Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring Private Tour
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Experienced Driver/Guide who was born and raised in South Kerry
- Lunch
- Optional tours of Valentia Slate Quarry or Valentia Lighthouse, entrance fees are not included
- Entry fee of €5 per person into the Kerry High Cliffs
Itinerary
A stop at the shore of the beautiful Lough Leane in the outskirts of Killarney.
Cahergall Stone Fort was built around 600AD. With walls approx 6 m high and some 3 m thick this dry stone wall fort is one of the best examples of an early medieval stone fort to be found on the Ring of Kerry.
Valentia Island lies just off the south west coast of County Kerry and is one of Ireland's westernmost points. It combines fascinating history, beautiful scenery and an interesting cultural scene, making it a great place to visit on the Ring of Kerry.
The Slate Quarry first opened in 1816 under the direction of the Knight of Kerry and has been a working quarry on and off since that date. Famous for the quality of the slate quarried, this recently reopened quarry is famous for providing the slate for the Paris Opera House, London’s Houses of Parliament and many billiard tables, including one made for the Duke of Wellington & Queen Victoria.
The site of the Cromwell Point Lighthouse was originally home to a 17th century Cromwellian Fort, which was one of two built on Valentia Island around this time. The outline of the Cromwell Point fort with its bastions and barrack inside its wall can still be easily traced from the air, lying just inside the lighthouse enclosure wall. The fort was maintained after the Restoration and there are various State Paper entries about its repair over the period 1663-1665. It was disestablished in 1669. The first light for Cromwell Point was originally applied for on 30 March 1828 by the Right Honorary Maurice Fitzgerald, Knight of Kerry. Work commenced on the lighthouse ten years later in 1838, the light was first exhibited on 1 February 1841. Since November 1947 the light has been automated.
Portmagee is a lovely fishing village in southwest county Kerry on Valentia Harbour, from where you can cross the bridge over to Valentia Island.
Kerry Cliffs are widely accepted as the most spectacular cliffs in Kerry. The cliffs stand over 1000ft above the wild Atlantic and were formed in a desert environment 400 million years ago. Out to the west stand the amazing Skellig Rocks one of only three UNESCO world heritage sites in Ireland. Of course the Kerry Cliffs are the closest viewing point to the great rocks and also the famous Puffin Island. Allied with these facts as you stand at the summit of this mystical place and breath in the freshest of air, deep in to your lungs from the wild Atlantic and observe this natural wonder. You can relax and unwind and observe the majestic views from here which reach out for 30 miles of the surrounding areas.
Ballinskelligs beach is 1.0 Km of immaculate sandy beach lying in Ballinskelligs Bay by Mc Carthys Castle. Separated from Ballinskelligs pier by Ballinskelligs Abbey, the beach is one of the best kept secrets in South Kerry and has been a favourite with local families for many years. It is an Internationally Environmental Recognition Blue Flag beach.
Pass by: Waterville (An Coireán) is a small coastal village located between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Currane on the scenic and famous Ring of Kerry along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Sneem is a colourful village in South west Kerry, blessed with exquisite scenery, wild landscapes and imposing Kerry mountains. The name Sneem, means ‘the knot’ that ties together the Ring of Kerry. Here, the Killarney Mountain Road and the Ring of Kerry’s Kenmare and Waterville Roads all lead to Sneem.
Ladies View is about 12 miles from Killarney. The view here is probably the best known of Killarney and is a major attraction for visitors. Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting visited here during the royal visit in 1861. They were so taken with the view that it was named after them.
Torc Waterfall is approximately 7 kilometres from Killarney Town. A short walk of approx 200 metres brings you to the waterfall.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Traveler reviews
Great tour! Paudie was...
Great tour! Paudie was such a good tour guide. He is originally from the area so knows everyone and takes you too great locations. The cliffs of Kerry are beautiful and he makes the experience feel like a VIP tour. Made the long day feel fun and the van was very comfortable
Ring of Kerry
A big gratitude to Paudie our driver was super friendly and knowledgable. He took our family on the ROC tour with several extra stops along the way. His van was very comfortable and fit all 6 of us. Paudie also helped us get the most out of this trip. He gave us tips on the best things to see and do in the area. He really made the trip easy for us. We have a memorable trip. Thank you, Kim
Ring of Kerry and Skellig ring tour
Great way to see the Kerry Cliffs and Valentia Island that you can’t get from a regular tour bus. Our guide Paudie was great and goes places others don’t. A fantastic way to experience the real Ireland.
Perfect day during Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring private tour!
Upon recommendation from my cousin, my husband and I booked a private tour of the Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring with Paudie. We are so glad that we took her advice, as we had the best day! We saw so much of the area that we never would have been able to find or see if we had driven ourselves. Paudie was a wealth of historical and local knowledge, and he knew right where to go for the best access to all of the major sites and hidden local gems too. We lucked out and had beautiful weather during our tour and time in Ireland, which made this tour all the more spectacular!
We had an amazing day! ...
We had an amazing day! Paudie Murphy was friendly and funny. We saw all the sites on the tour and even a couple spontaneous things too! Paudie is born and raised in the area. He knows all the history; his family is still local; and he recommended great restaurants for dinner.