Discover The Real Essence Of Ireland

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Ireland is one of the greenest countries in Europe.

There are many places to visit from North to South: from the highest cliffs falling into the ocean, to the green lands populated by ship on pasture.

Dublin deserves a stop for sure, but if you are interested in an alternative trip into the uncontaminated nature, you should head to the south-east of the country.

The best way to visit the area is to rent a car and drive across breathtaking coastal landscapes and fisherman villages, around the famous Ring of Kerry.

View point along the Ring of Kerry

If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can still join a guided tour with Paddy Wagon (https://www.paddywagontours.com/).

Along the way of this suggestive route of Ireland, you will discover the real “essence” of the country.

Killarney and the National Park

The Ring of Kerry is circular, so you can start from any point.

One of the main stop is Killarney, picturesque town, with its little colorful houses and typical Irish pubs. Killarney offers different attractions like St Mary's Cathedral, the Ross Castle, Muckross House, all of them surrounded by gardens. Don’t miss the Killarney National Park, a green lung of 102.89 km2 , where it's easy to find goats, deers and fawn roaming around.

Killarney National Park

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Renting a bicycle is probably the most enjoyable way to explore the park, cycling around the lake until you get to the famous Torc waterfall, which is worthy of lots of pictures.

Torc waterfall

Killarney National Park

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Quaint little villages and view points

Next stop after Killarney is Killorglin, famous for the ancient Puck fair, dedicated to the goat, protagonist of a legend. The festival , which takes place from the 10th -12th of August, entertains the town with events, concerts and food trucks; it’s an unmissable occasion to punge into the old Irish traditions.

Killarney National Park

If you love quiet and chilling places, you should definitely stop at Glenbeigh, a tiny village consisting of few pubs and some craft shops, not too far from the beautiful beach of Rossbeigh. This 7 km wild beach is a heaven for surfers!

Rossbeigh beach

Next stop on the ring should be Caherciveen, another small village close to the sea, whose surroundings deserve to be explored. You can hike up to the peak of Beentee mountain or just walk around the Cnoc na dTobar area, an ancient place of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages.

Sneem, small village along the RIng

Another stop, on the way from Killarney, is the view point called Ladies View, which owns its name to the Queen Victoria, who visited it in the 1861.

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View point along the Ring of Kerry

Moll's gap is another scenic view point, which takes the name from Molly Kissane, a woman who became famous in the ‘800 for smuggling liquor.

Those remote places, in the middle of a lush nature, are ideal if you’re looking for quiet and peace, away from the noise of the cities.

So what are you waiting for? Get a car and start your trip on the road in the wildest heart of Ireland!

IG: @chiaramaggiore_ph