Page 61 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 3: The Majestic Ring of Kerry 59

Muckross
Abbey
Lough Leane
Brickeen
Bridge
Muckross
Meeting of House
the Waters Dinis Cottage
Old Weir Bridge Muckross Lake

Torc
Waterfall
0 metres 250
Upper
Lake
0 yards 250
Above Riding in a traditional jaunting car
spectacular 20 m (60 ft) Torc founded in 1448. Return to the car through the woods in Killarney National Park
Waterfall 2 – a 30-minute walk. park, completing the circuit. Back
From here, follow the Torc Trail along in the car, turn left out of the main
the base of Torc Mountain to the Old entrance onto the N71. Turn left
Weir Bridge 3, where Muckross Lake before Killarney to the 15th-century
and the Upper Lake first meet. Soon Ross Castle, on a peninsula in Lough
afterwards the path arrives at the Leane. From here boats cross to
thrilling Meeting of the Waters 4, Innisfallen Isle, home to the ruins
where the Upper Lake of another abbey.
actually flows into ª Return to the N71 and
Muckross Lake. It’s worth continue to Killarney. EAT AND DRINK IN KILLARNEY
pausing here to watch
the boatmen negotiate r Killarney Bricin inexpensive
Bricin is Gaelic for small trout so it’s no
the turbulent flow of Co Kerry surprise that fish dishes feature in this
water. A little way further Killarney is a convenient family-run restaurant and high-quality
along on the right is base from which to explore craft store. Also worth trying is boxty,
Dinis (Dinish) Cottage 5 the natural splendours of the a traditional potato pancake.
(open May–Sep daily), an Stained-glass national park. St Mary’s 26 High Street; 064 663 4902;
www.bricin.com; closed Sun & Mon
18th-century hunting pub window Cathedral, designed by and all of Jan & Feb
lodge, now an eco-friendly Pugin and built in 1842, is
tea room. Continue along the narrow considered Ireland’s finest example Gaby’s Seafood Restaurant
moderate
stretch of land between Muckross of High Gothic, and is worth a visit. At this excellent seafood restaurant
Lake and Lough Leane to the The little Victorian lanes that branch you can choose from a wide selection
picturesque arches of Brickeen off the main street are also enjoyable of fish, cooked in a variety of ways. The
(Bricin) Bridge 6. Cross the bridge to wander. There are lively pubs – lobster and wild Atlantic salmon steaks
are particularly succulent. Cosy, rustic
and carry on past Colleen Bawn many playing live music – and decor, with an open fire.
Rock, following the path along restaurants in the town, and a good 27 High Street; 064 663 2519;
Lough Leane to Muckross Abbey 7, choice of accommodation. www.gabys.ie; closed Sun
DAY TRIP OPTIONS lovely 6th-century ruined abbey – a monastery established in the
Killarney or the area around Valentia on the heavily wooded island 6th century on the remote island of
Island are ideal bases from which to of Inisfallen. Great Skellig. The drystone beehive
explore the glorious Kerry landscape. huts built by the monks can be seen
From Killarney, take N71 to the
Lakes and abbeys Killarney National Park and park in on a cruise from the centre or on an
Stroll around Killarney r and have Muckross House or Muckross Abbey car independent boat trip from Valentia
a look at the cathedral, then head park (just before house on the right). Island or Portmagee. Back on dry
to Killarney National Park e. After land, continue to Bray Tower or
doing the Dinis Walk, take a Islands and monasteries Geokaun Mountain and the Fogher
jaunting-car trip up to Muckross Explore Valentia Island 8, starting Cliffs for bracing clifftop walks.
Abbey and on to the pier at Ross the day at the Skellig Experience
Castle, where boat trips set off Centre to find out about the Skellig Follow the drive instructions from
across Lough Leane to visit the Michael UNESCO World Heritage Site Ballinskelligs and Valentia Island.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

054-059_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 59 11/09/17 12:29 pm