Things to do in Waterville, Ireland

Explore the mystical Ring of Kerry on a full-day guided tour from Cork. See the picturesque village of Waterville, Killarney National Park, panoramic views of Dingle Bay, and other famous areas of ancient Ireland. After meeting your guide, enjoy a scenic drive to one of Ireland's most colorful and charming villages. You will see two village squares and a beautiful bridge in the village center. Pass through Killorglin, the home of the ancient Celtic festival known as the Puck Fair.  Next, take in the amazing views of Dingle Bay, famous Inch Beach, and on a clear day, possibly even the Blasket Islands off the wild Atlantic coast. You will admire the picturesque little village of Waterville that sits overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay and the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and was a frequent visitor. See the statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. Continue to the most beautiful and admired national park in Ireland, and take in the views of the Lakes of Killarney and the Black Valley during stops at Molls Gap and Leprechaun Crossing. Your next stop will be at the lovely 18-meter-high waterfall that cascades through the wooded Friar's Glenn and admires this site of natural beauty. Finally, take some time to relax in Killarney and grab some refreshments before departing for Cork.

Enjoy the sights of the world-famous Ring of Kerry. You’ll see breathtaking scenery like Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil, experience Killarney National Park, stroll through the Kerry Bog Village, and more. The first thing you’ll see when leaving Killarney is the view over the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, with the famous Gap of Dunloe clearly visible, slicing into the mountain range. From there it’s on to the Kerry Bog Village, which offers fascinating insights into how people lived and worked in Ireland in the 18th century. Following this there is an optional additional stop to Kells Sheepdog demonstrations, a chance to see the amazing skills demonstrated by this team first hand! We then travel through Caherciveen and as we are using a smaller coach we are able to drive on the spectacular 'Skellig Ring' on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean to stop at St Finian's Bay and Skellig Chocolates. This beautiful area offer uninterrupted and unrivalled views of the iconic Skellig islands. The next stop is the village of Waterville, where you can enjoy a walk along the seafront while taking in the charming surroundings. Majestic viewing points offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. This is where the coach will stop for free time for lunch and shopping. After this we stop at Coomakishta, a mountain-high viewpoint overlooking the ocean, islands and rural landscapes of South Kerry. Our next stop is a short break in the colourful village of Sneem before we return to Killarney through the rugged Moll's Gap and take in the beauty of Killarney National Park. Our final stop will be at Ladies View as it overlooks the National Park and the three Lakes of Killarney before we return to the town at approximately 5pm.

Spend the day in one of Europe’s finest coastal areas on a full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry. Travel in an air-conditioned coach and discover sweeping panoramic views, strolls around enchanting villages, and historic sights.  Depart Killarney in a spacious coach and drive to the Iveragh Peninsula, the official name for the Ring of Kerry. Get insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland from your guide along the way. See stone forts and standing stones in a breathtaking landscape. Drive through the home town of the Puck Fair, an ancient Celtic festival which is held in the charming town of Killorglin. Take in panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Inch Beach. Weather permitting, see the Atlantic waves crashing on the Blasket Islands.  Head to the picturesque village of Waterville which overlooks Ballinskelligs Bay. See the misty Skellig Rocks which are known for their early Christian monastery. Find out why there is a statue of Charlie Chaplin in the village.  Stop in the charming village of Sneem, one of Ireland's most colorful villages. Explore its 2 squares and a beautiful bridge where the River Sneem meets the currents of Kenmare Bay. Enter Killarney National Park. Admire magnificent views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley from the stops at Molls Gap and Ladies View (Leprechaun Crossing). Marvel at the cascades of the Torc Waterfall in the woods of Friers Glenn.

