Killarney Hotel Blog

Vintage Vistas: Self-Drive Tour of Kerry

Do you dream of warm summer days driving around the Irish countryside with someone you love, exploring the beauty of nature at your own pace? At Cahernane House Hotel, we cannot guarantee good weather, but we can help you arrange one of the most unforgettable West of Ireland road trips you could hope for. Don’t worry about feeling rushed or cramped on a tour bus, instead enjoy your time off in a vintage classic car, driving to the parts of Kerry you want to see in your own time. Cahernane House Hotel, located between Killarney National Park and Killarney Town Centre, offers you the ideal base for your Wild West adventure.

Kerry Road Trip

Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a self-drive road trip in Kerry. The county has some of the most captivating and stunning views in all of Ireland peppered with villages, historic sites, and photo opportunities There are some important parts of any Kerry road trip that you cannot miss but the beauty of a self-drive getaway is going off the beaten track and spending as long as you like admiring the lesser-known sights. Add these stops to your Kerry self-drive itinerary;

While not exactly off the beaten track, many tourists don’t spend enough time exploring Ross Castle and its surroundings. Turn off Ross Road following signs for the castle and park up. Take your bikes in the boot of the car and cycle around the castle, locking them up to enjoy a one-hour tour of this beautiful former home. Continue cycling to the Copper Mines, Governors Rock and Library Point all on Ross Island learning more about the history of this beautiful area.

Dinis Cottage is an old hunting lodge which once belonged to The Herbert family of Muckross. It’s a great place to stop for a coffee and a slice of their delicious rhubarb tart. Behind Dinis Cottage is the Meeting of the Waters where the 3 lakes meet. It’s a serene space which is often overlooked by tourists in favour of the more popular attractions. You can also walk to the Old Weir bridge but bear in mind it can be mucky in inclement weather.

Dingle Peninsula is one of those spots in Kerry you could only enjoy if you had a car or were part of a tour.  The peninsula stretches almost 50 kilometres into the Atlantic Ocean on the south-west coast of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. You can stop to stretch your legs at Inch Strand, continue to Dingle town for a spot of lunch and detour toward Gallarus Oratory, a tiny early Christian church that resembles an upturned boat with its sloping side walls. The views on Slea Head are amongst the best you will see on your trip to Co. Kerry. Take your time and explore the best of this picturesque part of Kerry at your leisure.

The Ring of Kerry can be enjoyed at your leisure when you choose a self-guided tour too. This circular route is around 111 miles (179kms) long. If you drive without stopping, it would take three and a half hours to complete but most visitors make multiple stops as it’s the best way to soak up the picturesque scenery and culture in Kerry’s villages and towns. Spend the whole day sightseeing, making memories at sights like Torc Waterfall, Ladies View, Muckross House, gap of Dunloe, Rossbeigh Strand and Skellig Islands, synonymous with famous Star Wars movies The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

Vintage Classic Car Escape

All of this is possible when you choose a self-guided tour of Kerry. A Cahernane House Hotel, we’ve created a unique hotel package that will suit any adventurer’s needs. Arrive on Monday or Tuesday for a 2-night stay and immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Killarney from the luxury and opulence of a classic car.

This package includes:

  • Luxurious 2-night stay at Cahernane House Hotel
  • Classic Mercedes Car Experience: Enjoy the exclusivity of a Classic Mercedes from Monday/Tuesday afternoon check-in until Wednesday/Thursday departure.
  • 3-Course Dinner in our Cellar Bar: Indulge in locally sourced flavours amidst the charming ambience of our Cellar Bar.
  • Whiskey Tasting Experience: Elevate your dining experience with a curated whiskey-tasting session, uncover the rich heritage of premium Irish whiskeys.
  • Full Irish Breakfast: Start your day right with a hearty breakfast each morning, fuelling your exploration of Killarney’s treasures.

 

Book your vintage getaway today exclusively with our team at Cahernane House Hotel. This exclusive offer is available for a limited time and is subject to availability so book soon to avoid disappointment.

Check Your Dates
Arrival
Sat
07
Sep 2019
Departure
Sun
08
Sep 2019
Reasons to book direct
  • Minimum of €10 cheaper per night
  • Complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival
  • Exclusive Offers
  • No payment needed today
  • Free Cancellation up to 4pm 2 days prior to arrival