The quietest of the three main peninsula drives on the southwest coast of Ireland (after Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula), Ring of Beara is the only one free of tour buses (understandable given the narrowness of the roads) and is a quite spectacular place.
The drive from Killarney to Kenmare to start the loop is a good warm up for the views ahead, with the lakes and mountains of Killarney National Park.
Before starting the peninsula drive at Kenmare.
On the peninsula our first stop was at the lovely Derreen Gardens in Lauragh, which offered wonderful views across the River Kenmare.
Healy Pass was the perfect place for lunch, while soaking in the views.
Castletownbere is home to the second largest harbour in Ireland, and is where most of the white fish is caught. It was also home to many colourful buildings, MacCarthy’s Bar, made famous by the book of the (almost) same name, and the impressive Church of the Sacred Heart.
There were a few more views as we continued the drive.
Back on the north side of the peninsula Eyeries was even more colourful, and had lovely coastal views.
Kilcatherine was a spectacularly situated graveyard and remains of a church, with wonderful stone arches.
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