Things to do
in the Local Area
You will never be stuck for things to do when you are enjoying your stay in Ferris Wheel B&B, that's our guarantee. From exploring the wonders of the local scenery and wildlife, to a night of fine dining in Kate Kearney's Cottage. There's something for everyone, with all these activity's you will never be short of things to do.
Gap of Dunloe
On our doorstep we have Ireland's most scenic glacial valley, renowned for it's tours and as a walking paradise. Kate Kearney's Cottage, dating from the mid-1800s is a popular spot for great food, drink, music and dancing sessions.
Dunloe Ogham Stones
The Dunloe Ogham Stones is a collection of prehistoric stones dating back to 300 A.D.. Ogham gets its name for the Celtic god of eloquence and has a 25-letter alphabet consisting of horizontal and sloping lines.
Carrauntohill
Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntohill is part of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. Carrauntohill is located just 5km to the west and is 1140m (3414 ft) high
We are located just 7km from Cronin's Yard, the traditional starting point for ascents of Carrauntohil. This is the gateway to the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and the ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
O'Sullivan's Cascade / Tomies Oak Wood
A 5 mile circular walk located nearby
Strickeen Mountain
Strickeen Mountain is one of the more accessible mountains of the McGillycuddy Reeks. At just over 213m (700ft) from the glacial valley floor of the Gap of Dunloe, it is an ideal hike for the less experienced.
Local Wildlife
Kerry and it's National Park are famous for it's beautiful and unique Flora and Fauna. Herds of Wild Deer roam in the National Park and it's surrounding woodland. Wild Deer can often be seen near the Ferris Wheel B&B and often will have ventured near the house in the early morning, making for a breathtaking surprise to wake up to.
Places to Visit
There are so many places to visit in the surrounding area that you will be spoiled for choice. Explore the natural beauty of the local area with its unique wildlife and foliage, or visit some of the many historical sites in the area.
Ross Castle
This Castle may be considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. The date of its foundation is uncertain but it was probably built in the late 15th century by one of the O'Donoghue Ross chieftains. It is surrounded by a fortified bawn, its curtain walls defended by circular flanking towers, two of which remain. Much of the bawn was removed by the time the Barrack building was added on the south side of the castle sometime in the middle of the 18th century. The castle contains 16th and 17th century oak furniture. Access for people with disabilities to the ground floor only by prior arrangement.
Killarney National Park
The National Park comprises of 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of beautiful lake and mountain scenery. Entrance to the park is free. The Park is famous for its' native natural habitats and species including oakholly woods, yew woods and red deer. The National Park Visitor Centre (located at Muckross House) and the Information Point at Torc Waterfall provide information on all aspects of the park. Access for visitors with disabilities to The Visitor Centre. The Education Centre, located at Knockreer House, provides a range of courses related to nature conservation and the ecology of The National Park for school children, students and other groups.
Muckross House and Gardens
A magnificent Victorian mansion, beautifully situated amidst the splendid and spectacular landscape of Killarney National Park/Muckross Lake. Embrace tradition by visiting Muckross Traditional Farms representing the lifestyles and farming traditions of rural Ireland in the 1930s.
Torc Waterfall
Torc is the Gaelic word for wild boar. This was the favourite hunting ground for these animals. To reach the top of the waterfall you must be prepared to climb 90 steps.
Ladies View
This gives you a commanding view of the Killarney Lakes and Valley. How "ladies view" got its name is: - Queen Victoria visited Ireland and she brought with her, her Lady's in Waiting. They did the Ring of Kerry tour and when they reached this section of the ring, they were so impressed, that they had a 3 hour stop admiring the view. Hence the name.
Caragh Lake
Travel to the Killorglin (on the N72) towards Glenbeigh. After the "Red Fox Inn" turn left. Scenic route around the lake into Glencar, Cahersiveen, Waterville. (Known as the inside ring of the famous Ring of Kerry).
In the Glencar area there are two magnificent mountain passes which are signposted:
- "Ballaghbeama" A narrow mountain passage to Kenmare/Sneem.
- "Ballaghisheen" Takes you into Cahersiveen/Waterville.
Kenmare
Picturesque town on the Ring of Kerry. Probably the mildest part of Ireland. Here is the "Kenmare Park Hotel", Dolly Parton, Brian Dennehy and Mariah Carey are among the Celebs who have stayed here. This is also the gateway to the Beara Penninsula via Lauragh, Castletownbere, Glengarriffe (get a boat trip from here accross to Garnish Island) and Bantry. Take in Mizen Head, Sheep's Head and Healy Pass along the way. Kenmare is also part of the Ring of Kerry route via Sneem, Parknasilla, Waterville, Cahirciveen, Kells, Genbeigh, Killorglin and Killarney.
