Page 59 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 3: The Majestic Ring of Kerry 57

2 Bray Tower certainly worth the short trek up.
Bray Tower is an 18th-century signal On Geokaun Mountain there is a
tower standing on the promontory viewing platform and information
of Bray Head. It is thought originally plaques explaining what you can see.
to have been a Martello lookout Before reaching the top, walk the
tower, many of which were built short path on the left to the Fogher
around Ireland in response to the Cliffs and take in the panoramic
threat of an invasion by Napoleon. landscape from the viewing deck.
From the car park, head out on foot ª Continue to Knightstown for the car
along the track that leads out to the ferry that runs continuously to Renard
headland and the tower. On a clear Point. From there drive east to Caher­
day, the sweeping vistas of the siveen. If the ferry is not running (Nov–
surrounding headlands and islands Mar), retrace your route to Portmagee.
are truly magnificent. Allow an hour Take the R565 to Oghermong, then
for the whole walk. the N70 north to Cahersiveen.
ª Return to the fork in the road and Above Rossbehy Beach at Glenbeigh, on the
this time take the other fork. Continue Monastic miracle road from Cahersiveen to Caragh Lake
until you see a left sign for Geokaun In the 6th century, a group of
Mountain and Fogher Cliffs. Drive to monks established a monastery on
the top or park at the foot of the the island Skellig Michael – nothing
mountain and walk (20 minutes). short of a miracle of devotion and
ingenuity. Having withstood the
forces of the Atlantic for nearly 1,500
3 Geokaun Mountain and the years, the chapel and beehive huts
Fogher Cliffs are still remarkably preserved.
These are the highest points on the The hardy monastic community
island and indeed on the whole Ring remained there for 600 years.
of Kerry. The views from the top are
EAT AND DRINK
SKELLIG RING DRIVE
The Moorings moderate
Looking out over the harbour, this
guesthouse, restaurant and bar caters
for all needs. The award-winning Bridge
Bar is ideal for a light lunch before
venturing onto Valentia Island. There’s
traditional Irish music and dancing
every Friday.
Harbour Front, Portmagee; 066 947
7108; www.moorings.ie
VALENTIA ISLAND
Knightstown Coffee Shop
inexpensive
This charming coffee shop offers a
Above A panoramic view of Bray Head and its steep cliffs, Valentia Island selection of wraps, croissants and
baguettes, as well as a range of more
9 Cahersiveen Ballaghbeama Gap substantial meals. It doubles up as a
Co Kerry Co Kerry second-hand bookshop and offers
Cahersiveen is the main service town From Blackstone Bridge, a narrow road Internet access.
Market Street; 066 947 6373;
for this part of the peninsula. Its winds its way up in the shadow of the www.knightstowncoffee.com
chief claim to fame is that Daniel Magillicuddy Reeks to Ballaghbeama
O’Connell, who agitated for Catholic Gap. On a clear day there are sweeping CAHERSIVEEN
emancipation, was born here. views across the lonely, windswept The Point Bar moderate
The Heritage Centre has displays landscape. Take a right fork 1 km (half Near to where the ferry disembarks
covering the life of O’Connell and the a mile) after the bridge to a T-junction from Valentia Island, this place is an
institution and a great spot for a pint
ill-fated Fenian uprising of 1867. (2 km/1 mile), then turn right for outdoors on a summer’s evening,
ª Take the N70 north. It dips down to Cahersiveen, past the Climber’s Inn, watching harbour life. However, the
sea level at Glenbeigh. Beyond this, turn then sharp left for Ballaghbeama Gap real draw here is the fresh seafood,
right for Glencar and Caragh Lake. Turn (signposted). From the top, the road which is very reasonably priced.
Food is only served during the
right over a bridge and drive round the descends to join the R568, skirting summer months.
lake to Blackstone Bridge over the River the southern flanks of the Reeks. Renard Point, Cahersiveen;
Caragh, a picturesque picnic spot. ª On the R568 turn left to Moll’s Gap. 066 947 2165
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

054-059_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 57 11/13/17 3:22 PM