Exclusive Private Ring of Beara Tour from Killarney

Driving on the road from Killarney to Kenmare, (the starting point of Ring of Beara) you will pass the famous attractions of the Three Lakes Road, you will pass the Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, Ladies View and Molly's Gap. Short stops for photos can be arranged but it may shorten our time on the Ring of Beara

Kenmare is a small town in the south of County Kerry, Ireland. The name Kenmare is the anglicised form of Ceann Mara, meaning "head of the sea", referring to the head of Kenmare Bay.

The cottage and farm at Molly Gallivans is over 200 years old and remains a family run visitors center. A visit can range from a quick stop to see the old cottage and gift shop to a full guided tour which includes traditional Irish baking, turf cutting and tours of the old Irish relics in the area. The Caha Pass, which links Glengarriff with Molly Cottage and Kenmare, is the final stretch of the Ring of Beara and it’s safe to say the best is saved to last. This epic road is one of the most picturesque in Ireland. What makes the Caha Pass truly unique is the combination of the winding mountaintop road, the panoramic views of the countryside and the incredible stone tunnels that the road carves through. There are too many stunning viewing spots to list for this road so just allow lots of time for stopping! The tunnels start at the Cork-Kerry border and continue for a few kilometres.

The name Glengarriff is derived from the Irish Gleann Gairbh, which translates as the rough or rugged glen. The setting of Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve is spectacular, with the woods nestled in the sheltered glen opening out into Glengarriff Harbour. The River Walk Distance: 1km Duration: 25 minutes :Standard: easy Terrain: footpath. This is a lovely introduction to Glengarriff Nature Reserve, taking you on a gentle wander through old oak woods and along the banks of the Glengarriff River.Take time to look around and see the ferns, mosses and lichens growing on the old oak trees – this lush growth is typical of the oceanic woodlands in the south-west of Ireland, where the gulf stream ensures the climate is warm and wet. Beneath the oak canopy, the most common tree is the evergreen Holly with its prickly leaves and red berries. Looking down into the river you may be lucky to spot a Freshwater Pearl Mussel.

Nestled in the foothills of the Caha mountains and the far side of the Healy pass is the small village of Adrigole. There are lots of hiking options in the area with trails leading to hidden lakes including Coomadavallig Lake high in the Caha mountains. The highest waterfall in Ireland, Mares Tail Waterfall is a short drive inland from Adrigole. With a height of 685 metres, Hungry Hill is the highest peak of the Caha Mountains on the border of counties Cork and Kerry. And right at its top, you will find Mare’s Tail Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Ireland and the UK.

Healy Pass is often described as one of Ireland’s greatest drives, and for good reason! It is a mountain pass at an elevation of 334 metres that offers a unique experience from beginning to end. The serpentine-like track weaves through isolated countryside and it lays just enough off-the-beaten-path to ensure that you’ll rarely encounter crowds.

The fishing town of Castletown-Bearhaven is one of the best options for food on the Beara Peninsula. The town’s main industry is fishing so it’s no surprise that you’ll find some delicious seafood here.

The winding drive from Eyeries to Allihies is breathtaking. Probably one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the country. The narrow coastal road winds along the headland before crossing Cod’s head and along the coast to Allihies. Almost every inch of this drive is picture perfect. The raw beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way is showcased along this short drive and, while there are no sandy beaches, there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views.The small town of Allihies was home to a vibrant copper mining community during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is is still possible to see some of the remaining engine towers that were used in the mining process. There is a stop on the road from Eyeries to Allihies at one of these mines. Many who left the area after the mining industry collapsed moved to Montana in the USA .There is a small museum in Allihies dedicated to the copper mines which gives visitors an insight into the area at that time. Entrance fee: Adult: 6 Child : 3

Eyeries is easily the most colorful town on the Beara Peninsula. The houses in the village are painted in vivid colors which will bring a smile as you approach in your car.

The quaint and colorful village of Ardgroom is the first stop on the Cork side of the Beara Peninsula. The village itself is worth a stop for a snack in Harrington’s Post Office, a Post Office that doubles as a Cafe and deli. The Ardgroom Stone Circle, with its epic views over the Kenmare estuary and the Kerry mountains, is located just outside the village.

The last village you will come across before coming back to Kenmare on the Ring of Beara is the quiet seaside village of Lauragh. The coast along this stretch of the Beara Peninsula is exceptional and full of hidden coves and beautiful coastline. There is also beautiful wild Atlantic way discovery point, Kilmakilloge Harbour, around 10 minutes from Lauragh. This small remote harbor offers incredible views of Kenmare Bay and the Ring of Kerry in the distance. After Lauragh the Beara Ring route leaves County Kerry and into West Cork.

The first stop on the Beara ring is the impressive Uragh Stone Circle. This beautiful stone circle is a quick 10-minute detour from the Beara Ring route. What makes this stone circle so beautiful is the backdrop against Lough Inchiquin and the mountains.

Gleninchaquin Park provides breath-taking landscapes and scenery in which it is a sheer delight to wander around over streams with log bridges, mountain paths with carved steps, through rock passages, along glens and lakes to higher altitude. Marvel at the views overlooking the lakes, delicate green meadows, a spectacular rock face waterfall, it’s force dependent on the amount of rain of the previous days. This magnificent valley makes for a great day out for the experienced walker – high level routes, to those more inclined to the gentler terrain. Ample parking facilities are provided close to the waterfall and the picnic areas. The walks around the waterfall, cascades, streams, woodlands and lakes are accessible for all ages. Admission fee applies, payable by cash only please. ADMISSION Adults: €6 Students / Seniors: €5 Children age 6-12 €4 Family: (2 adults 2 children) €15 Children under 6 years are free.

Driving back to Killarney