River Lodge - Scenic Places to Visit

There are lovely white sandy beaches at Castlecove, Derrynane and Cahirdaniel and also in Allihies on the Beara Peninsula as well as all over Kerry.

The Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring are well worth a visit also the Ring of Beara and the Dingle peninsula. Boat trips to Skellig Rock are an unforgettable experience. These craggy islands rise dramatically from the ocean 15 km off the western coast. Little Skellig is a bird reserve, with nearly 20 thousand gannets nesting there each year. The larger Skellig Michael with its cliffs rising over 200 metres above the sea once was the westernmost outpost of Christianity in Europe. The monastic settlement consists of two oratories, six beehive huts, church and graveyard, which can all be reached on over 600 steps cut into the rocks. Boat trips to the islands take place during the summer.

Gleninchaquin Park and Farm
Gleninchaquin is a long narrow valley on the North West side of the Beara Peninsula, formed during the Ice Age. The Park is a working farm with an abundance of wildlife and breath-taking landscapes. There are marvellous views overlooking the spectacular 140 metre high waterfall as it cascades down the mountain to lakes and streams in the valley below, lush green fields full of new born lambs in spring/summer, woodlands full of bird and wildlife and Kenmare Bay in the distance. The walk routes are accessible to all ages and include designated picnic areas; a Tea Room and Art Gallery are also on site.

Kilmackillogue is an enchanting harbour with a pub located beside the pier; the pub food is excellent, the atmosphere and ambiance on a summer’s day is unequalled and the craic is mighty with fantastic views out across the water. It’s just down the road from Direen Gardens in Lauragh. Sea Diving at Kilmackillogue Harbour, is safe, exciting and fun. You can explore the secret sub-aquatic world of the Bay under the guidance of professional divers from Kenmare Bay Diving who will supply you with all the gear and equipment you need.

Direen Gardens is at Lauragh and is a magnificent water-side estate, full of unusual shrubs, trees and plants. There are a number of named walks to explore with subtropical vegetation all around and beautiful views at every turn. There’s also a tea-shop to relax in.

Visit Sneem on the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy a wonderful drive along the north side of Kenmare Bay to reach the village of Sneem. This is an unusual and picturesque Irish village with two greens and a wealth of bars and pubs. There are a number of walks to enjoy in and around the village - particularly the ‘Garden of the Senses’.