The Meadowlands Hotel is the ideal base to explore Kerry’s many treasures which can all be reached on a leisurely day trip. Our most recommended trips are as follows:
Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is one of the most famous scenic drives in Ireland. This route is an amazing day trip over mountain roads taking in rugged coastlines that surround our beautiful county. You will pass though the quaint traditional villages of Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Kells, Caherciveen , Waterville, Derrynane and Sneem. The stunning scenery will immerse you into Celtic Ireland. You can do a self-guided or scheduled tour.
Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head
A tour of Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head is not to be missed. On this route, enjoy stunning views of hills, mountains, cliffs, sandy beaches and the charming town and harbour of Dingle, home to Fungie the dolphin. You will get a chance to visit the Burnham House and Ogham stones, Ventry Harbour, Dún Beag Fort, the Fahan Group Beehive Huts, the Blasket Islands, Coumeenole Beach, Riasc Monastic Settlement, and Gallarus Oratory.
Gap of Dunloe
Enjoy the magnificent landscape of The Gap of Dunloe during a fantastic day out for all fitness levels. The gap is a mountain pass between MacGillicuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain which is just under 7 miles. You can hike, cycle or taking a famous jaunting car trip through the gap where you will pass 5 lakes- Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough as well as an old arch bridge called the ‘Wishing Bridge’. Once through the Gap, boats are waiting on the Gearhameen River for the homeward journey via the enchanting Upper, Middle and Lower Lakes of Killarney to the historic Ross Castle. Reception is happy to reserve this trip for you.
Skellig Micheal
Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the discovery points on the Wild Atlantic Way. The magnificent Skellig Islands are 12km from the South West Coast. Shellig Micheal towers 218 metres above sea level and one the summit of this inspiring rock you will find a remarakable sixth century monastic settlement. On the small Skelligs, 23,000 pairs of gannet nest in the ledges making it the second largest gannet colony in the world. Puffins have also chosen the Skellig Islands as a nesting ground. Boat trips to the islands can be organized and will be guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip.
Route 69 & North Kerry Highlights
Route 69 & North Kerry Highlights tour is distinguished by its rugged coastline and miles of sandy blue flag beaches. Its landscape is spotted with ancient monuments which include stone circles, ring forts, ogham stones, standing stones, stone crosses and holy wells, along with the ruins of early Churches, and ecclesiastical sites to include Abbeys, Cathedrals and Monasteries, with numerous Castles, a Tower House and Great Houses, and many more historic monuments.
Please ask reception for a map for a self guided tour.