Highlights of the Killarney Vacation Package
Cliffs of Moher
Unchanged for millennia, the landscape of the Cliffs of Moher has, for centuries, welcomed visitors who come to marvel at their splendour and be at one with nature. This iconic location has close to one million visitors per year. Looming over County Clare's west coast, the cliffs are seven hundred feet high at their highest point and range for five miles over the Atlantic Ocean. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic cliffs. From the cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, The Twelve Bens, the Maam Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the south.
Atlantic Edge
Atlantic Edge is the exciting interpretive center at the Cliffs of Moher. Housed at the center of the underground building, a huge domed cave contains images, exhibits, displays and experiences that will delight young and old alike. Visitors enter via a viewing ramp which provides access for all to the central floor. This is organized into four principal themed areas exploring different elements of the mighty Cliffs of Moher, ocean, rock, nature and man. A selection of interactive exhibits and displays show aspects of these themes and their connection with the cliffs. An aerial tour entitled The Clare Journey, is displayed on a central screen.
Killarney National Park
Internationally renowned for its scenic beauty and scientific interest Killarney National Park, 25,000 acres in extent, encompasses the three Lakes of Killarney and mountains and woods which surround them. The National Park protects the most extensive area of natural oak woodland remaining in Ireland as well as characteristic plants, such as the Arbutus. On the mountain slopes roam the only herd of red deer which have been here since the end of the last Ice Age.
Ross Castle
Ross Castle is a fifteenth century towerhouse and is a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish chieftain in the Middle Ages. The castle and outer defences were built by the O'Donoghue Ross Chieftains. The Barrack alongside dates fro the mid 18th century. The castle is fully restored and furnished with period oak furniture.
Muckross House
Muckross House is a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. It is beautifully situated amidst the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s premier National Park. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House. Muckross House is also home to a number of skilled craftworkers who can be seen using skills in the crafts of weaving, pottery and bookbindiing.
Cobh
2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s maiden voyage. Cobh, then Queenstown, was the Titanic’s last port of call. 123 passengers boarded the magnificent vessel in a bid to journey to the new world. For the last century the world has been intrigued with the story of the largest passenger liner at the time and the vessel that many thought was unsinkable.
Kate Kearney's Cottage
Nestled at the entrance to the world famous Gap of Dunloe lies Kate Kearney's Cottage, a 150 year old family-run establishment.At ‘Kate's’ you will enjoy the tradition of hospitality made famous by the legendary Kate herself.
Gap of Dunloe
This scenic narrow mountain pass is about 7 miles from north to south. Within it are five lakes: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough (north to south). These lakes are connected by the River Loe. Between the first two lakes is an old arch bridge called the 'Wishing Bridge' so named because it is said that wishes made while upon it are destined to come true.
Milltown
Milltown is a small village whose Catholic Church was designed by the famous architect William Hague Jr. and was opened in 1868.
Dingle Bay
Once cited as 'the most beautiful place on earth' by the National Geographic; was voted among the top one hundred destinations in the world by Trip Advisor; CNN recently recommended it as a very favourable winter destination; it is listed as one of the top 10 places to be on New Year's Eve – all of these accolades refer to the stunningly beautiful Dingle Peninsula. (from Dingle Peninsula Tourism)
Inch Strand
Three miles of sandy beach, for bathing, surfing, sea angling. Inch Strand was chosen by David Lean as the beach location for "Ryan's Daughter", while the film "Playboy of the Western World" was shot entirely at Inch. Sea Otters and Seals lie on the rocks rearing their young. Dolphins clown about in the bay. A heron lands by the rivers and gannets fly like arrows into the clear water.
Slea Head
Slea Head is marked by a stone crucifixation scene with dramatic views to South Kerry and the Blasket Islands.
Beehive Huts
The Dingle Peninsula has the largest collections in the world of clocháns or beehive huts, stones with the unique ogham writing and ring forts. The remains include the Oratory at Gallarus and the cross stone of Riasc, and are evidence of skilled craftsmanship.
Paudie’s Restaurant at The Dingle Bay Hotel
The food at the Paudie's Bar has been a long standing favorite both to locals and visitors alike. With local produce a priority, it's proximity to the pier ensures the very best in the freshest of fish and seafood with a wide selection of dishes served in an updated traditional atmosphere.
Local Pubs and Traditional Irish Music in Killarney Town
Killarney has about fifty pubs, so it's no wonder that this little town in the south west of Ireland is one of the top nightlife destinations in the country! This is quite a number considering that Killarney is a small town, so you're sure to find something to suit your taste.
Kinsale
The medieval town of Kinsale is a very popular and fashionable town famous for its beautiful yachting, sea angling, dolphin and whale watching trips, gourmet restaurants, traditional bars and golf.
Shopping
Killarney town blends quaint tradition with contemporary style and service. The bustling streets are lined with independent craft shops, small galleries, traditional pubs and fine restaurants.
Quills Woollen Market
Quills Woollen Market is a family-run enterprise headquartered deep in the heart of West Cork's Gaelic-speaking region. It produces sweaters, knitwear, and garments using the skins of sheep and goats.
Cellar One Restaurant in The Ross Hotel
The stylish Cellar One Restaurant is at the heart of The Ross Hotel with truly individual design features. Leading from the Pink Mezzanine down the elegant stairs into Cellar One Restaurant is impressive, and from here on your evening will continue in this same vein. Chef Ian McMonagle has beautifully combined local produce with international influences which will fall nothing short of offering gastronomic delight. As well as great creative flair, there is a clear understanding of food evident all the way through this menu.
Image ©Failte Ireland ©Tourism Ireland
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