TOUR NO. 1      THE RING OF KERRY

(OR GRAND ATLANTIC COAST TOUR)

This takes you along the winding road overlooking the beautiful Glengarriff Harbour and Bantry Bay, through the tunnel which is 1,000 feet above sea level and which is also the boundary between Cork and Kerry and on to the bustling town of Kenmare situated at the head of Kenmare Bay. Proceeding through the Windy Gap, the visitor gets the first view of the world famous Lakes of Killarney with the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks towering majestically, among which is Carrántuall, (Carrigtwohill) the highest mountain in Ireland.  The route continues along the shores of all three of Killarney’s Lakes, through the wonderful town of Killarney and on to Killorglin, famous for it’s Puck Fair. Thence to Glenbeigh, a pretty seaside resort where the first view of Dingle Bay can be seen, and along the coast road through scenic splendour to Cahirciveen.  Here, just off the mainland, lies Valentia Island whence a cable is laid across the Atlantic to America. Next comes Waterville, famous for it’s unrivalled Salmon and Trout fishing. The climax of the tour approaches with Coomakista Pass and a panorama of sea and mountain with cosy beaches whitened by the Atlantic waves.  We proceed homewards via Derrynane (home of Daniel O’Connell) and Parknasilla along the shores of Kenmare Bay.  This description is entirely inadequate. Visitors must see for themselves!

TOUR NO. 2                   KILLARNEY

The route is via the tunnel road to Killarny where, on arrival the visitor has a choice of a trip around the lakeshores by Jaunting Car via Muckross Abbey and Dinis Island or a pony ride through the Gap of Dunloe. Historic Ross Castle on the shores of the lake has been beautifully restored and is well worth a visit by young and old.  Boats will take you across the lake . Killarney town is a heady mixture of craft shops, traditional pubs and famous restaurants and plenty of shops.

There is so much to see and do in Killarney!

TOUR NO. 3                      MIZEN HEAD

This route skirts the shores of Bantry Bay and takes the visitor through Bantry town, past Dunmanus Bay and into the mountain pass of Mount Gabriel.  From the top of this pass is seen a majestic panorama, known as “the view of the 100 isles”. Two of these isles are very well known, Cape Clear Island and the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse. (The latter is 14 miles from the mainland) From here the route leads us via pretty Schull village and Harbour to Goleen and Mizen Head – the most Southerly point in Ireland.  Allow time to take in the spectacular beauty of the sands at Barley Cove, and perhaps a swim.  We return through lovely Crookhaven village and harbour, thence through the exciting splendour of Dunmanus Bay, past Durrrus and back to Glengarriff.

TOUR NO. 4            RING OF BEARA

This tour takes you along by Seal Harbour and Coast road to Adrigole Harbour. We look across Bantry Bay towards the Sheep’s Head Peninsula and the aptly named Goat’s Path.  In the background towards Castletownbere is seen Hungry Hill (2,250 ft.) famed in story by Daphne du Maurier and subsequently filmed.  We head into the biggest white fishing port in Ireland at Castletownberehaven which looks across the bay to Bere Island, a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers.  Leaving the busy fishing town we head on and into Allihies with its famous copper mines and on to the thrilling Atlantic cliff that is Dursey Head with it’s cable car.  Travelling on through award winning Eyeries and then Ardgroom with its historical stone circle, there is so much to see on this often overlooked peninsula. The route to the top of Tim Healy Pass is exciting and twisty.  The corkscrew road reaches a height of 1,500 ft. above sea level.  At the top of this Pass (which is also a county boundary) a magnificent view of Cork and Kerry is seen, embracing Bantry Bay, Kenmare Bay, the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Glanmore Lake and Valley.  The drive is continued back through Adrigole and into Glengarriff.

TOUR NO. 5              GOUGANE BARRA

This tour starts along the shores of Bantry Bay for 7 miles and turns by the Ouvane River to Kealkil and Carriganass Castle until the Pass of Keim-an-Eigh (or the Pass of the Deer’s Leap) is reached.  This is one of the most awe-inspiring and Natural Mountain passes in Ireland and is almost 2 miles long.  Emerging from the Pass, we sweep left to Gougane Barra with it’s lovely lake and ancient Abbey ruins of St. Finbarr, first Bishop of Cork (6^th century). From this lake arises the River Lee made famous in song, which flows into Cork Harbour and on which Cork City is built.  The Abbey at Gougane Barra is a popular choice for many locals and visitors to have their marriage vows blessed. 

OTHER SUGGESTED TOURS:

DINGLE

SLEA HEAD

DURSEY HEAD

CORK AND BLARNEY

SKIBBEREEN – GLANDORE

Ø  Stops are made at all points of interest at passenger’s request.

Ø  All tours are personally supervised

Ø  Drivers are competent and experienced.

Ø  Harrington’s have been happy to provide  

 this uniquely personal service for over 50 years