognised as one of the most popular golf destinations in the world, offering the best combination of world-class links courses such as Lahinch, Ballybunion, Tralee, Dingle, Dooks, Old Head and Waterville and traditional parkland courses of Killarney and the Ring

of Kerry.

The Killarney Golf & Fishing Club (which is adjacent to The Europe Hotel & Resort) is renowned as the venue for the 2010 & 2011 Irish Open.

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‌A wealth of festivals and celebrations and

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F E S T I VA L S & E V E N T S

you’re invited

A

strong cultural heritage combined with a vibrant community means that Kerry is home to some of

Ireland’s best loved art, film and literary festivals. Music, song and dance are celebrated in every

season and every town and village in the county. There is a host of events during which locals and

visitors alike can enjoy Ireland’s traditional culture and welcome.

Killarney’s horse racing festivals are legendary and take place in May, July & August when Killarney’s summer season is in full swing. Marathons, triathlons and adventure races use Kerry’s magnificent coastline, lakes, mountains and valleys to create their challenges and are a wonderful way to explore the region whilst meeting local enthusiasts.

There are festivals and events throughout the year when you can experience traditional music, family fun, the finest local food and the famous Irish ‘craic’.

‘Craic’ means the Irish sense of fun and can be best explained as follows Ceol . . . . . . . Music Rince . . . . . . . Dance Amhráin . . . . . Songs Insint Scéalta. . Storytelling Caint . . . . . . . Conversation

To see a full list of upcoming events and festivals in Kerry please visit www.killarneyhotels.ie/events-killarney

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HOTELS

The Europe Hotel & Resort

M

agnificent 5 star resort on the Lakes of Killarney. This hotel offers breathtaking views combined with superb service and world class facilities which include a stunning meetings and events centre and an award winning lakeshore spa, one of the largest in Ireland.

Guests enjoy complimentary access to the Active Level of the spa which includes 20m lap pool, indoor & outdoor vitality pools, thermal suites and relaxation experiences. Tennis on two indoor courts and Horse Riding on Haflinger ponies is also complimentary for guests.

Boating and fishing may be arranged from the hotel’s private pier. For golfers the hotel is adjacent to the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club (home to the Irish Open 2010 & 2011) and is within easy distance of a number of parkland and links courses.

Fossa, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland. Tel: + 353 64 6671300

Ard na Sidhe Country House

C

harming Country Manor House on the shores of Caragh Lake, set in one of the most beautiful, romantic corners of Ireland.

This delightful boutique hotel is the ideal place to relax in luxury whilst enjoying the finest local cuisine and a warm Irish welcome.

The hotel's grounds and surroundings are very much part of the experience for guests who enjoy the magical stillness and peace of Caragh Lake. Boating and fishing on the lake is available free of charge and there are numerous guided trails in the area for walking and hiking. Visits to the local beaches are a must and renowned golf courses are just a short drive away from the hotel.

Hotel Dunloe Castle

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eautiful 5 star hotel, overlooking the famous Gap of Dunloe, set on its own 64 acre estate leading to the ruins of the 12th century castle and River Laune. Hotel Dunloe Castle is a classic yet contemporary hotel renowned for its standards of excellence and unrivalled leisure activities.

Complimentary facilities include Horse Riding, Fishing, Tennis, 25m Swimming Pool, Steam Room, Sauna and Chill Out Zone and for the little ones an Outdoor Adventure Playground & Indoor Play Centre with toys, games, Wii & movie nights – all complimentary

A little piece of heaven on earth

The hotel’s fantastic location makes it perfect for the outdoor adventurer with hiking, biking and kayaking right on the doorstep.

Caragh Lake, Killorglin, Co Kerry, Ireland.

Tel: + 353 66 9769105

Beaufort, Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland Tel: + 353 64 66 44111

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Ho te l Dunl o e C as tle

The Europe Hotel & Resort

Ard na Si dhe Country House

w w w. thedunl oe. co m

www.th e e u ro p e .co m

www. a rd n a s i d h e . c o m

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K i l l a r n e y, C o . K e r r y Te l : + 3 5 3 6 4 6 6 7 1 3 4 0

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