The Ring of Kerry skirts the Iveragh Peninsula and is undoubtedly Ireland’s most popular scenic drive. Begin by passing through Killorglin, home to the famous Puck Fair festival held in August every year. Stop at The Bog Village, a little cluster of thatched-roof cottages demonstrating what rural life was like in Kerry in the 1800’s. Continue through the village of Glenbeigh, with beautiful views over Rossbeigh Beach and the rugged hills of the Iveragh Peninsula. In the summer months, take in the spectacle of a traditional Irish sheepdog show at Kells. Sample fresh local produce while pausing for a deliciously traditional lunch in Cahersiveen town, The Scarriff Inn or Waterville. Enjoy the village of Sneem – perhaps Ireland’s most colorful village – before traveling through the rugged and haunting landscape on the road to Moll’s Gap. The viewing point here offers sweeping vistas of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Ireland’s highest mountain, Corrán Tuathail – 3,414 feet high. Continuing from Moll’s Gap to Killarney, watch the sun glisten across the broad valley of the Killarney Lakes. Return to Killarney at approximately 4pm

The Ring of Kerry boasts some of the finest coastal scenery in Europe and provides insights into the ancient heritage of Ireland. See stone forts, standing stones, and a landscape carved out of rock by the last ice age, some 10,000 years ago. Your journey begins on the official Ring of Kerry driving route, where you’ll begin to see views of the famous mountains and lakes of Kerry. Pass through Killorglin, home to the ancient Celtic festival, when a goat is crowned king of the village. See the statue of King Puck as you cross the River Laune. As your drive continues, you’ll have amazing views of Dingle Bay. See the famed Inch Beach and you may even see the Blasket Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The picturesque little village of Waterville overlooks Ballinskelligs Bay, best known for the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and was a regular visitor. You’ll see a statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. En route to Sneem you’ll make brief stops at some of the most famous viewing points in Ireland. Visit the colorful village before continuing on your Ring of Kerry route. Killarney National Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful national park in Ireland. Take in the magnificent views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley during stops at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View. Torc Waterfall, 18 meters high, cascades through the wooded Friars Glenn. Enjoy a break here before continuing to Killarney. When you reach Killarney you’ll have time to relax and grab some refreshments before departing for Limerick, where you’ll arrive at around 7:30 PM.

Take a 9-hour guided bus tour of the enchanting county of Kerry and admire magnificent scenery from soaring hills to rolling landscapes scattered with traditional stone walls. Enjoy the unsurpassed, rugged coastline and the buzz of the traditional town of Killarney. Board your bus at the meeting point in Cork, then feel Irish rural life from days gone by coming alive at your first stop at the Kerry Bog Village in Glenbeigh. Wander through thatched cottages, visit a traditional farmhouse, and meet the resident Irish wolfhounds. You might even choose to treat yourself to a little something to drink at the Red Fox Inn. From Glenbeigh, travel around the Iveragh Peninsula, along the most beautiful stretch of coastline. The next stops are at Waterville and Coomakista, two of Kerry’s most scenic spots with panoramic views stretching from the mountains to the sea. Look toward the ocean and catch a glimpse of the iconic Skellig Islands, Celtic pyramids reaching out from the sea. These natural monuments were famously featured in the recent Star Wars movie. Make your next stop on the famous Ring of Kerry in Sneem, a picturesque Irish seaside village nestled in the sheltered waters of Kenmare Bay with wonderful choices for a traditional Irish lunch. Choose bacon and cabbage — an Irish staple — or, since you are beside the sea, freshly-caught fish served with chips. Lunch is at your own expense. After the lunch stop, prepare for a drive you will never forget. Verging deep into the MacGillycuddy's Reek mountains and the moody Black Valley, numerous scenic viewpoints can be found along the route: Moll’s Gap mountain pass, Ladies View lookout (a favorite spot of Queen Victoria), and even a Leprechaun crossing. Along the shores of Lough Leane, drive through the woodlands of Ireland’s last native oak trees. Then, arrive in Killarney, often voted the most beautiful town in Ireland. Killarney has so much to offer. Opt to spend your time seeing the surrounding area from a traditional horse and cart or walk the streets soaking up the atmosphere. Finally, hop back on the bus for the return journey to Cork where you will be dropped off at the starting point.

