Islands of Kerry

Visit the islands of Co Kerry either before or after your Fresh Eire Adventures bike trip and you'll be rewarded by stunning landscapes, wild seacapes and a glimpse into Ireland's monastic past.  

Blasket Islands

Blasket Islands- Na Blascaodaí lie some 6km beyond the most westerly tip of the Dingle peninsula in County Kerry, large humps of sandstone with awesome cliffs rise from the Atlantic Ocean.  Surrounded by smaller rocks and reefs, these are Na Blascaodaí.  The largest of the nine islands An Blascaod Mór was finally abandoned in 1953 when the last twenty people living on the island were moved to the mainland.  The island’s population, which once boasted one hundred and seventy five residents, had steadily declined through emigration.  No other island community of this size yielded such a literary wealth, producing world renowned writers who documented island life in their beloved Irish language and whose work have been translated into many languages.  An Blascaod Mór remains uninhabited today but the island is open to visitor

Skellig Islands – Na Scealga

Skellig Islands – Na Scealga lie thirteen kilometres off the coast of South Kerry, like floating pyramids of sandstone.  The most spectacular of these islands, Sceilg Mhichíl – Skellig Michael – is a peaceful spiritual idyll and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Over five hundred steps up a 1000 year-old stone stairway leads you up to one of the most magnificent monastic sites in Europe.  Stone beehive huts where monks lived and prayed centuries ago cling to the Church of St. Michael.  An Sceilg Bheag is a seabird sanctuary and one of the world’s greatest gannetries.  It is home to more than 30,000 pairs of gannets among many other seabirds.

Valentia Island

Valentia Island is one of great beauty and contrast.  The western part of the island is dominated by the barren, dramatic cliffs of Bray Head which command spectacular views of the Kerry coastline while the mild effect of the Gulf Streams result in Valentia’s balmy climate and lush, colourful vegetation.  The island’s main village, Knightstown, is reminiscent of an Anglo-Irish Village with its many stately buildings and refined ambience

But the island’s historical lineage goes back much further than that.  Tetra pod footprints were found on the northern part of the island.  These magnificent imprints of history are thought to date from Devonian times between some 350 to 370 million years ago.  An important quarry on the northern part of the island which opened in 1816 still flourishes today.  The famous Valentia Slate has been used in many prominent buildings including the British House of Commons in London.

There is more to Cork than simply Cork City. If staying in the city we recommend the following day trips, including days trips to the stunning islands, which will give you a flavour of Co. Cork.

Blarney Castle & Gardens

This medieval Castle near the River Martin was built six hundred years ago by a famous chieftan, Cormac MacCarthy.  Situated 8km from Cork City and 16km from Cork Airport, this historic castle is most famous for its stone.  The Castle in now partially in ruins, you still have the opportunity to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence in order to receive the infamous "gift of the gab".  The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards. Continue your day walking in the Gardens to fully appreciate Bog, Poison and Irish gardens.

Charles Fort

A classic example of a 17th century star-shaped fort, it is one of the largest and best preserved forts in the country.  Charles Fort has been associated with some of th most momentous events in Irish history including the Williamite War 1689-91 and the Irish Civil War 1922-23.  Visitors are advised to wear footwear suitable for uneven terrain.

The Queenstown Story

Discover Cobh's unique orirgins, its history  and legacies, the story of Annie Moore the first emigrant processed at Ellis Island, and Cobh's special connections with the ill-fated Titanic all dramatically recalled at the Queenstown Story.

St. Colman's Cathedral

St. Colman's Cathedral is an exquisite gem of neo-Gothic architecture by the architects Pugin and Ashlin.  The Cobh Carillon now boasts 49 bells, including the heaviest bell in Ireland at 3.6 tons.

Titanic Experience Cobh

Retrace the footsteps of the 123 Queenstown passengers who boarded the Titanic from Cobh.  Check-in at the White Star Line Ticket office, experience life on board and discover the facts surrounding the tragic sinking of Titanic

Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park is set on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour, where you can come face to face with free roaming animals & birds from all parts of the world. 

Islands off Co. Cork

Bere Island

Bere Island is rich in natural and cultural heritage and has a range of visitor sites to enjoy from archaeological sites of the Bronze Age to Nineteenth and Twentieth Century military installation.  Situated at the entrance of the deepest harbour in Europe, the island offers breathtaking scenery, organised activities and great hospitality.  The Bere Island Heritage Exhibition hosts a wealth of information on the story and history of Bere Island.  Berehaven Harbour and Lawrence Cove are very safe and sheltered harbours for large and small boats and the marina has full facilities for visiting sailors.  Ultimately Bere is a charming island away from the hustle and bustle of modern life

Oileán Chléire – Cape Clear Island

The Gaeltacht Island is Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island and is a paradise of solitude and inspiration.  Its wild romantic scenery, sparkling harbours, cliffs, bogs and scenic pebble beaches all contribute to the island’s unspoilt charm.  Heather, gorse and wild flowers cover the rugged hills between dry stone walls.  Megalithic standing stones, a 5000 year old passage grave, a 12th century church ruin and a 14th century castle are testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage.  You’ll be steeped in wildlife on the island: rare migratory birds, whale, leather-back turtles, sun fish and shark are spotted every year, as well as regular visitors, the dolphins.  Its hilly landscape featuring magnificent high cliffs and lonely sheltered coves are a delight to explore on foot or from the bow of a sailing boat.  Oileán Chléire offers relaxation, nature and peace, a friendly bilingual community removed from the hustle and bustle of the mainland life.

