Great Days Out by Car

The Ring of Kerry is one of the most famous road loops in the world and certainly is the showstopper section of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. It is a 110-mile (180km) route that journeys around the Iveragh Peninsula. The Iveragh Peninsula has it all - Atlantic views, dramatic cliffs, Ireland’s highest mountains, rivers, lakes and beautiful sandy beaches. Picturesque villages like Sneem and Waterville along with charming towns including Kenmare and Cahersiveen are dotted along this route. The highlight is undoubtedly the unsurpassed panoramic views of Killarney's Lakes from Molls Gap and Ladies' View.  Start from The Gleneagle Hotel and travel anticlockwise towards Killorglin. From there it’s on to Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem and finally Kenmare before returning via Moll’s Gap to The Gleneagle Hotel. This scenic drive has countless sights along the way as well as a few detours that are well worth it, including the Skellig Ring. The drive can take anywhere between four and seven hours depending on how often you decide to stop. 

Ancient sites and early Christian dwellings lend an air of mystery to this breathtaking route which traverses the Dingle Peninsula. Start from The Gleneagle Hotel and travel via Milltown and Castlemaine to the beach and sand hills of Inch. Continue along the coast to Dingle, home the Oceanworld Aquarium, galleries and craft shops and a selection of Ireland’s finest pubs and restaurants. Leaving Dingle behind travel clockwise on the Slea Head loop via Ventry to Slea Head, Europe's most westerly point, where you can view the Blasket Islands and famous Brandon Hill. Return to The Gleneagle Hotel via Annascaul and the Vale of Tralee. This drive will bring you to areas steeped in culture, tradition and literature. Allow at least four hours, and longer for scenic stops and breaks.

Divided between Cork and Kerry counties, this majestic coastland features some of the most outstanding beauty spots of the Southwest of Ireland. It’s not as famous as its neighbouring peninsula – the Ring of Kerry, but it is every bit as beautiful. Leaving from The Gleneagle Hotel follow the Kenmare road via Moll's Gap. Then from the town of Kenmare continue on to Tuosist, Lauragh, Ardgroon, Eyeries, Ardigole and Glengarriff before returning to Killarney via Kenmare. Highlights include the Healy Pass, Dursey Cable Car and Island and Gleninchaquin. Like all these great Kerry day trips by car, the route is very well signposted.

From The Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney, head for Macroom and the rolling hinterland of County Cork leading to the world-famous Blarney Castle, where kissing the Stone of Eloquence is a must. It is said that kissing the Blarney stone will bring good luck. Continue to Cork for lunch perhaps and on the return take in the Gaelic-speaking area of Ballyvourney and the picturesque banks of the River Flesk. 

Travel along the river Flesk passing the Killaha Castle stronghold of the Irish Chieftain "O'Donoghue of the Glen" on through the Loo Valley to Kilgarvan and beyond to Glengarriff. Stop for lunch and then take a boat to Garnish Island. This island is renowned for its beautiful gardens and walks. Depart Glengarriff and return to Killarney over the mountains through Wynn's Tunnels to Kenmare and then onto Killarney via Molls Gap, the upper lake and Muckross.