Brenda’s guidebook to Gortreagh and Killarney area

Brenda
Brenda’s guidebook to Gortreagh and Killarney area

Sightseeing

The Gap of Dunloe is a famous natural landscape and scenic route. The Gap of Dunloe was formed 25,000 years ago during Ireland's last ice age as a result of a "glacial breach" where a glacier in the Black Valley, part of the Templenoe Icecap, estimated to be over 500 metres deep, broke through the Head of the Gap and moved northwards carving out a U-shaped valley. You can park at Kate Kearneys cottage and get some exercise by walking some of the gap route. Alternatively, you can drive up the gap some of the way and find a little parking spot by the first bridge and walk from there. Feeling energetic? then you can hike up strickeen from the access point marked, this is a moderate uphill hike with rewarding stunning views of the Macgillycuddy Reeks from the top. You can also drive to the head of the gap and down into the Black Valley on the other side, Be sure to visit the lovely small church in the Black Valley.
78 locals recommend
Gap of Dunloe
78 locals recommend
The Gap of Dunloe is a famous natural landscape and scenic route. The Gap of Dunloe was formed 25,000 years ago during Ireland's last ice age as a result of a "glacial breach" where a glacier in the Black Valley, part of the Templenoe Icecap, estimated to be over 500 metres deep, broke through the Head of the Gap and moved northwards carving out a U-shaped valley. You can park at Kate Kearneys cottage and get some exercise by walking some of the gap route. Alternatively, you can drive up the gap some of the way and find a little parking spot by the first bridge and walk from there. Feeling energetic? then you can hike up strickeen from the access point marked, this is a moderate uphill hike with rewarding stunning views of the Macgillycuddy Reeks from the top. You can also drive to the head of the gap and down into the Black Valley on the other side, Be sure to visit the lovely small church in the Black Valley.
Visit the famous Muckross House and gardens, the nineteenth century Victorian mansion. Muckross House was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the water-colourist Mary Balfour Herbert. This was actually the fourth house that successive generations of the Herbert family had occupied at Muckross over a period of almost two hundred years. William Burn, the well-known Scottish architect, was responsible for its design. Building commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843.
53 locals recommend
Muckross House & Gardens
53 locals recommend
Visit the famous Muckross House and gardens, the nineteenth century Victorian mansion. Muckross House was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the water-colourist Mary Balfour Herbert. This was actually the fourth house that successive generations of the Herbert family had occupied at Muckross over a period of almost two hundred years. William Burn, the well-known Scottish architect, was responsible for its design. Building commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843.
Fancy a swim in the Atlantic ocean or some surfing? Rossbeigh is a wild open beach with normally good surfing conditions. you can also take a walk along the beach
63 locals recommend
Rossbeigh Strand
63 locals recommend
Fancy a swim in the Atlantic ocean or some surfing? Rossbeigh is a wild open beach with normally good surfing conditions. you can also take a walk along the beach
Visit the favourite spot where Queen Victoria's Ladies in waiting went to enjoy the lakes of Killarney during the queen's visit to Killarney in 1861. Great views of the lakes and a gift shop and nice terrace for teas and coffee's and snacks to reminisce what it would have been like in the 1800's
41 locals recommend
Ladies View
41 locals recommend
Visit the favourite spot where Queen Victoria's Ladies in waiting went to enjoy the lakes of Killarney during the queen's visit to Killarney in 1861. Great views of the lakes and a gift shop and nice terrace for teas and coffee's and snacks to reminisce what it would have been like in the 1800's
3 Miles of sandy beach on the Dingle peninsula, 40 minutes drive from our accommodation. Blue flag beach facing the Atlantic, very popular with surfers , wet suit and Board hire available on beach
118 locals recommend
Inch Beach
118 locals recommend
3 Miles of sandy beach on the Dingle peninsula, 40 minutes drive from our accommodation. Blue flag beach facing the Atlantic, very popular with surfers , wet suit and Board hire available on beach
You can access Lough Leane from just 1.5KM from our accommodation. There is a new access to the National Park from Tomies wood. There are stunning views over Lough Leane towards Ross castle, and Killarney town fro this walk. There is a good steep incline if you take the anti clockwise route from the entrance, but the views are worth it. you can also access O'Sullivans cascades from the walk to the lakeshore and the cascades are just like Torc waterfall. this is a good energetic walk appx 8Km
22 locals recommend
Lough Leane
22 locals recommend
You can access Lough Leane from just 1.5KM from our accommodation. There is a new access to the National Park from Tomies wood. There are stunning views over Lough Leane towards Ross castle, and Killarney town fro this walk. There is a good steep incline if you take the anti clockwise route from the entrance, but the views are worth it. you can also access O'Sullivans cascades from the walk to the lakeshore and the cascades are just like Torc waterfall. this is a good energetic walk appx 8Km
Carrauntoohil is Ireland’s highest mountain at a height of 1039m. It’s a challenging climb, but it’s also truly magnificent. The access to carrauntoohil from Cronins yard is appx 8Km from our accommadation. Standing at 1,039m, Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland and is set among the beautiful Macgillycuddy Reeks in Co Kerry. Given their height, this mountain range can have very changeable weather and can be dangerous at times so experience or a guide is required if you’re new to the area. You don't have to go all out and attempt the summit, there are great hikes up the route, but you must be prepared, Good Hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof gear and compass and map if possible. Conditions can change quickly in this mountainous area
55 locals recommend
Carrantoohil
55 locals recommend
Carrauntoohil is Ireland’s highest mountain at a height of 1039m. It’s a challenging climb, but it’s also truly magnificent. The access to carrauntoohil from Cronins yard is appx 8Km from our accommadation. Standing at 1,039m, Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland and is set among the beautiful Macgillycuddy Reeks in Co Kerry. Given their height, this mountain range can have very changeable weather and can be dangerous at times so experience or a guide is required if you’re new to the area. You don't have to go all out and attempt the summit, there are great hikes up the route, but you must be prepared, Good Hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof gear and compass and map if possible. Conditions can change quickly in this mountainous area
Dooks bay beach is a hidden gem on the Ring ofKkerry. Accessed via the Dooks Bay Golf car park or a small road before the gold club, the beach is a snady heaven with views out over the estuary and surrounding mountains. a real favourite with the locals and those in the know
28 locals recommend
Dooks Golf Club
28 locals recommend
Dooks bay beach is a hidden gem on the Ring ofKkerry. Accessed via the Dooks Bay Golf car park or a small road before the gold club, the beach is a snady heaven with views out over the estuary and surrounding mountains. a real favourite with the locals and those in the know

