5 Day Trips from in Tralee That You Shouldn't Miss

If you do just one tour on your visit to Ireland, make it the Dingle Peninsula tour. Not only does it enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain and coastal scenery in Ireland, but centuries of isolation have left it with a rich heritage of remarkably well preserved archaeological and ecclesiastical sites. A drive around the area reveals fascinating antiquities ranging from Iron Age stone forts to 4th century AD inscribed stones, early Christian oratories and beehive huts. Rich in Gaelic culture, language, literature, art and sport, the area centres on the colourful town of Dingle (Daingean Uí Cúis - meaning Fort of Ó Cúis), famous for traditional music, great pubs, and fine restaurants. The peninsula provided settings for a number of famous films, most notably 'Star Wars' in 2016, 'Ryan's Daughter' in 1969, 'Far & Away' in 1991 and 'Playboy of the Western World' way back in 1961.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks

The Dingle Peninsula has the most rugged coastline in Ireland. A great deal of traditional Irish heritage is maintained in this Irish-speaking region. Slea Head is the most westerly point in Europe and standing there, looking towards America, instils a feeling of excitement and empathy with the millions of emigrants who took this route. There are splendid views around Slea Head, especially of the Blasket Islands. In the storms of September 1588, four ships of the Spanish Armada were driven through the Basket Sound. During the twentieth century some 60 books, mostly in Irish, were written in the this area. The tour also takes in the countryside where David Lean filmed Ryan's Daughter and the landscape backdrops for the Irish scenes of the Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman filmed Far and Away.The Dingle Peninsula Drive once described by National Geographic Traveler as "the most beautiful place on earth" There will be frequent stops to admire the views and take photos.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Fuel surcharge, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Parking Fees, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities

Named after a Spanish Princess, the staggeringly beautiful Beara peninsula is Ireland’s foremost hidden travel gem. It straddles both counties Cork and Kerry, but does not feel fully part of either, it has a wild beauty and friendly atmosphere all of its own. With plenty of postcard pretty towns and villages like Castletownbere, Allihies and Eyeries to name but a few, the locals are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality, and they protect their Irish traditional culture fiercely. The Irish music sessions can start early in the evening and anybody with a musical talent is welcome to join in. The food in pubs and restaurants is mouth-watering, and it is served literally from field or ocean to table. As the roads are often narrow and inaccessible to the bigger tour buses, it feels far more rugged, ancient and untamed than its neighboring Iveragh and Dingle peninsulas. You will also find archaeological evidence of human history dating back several thousand years.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Food and drinks

We take a drive passed Ireland’s highest mountain range and highest peak, Corrán Tuathail – part of an ancient glacial landscape. The Ring crosses Killarney National Park – with heart-stopping views of lakes and peaks, waterfalls, ancient woods of oak and yew, and Ireland’s only herd of wild native red deer. Rare white-tailed sea eagles drift overhead. To the west, seals ‘pup’ in sheltered Kenmare Bay. And on the shores of Valentia Island are the Tetrapod tracks - the earliest fossil footprints in the world. Further west still, out to sea, is an extraordinary, far-flung place of pilgrimage: Skellig Michael – one of the wonders of the world. 1300 years ago, early Christian monks built a remarkable hermitage at the top of this jagged ocean crag – then at the furthest limits of the known world. This mysterious and awe-inspiring place – described by George Bernard Shaw as “part of our dream world” – is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Fuel surcharge, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Parking Fees

Exclusions: Gratuities

North Kerry offers spectacular seascapes, the finest beaches in Ireland and a multitude of ancient sites, churches and field monuments. Taking in Tralee, Ardfert, Ballyheigue, Ballyduff, Ballybunion, Ballylongford, Tarbert, Listowel and returning to Tralee. A distance of 116km. On this route you can visit the famous cathedral in the village of Ardfert. Ballyheigue offers an extensive beach as well as an interesting Castle. A circular drive around Kerry Head Peninsula offers scenic panoramas overlooking the Dingle Peninsula and Clare Coast. Ballyduff has a prime example of a perfectly preserved round tower at Rattoo. Ballybunion boasts magnificent blue flag beaches and is equally famous for its championship Golf Links. Visit the interesting Carrigafoyle Castle in Ballylongford village and The Tarbert Bridewell Visitor Centre. Stroll around the town of Listowel, where you can visit Seanchai - Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre, Listowel Castle or take a trip on the Lartigue Monorail!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Fuel surcharge, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Parking Fees, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities