Page 42 - The Driver's Guide to the Wild Atlantic

The Driver's Guide
EAT
Mary Anne’s Tea Room, located in
Tralee, Kerry, is the perfect spot for anyone who loves an old world atmosphere. Entering this Georgian building feels like stepping back in time, with its delicate fine china, roaring fireplace, and chandeliers; not to mention the numerous cakes on display. The restaurant, which serves fresh sandwiches, breakfast, pastries, and teas, has received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. This is the perfect spot to cosy up in for a few hours while you enjoy homemade cakes and tea served in antique cups. There’s nothing quite like it.
17 Denny St, Tralee, Co. Kerry www.maryannstearoom.com
KERRY
DINGLE PENINSULA
N86 TOWARDS DINGLE
The Dingle Peninsula haven of mountains, cliffs, and sandy beaches, scenic walking routes, fine dining, artists and musicians. Allocate a few hours to do the Slea Head Drive for brilliant scenery that is definitely a highlight of the trip, including stunning views of the Blasket Islands.
Take a break from driving and spend time on the sandy beaches that the peninsula has to offer, such as the one on Slea head itself.
The Gallarus Oratory is an ancient church, over 1300 years old and still largely intact. Learn about the historic culture and religion in the museums and check out some of the beautiful local artwork at the art galleries.
The town of Dingle and the towns on the peninsula in general, offer great food and drinks, with fresh seafood always the prime choice. Another popular attraction is the dolphin tours, where the famous Fungie the dolphin is known to swim alongside the boat with the visitors.
STAY
Shelburne Lodge in Kerry is known for
its country history. It was the first building in the Kenmare area, constructed by William Petty Fitzmaurice (known as Lord Shelburne) in 1769. The cosy and warm rooms overlook the lively garden and grass tennis court. Each room is furnished with antiques that speak to the country comfort you notice as soon as you walk through the doors. Guests are served a delicious full Irish breakfast in the main dining room every morning and can make restaurant reservations in town to enjoy Kenmare’s teeming nightlife. www.shelburnelodge.com
Torc Waterfall
MACGILLYCUDDY’S REEKS AND CARRAUNTOOHIL
N70 (ANNADALE RD EXIT) TOWARDS CARRAUNTOOHIL 25 min from exit
For a challenging hike, the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Carrauntoohil mountain range is a full-day 10-12 hour adventure. Carrauntoohil is the tallest mountain in Ireland, with a beautiful panoramic view. This mountain is for more
PLAY
Valentia Island: Tucked in on the
Skellig Coast and next to the Ring of Kerry, the breathtaking sights of Valentia Island make it a must see while in Kerry. With not a single traffic light on the entire Island, walking, hiking, sailing are the favoured ways to get around. Always teeming with festivals, sports games, and triathlons, you’ll never find a dull moment. When you get hungry, the Island’s own eateries proudly serve locally produced foods across their menus, and the homemade ice cream at Valentia Island Dairy House will be more than enough reason to save room for dessert.
www.skelligislands.com
experienced hikers, but there is another option for those less experienced. Instead of reaching the top of Carrauntoohil, finish with An Cruach Mhór, which is a slightly shorter walk along an exposed ridge. This is a great all-day hike if the weather permits. It is best to go when it is not too foggy or windy as the mountains can be treacherous and conditions can change quickly.
The mountains and peeks of this range are all named after legends of Irish mythology, such as the mythical Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna, who hunted deer with their wolfhounds through the mountains of Kerry.
TORC WATERFALL
N71 FROM KILLARNEY TOWARDS MOLLS GAP
At 70 to 80 feet high, this beautiful waterfall lies just off of the N71 Killarney Kenmare road. From Killarney, it is about a 6km walk along a trail that passes through the town and outskirts of the Ring of Kerry. Along the path is plenty of beautiful scenery, including the nearby Shehy Mountains, Osprey Rock, and Friar’s Island. The name for the waterfall comes from the Gaelic word ‘torc’, which means ‘wild boar’. It originated from an ancient legend about a man who was cursed by the Devil. It was said that every night he turned into a
42 WILD ATLANTIC