Food scene

A traditional Pub with good food and music at the start of the Gap of Dunloe. Enjoy a pint of Guinness after a good wlak in the Gap of Dunloe, or order a more substantial meal
38 locals recommend
Kate Kearneys Cottage
Gap of Dunloe
38 locals recommend
A traditional Pub with good food and music at the start of the Gap of Dunloe. Enjoy a pint of Guinness after a good wlak in the Gap of Dunloe, or order a more substantial meal
Enjoy the hospitality of the Huggard family at this historic hotel situated on the shore of Muckross lake with stunning views
12 locals recommend
The Lake Hotel
Muckross Road
12 locals recommend
Enjoy the hospitality of the Huggard family at this historic hotel situated on the shore of Muckross lake with stunning views
Enjoy a drink in the new outdoor space, or treat your elf to good home cooking for eating on premises or take away. They also do phone in orders and collect
12 locals recommend
Golden Nugget Pub
R563
12 locals recommend
Enjoy a drink in the new outdoor space, or treat your elf to good home cooking for eating on premises or take away. They also do phone in orders and collect
The Europe Hotel is a Five star hotel in Fossa just 2km from our property. With an outdoor dining space with stunning views over Loch Leane, it is perfect for a special occasion dinner or cocktails
26 locals recommend
The Europe Hotel & Resort
26 locals recommend
The Europe Hotel is a Five star hotel in Fossa just 2km from our property. With an outdoor dining space with stunning views over Loch Leane, it is perfect for a special occasion dinner or cocktails
Killarney is a vibrant and friendly town. the town and hotels, Restaurants, pubs, cafes are looking forward to re opening for the summer2021 season and welcoming visitors. There are so many good restaurants and hotel/restaurants and bars it is hard to recommend one or even a few. The standard is so high. We are happy to tell you about our experiences. a number of the restaurants also do order and collect if that is more suitable. Killarney town is 9KM from our accommodation. booking is probably recommended in the these times.
111 locals recommend
Killarney
111 locals recommend
Killarney is a vibrant and friendly town. the town and hotels, Restaurants, pubs, cafes are looking forward to re opening for the summer2021 season and welcoming visitors. There are so many good restaurants and hotel/restaurants and bars it is hard to recommend one or even a few. The standard is so high. We are happy to tell you about our experiences. a number of the restaurants also do order and collect if that is more suitable. Killarney town is 9KM from our accommodation. booking is probably recommended in the these times.