Day 1 Departing Dublin, the journey begins westward through the farmlands and peat bogs of Kildare and Offaly. The first stop is the historic Kilbeggan Distillery, where you can enjoy a sample of Ireland’s renowned whiskey. From there, the tour visits Clonmacnoise, a significant monastic site on the River Shannon, home to ancient churches, high crosses, and round towers. After lunch in a traditional village pub, the day ends in Galway City a vibrant hub known for its lively atmosphere, excellent food, and music scene. Day 2 The day begins with a coastal drive to the Burren, a unique limestone landscape rich in rare flora and early Christian heritage. After time to explore the area, you travel to Kilfenora, the “town of the crosses”. You can visit the town’s fabulous ancient cathedral before we stop for lunch in one of the area’s charming villages. You then head to the incredible Cliffs of Moher, offering dramatic views and a fascinating environmental exhibition. Traveling south through County Clare, there's a brief stop at Lahinch beach before a ferry ride across the Shannon Estuary. The night is spent in Killarney, known for its warm hospitality, pubs, and traditional music. Day 3 Day three explores the scenic Dingle Peninsula. Starting at Inch Beach, the tour winds through countryside roads to the lively town of Dingle. The route continues to Slea Head, where you’ll find ancient forts, early dwellings, and breathtaking views of the Blasket Islands. Depending on weather, there's time for walking along beaches and cliffs. Arriving back amidst the brightly coloured houses and jolly harbour of Dingle, you can spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying delicious seafood in this idyllic setting. In the evening, you head back to Killarney, with time for an evening stroll in the National Park that envelops the town. Day 4 Explore the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, winding through valleys, villages, and the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, with views of Carrauntoohil. Visit Cahersiveen, Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace, and a ring fort near Portmagee, where you stop for lunch or visit the Skellig Experience on Valentia Island. Afternoon stops include Waterville, Coonmakista Pass, and Derrynane House, followed by scenic views at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View. A final walk to Torc Waterfall wraps up the day before returning to Killarney. Day 5 Heading east through West Cork, the group stops at Blarney Castle, with time to explore the grounds and, if you wish, kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. After lunch in the coastal town of Kinsale, known for its colorful streets and Charles Fort. The final stop of this tour is the incredible Rock of Cashel. Imposing, enormous, iconic. Perched dramatically on an outcrop of limestone, this remarkable cluster of medieval buildings is famous around the world. You have free time to explore here before we hop back on the bus and head for Dublin, where we arrive in the early evening.

The famous Ring of Kerry offers majestic and dramatic land and seascapes that will draw you in and inspire you to discover more. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible scenery, intriguing history, and fascinating culture! Customize your own itinerary and discover Ireland’s breath-taking natural beauty on this private Ring of Kerry tour from Killarney. Visit pretty towns and villages including Cahersiveen, Portmagee. Visit the Derrynane House the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, one of Ireland’s most influential political leaders and champions of civil rights. You can explore the house, gardens, and museum that display his life and legacy. Discover top local attractions such as the Torc Waterfall a spectacular waterfall that cascades 20 meters into a wooded glen. You can access the waterfall by a short walk from the road, or climb up to a viewing platform for a panoramic view. Enjoy panoramic cliff views along the Skellig Ring and hike to top spots like Valentia Island and Cahergall Fort. As it is a private tour, feel free to stop where and when you like! You can travel off the beaten track and discover hidden gems that are not accessible by large tour buses or crowded with tourists. You can experience the magic of the Ring of Kerry in a more intimate and authentic way, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Departing Killarney or Kenmare, travel west through a varied landscape of mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, bogs and coast. Visit an ancient fairy fort before taking the car ferry to cross to Valentia Island, where we will visit the tetrapod trackway and take in the breathtaking scenery. Drive to the western tip of Valentia and see the Skellig islands in the distance. This was one of the film locations for 'Star Wars'. Stop for lunch at Portmagee or Waterville. Optional stop at the Kerry Cliffs and the Skellig Chocolate factory on the Skellig Ring before making our way to Waterville. From there we travel towards the Coomakista and Derrynane region for incredible scenery. Continue towards Sneem and the Killarney National Park. Optional visit to Torc Waterfall before returning to Killarney.

Embark on a captivating 11-hour private tour departing from Cork, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes along the famous Ring of Kerry. Begin your journey with the discovery of the enchanting town of Killarney, where charming streets and a rich history set the stage for the day’s exploration. Traverse the scenic Ring of Kerry route, unveiling panoramic vistas and natural wonders that capture the essence of Ireland’s beauty. Indulge in a moment of tranquility at Waterville Beach, where the rugged coastline meets the serene Atlantic. Explore the picturesque village of Sneem, a gem nestled amidst verdant hills, before being captivated by the sheer magnificence of Torc Waterfall, a cascading marvel amidst lush surroundings. This meticulously crafted itinerary promises a day filled with cultural discovery and the splendor of Ireland’s pristine landscapes.