Dursey Island

Dursey Island is the most westerly of the West Cork’s inhabited islands; Dursey lies across a narrow sound and is a great getaway from the fray of modern living.  This rugged island is accessed via Ireland’s only cable-car, which runs about 250m above the sea and takes six people at a time.  The island is part of the Beara Way walking trail and having no shops, pubs or restaurants offers the day visitor a unique experience of calm with spectacular views of the Beara peninsula.  It is also a bird watcher’s paradise with rare birds from Siberia and America being spotted there. Monks from Skellig Rock are said to have founded the ancient church of Kilmichael on Dursey, now a ruin

Garinish Island

Garinish Island or Ilnacullin is a tiny island with a big reputation.  Stashed away in Glengarriff harbour, known to horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world as an island of garden and rare beauty.  The gardens of Ilnacullin owe their existence to the creative partnership, over one hundred years ago, of Annan Bryce, then owner of the island an Harold Peto, architect and garden designer.  Garinish Island is open form March to October and there is an island admission charge separate to that charged by ferry boats.  

Sherkin Island

Sherkin Island, one of the Carbery’s Hundred Isles, in Roaringwater Bay, is the ancestral home of the O’Driscoll clan whose castle lies just above their pier.  Nearby you can also see the ruins of a 15th century Fransiscan abby.  Sherkin buzzes with activity during the summer months and locals are renowned for their warmth and hospitality.  Come to hear great live traditional music or enjoy the activities of the Sherkin Family Regatta, a big splash in the island’s social calendar.  Sherkin’s three sandy beaches make great secluded swimming areas and walking along the shore you may see seals, otters, schools of dolphins or the porpoises which gave the island its name.

Driving tips for your pre or post self-guided trip in Ireland

Drive on the left!

Yes, it's obvious.  Yes, everyone is doing it.  But if you're used to driving on the right, it's easy to fall into old habits first thing in the morning, after a lunch stop, or pulling back onto a quiet country road after taking that latest awesome photo.

Heed the speed limits

The speed limit on most regional (R) roads is 80kph/50mph, on national (N) roads 100kph/62mph, and on motorways (M) 120kph/75mph.  In towns, the limit is 50kph/30mph.

Get a good map

Irish motorways are straightforward.  Country roads ... not so much.  That's why it's a good idea to have a reliable map (such as those availble for purchase in Tourist Information Offices) or GPS in the glove box before you set off on your Ireland road trip.

Safety first

Whilst Ireland's roads are improving all the time, N and R routes can still be thin and bumpy, prone to ice in winter, and may not have hard shoulders.  For many drivers, of course, that's all part of the charm.  But it's wise to adapt your speed to the circumstances.

The tractor factor

No matter how meticulous your plans, the chance of chugging along at 20mph behind a tractor, or being held to a standstill by a herd of sheep or cattle, is always there.  It's nothing to worry about (it may even make your trip), just be aware that it may occur!  Remember to only pass when the road ahead is fully clear.

Park smart

You'll rarely have to pay to park in the Irish countryside, but pay-and-display charges are commonplace in towns and cities.  Keep some coins handy for the meters, and remember to check the signs indicating times during which on-street parking is charged.  If you ignore the parking regulations expect to be clamped - that is, you'll return to find your car with a boot on one of the wheels and this can only be released upon payment of a hefty fine.  Your car might even be towed!

Car rental tips

Most rental cars in Ireland are manual transmission, so if you prefer to drive automatic, stipulate this when booking.  Rental companies provide numbers to call if you need breakdown assistance, and fuel tanks should be returned as full as you receive them.  We recommend renting the smallest possible car to meet your needs.  Our preferred rental car companies include Avis, Hertz, Budget/Sixt and Europcar.  We do not recommend Dan Dooley Rent-A-Car.  It is always advisable to take out full insurance with a zero-deductible.

Don't forget

When driving in Ireland, you need to carry a valid licence as well as insurance and vehicle registration documentation.  It's also illegal to hold a mobile phone when driving, so keep those calls, tweets, texts and Facebook updates for when you're safely pulled in!

Fill up

There are very few online services on Irish motorways, and petrol stations can be irregular between towns.  Keep your tank topped up!  Be sure to check what type of fuel your rental car requires; most of the smallest cars take petrol (gas) while frequently you may be assigned a car with a diesel engine.  At the gas station you can identify easily which pump is which: yellow/black is diesel while green/black is petrol (gasoline).

Tolls

Around Dublin you will very likely drive on the notorious M50 ring road from which you can access all roads heading north, south, east and west.  There is an electronic toll on this road which must be paid within 48 hours.  It can be paid at most gas stations and news agents.  You simply notify the assistant of your registration number (e.g. 172-D-12345) and pay the toll for however many trips you have taken.  Other toll roads exist around the country but these can be paid on the roads themselves.

Need to know

In case of accident or emergency, call 999 or 112.