Ring of Kerry
This is Ireland's best known tour. The 110-mile (176km) circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula is a marvelous roller-coaster drive over mountain passes, through forest, bog-land, by rivers and lakes and by beaches. Killorglin, the home of Puck Fair, straddles the Laune and an excellent salmon river. Glenbeigh and Waterville boast fine beaches and golf courses. Boat trips are available to the "Skellig Rocks" from Portmagee Pier. Here you can walk the historic parkways and stairways to the 6th century Monastic Settlement at the top. Cahirciveen was the birthplace of the great political leader Daniel O'Connell, Derrynane House and Gardens (O'Connell's Home) and the adjoining beach is a National Historic Park and well worth a visit. Sneem, Kerry's most colourful village has won national awards for it's beauty.
Dingle Peninsula
It includes Slea Head and The Conor Pass. Be sure to stop off and see the "Gallarus" oratory. This is one of the finest early Christian churches in Ireland. The dry-stone oratory was built in the 12th century.
Since 1983, Dingle Bay hosts of bottle-nose dolphin named "Fungi". Boat trips are available daily from the harbuor to see him.
In Dingle town you can also visit Dingle Oceanworld which includes cute but deadly Piranhas, Pacu, Catfish and more. It also has a state of the art Shark tank and a 9m underwater tunnel where you can gaze in awe as a multitude of marine life swim overhead.
For something completely novel and fun, how aout tackling a 10-point quiz trail in a six-acre field of corn. This maze is the work of internationally recognised Adrian Fisher, who designed mazes in 23 countries.
Skellig Michael
The Skellig Islands are located 12 km off the coast of Kerry The main island Skellig Michael was home to a Monastic settlement, evidenced by stone huts which are believed to date back as far as the 6th century. Skellig Michael was also featured as the home of Luke Skywalker in the recent Star Wars films. The Skellig Islands are also home to wonderful wildlife, with the Skellig Islands supporting some of the largest collections of Puffins and manx sheerwaters in the world.
Skellig Michael Tours must be booked well in advance. Let us know if you are interested and we can help you with the booking. Due to weather on the sea, these tours can be cancelled with short notice. We can ring the day before to confirm your booking for you.
Kerry Cliffs
A visit to Portmagee and the Skellig islands would not be complete without a trip around the Skellig Ring and a visit to the popular Kerry Cliffs. These rugged 1,000ft (300m) cliffs are know for their enjoyable walks and unigue bird life.
Walking in Kerry
Kerry is a walker's paradise with some of the most amazing trails and hikes in the world. Here are just some of the walks in the local area:
- Dinis and the Middle Lake - lots of trails, lakes, bridges, a waterfall and Muckross House - 24km from Killarney and 16km from the Lake Hotel
- Muckross House and Gardens - Musuem and gardens, Torc Waterfall and the Old Boathouse - 2km to 7km
- Across the front of Torc Mountain - Old Hermits Hut, viewing towers overlooking the lake and town. Most of the walk is under plant cover, excellent for wet days - from Torc car park, 4km
- Carrantoohil - For experienced hikers only. Offers excellent views on a clear day all the way to the sea - 10km+
- The Devil's Armpit - Follow the trail from Torc Waterfall/Torc Carpark - 4km
- The Killarney National Park - The outlying areas are suitable for hill-walking but visitors are urged not to go to remote areas. As Well as Nature Trails, there are also many developed paths. The Kerry Way winds it's way through the National Park on towards the Atlantic Ocean
- Rossbeigh Beach - Located just beyond Glenbeigh - 5/6 km of sand, 10km round trip
- Lake Hotel to Muckross Abbey (Lake Shore) - Walker's heaven. You can access many walks from the entrance to the park at the Late Hotel on Muckross Road - 5km
- National Park & Knockreer House and Gardens - Use the entrance opposite St. Mary's Cathedral; take the road to the right of Deenagh cottage for Knockreer House and Gardens and experience wonderful views of the lake, an hour well spent. Take the road left and follow the river to the lake shore and on to Ross Castle. Very short or long walks are available here - 2km to 10km
- Ross Castle and the Copper Mines - Tour the old Castle and visit Library point and the Copper Mines - 2km to 6km
Golfing in Kerry
Kerry is home to some of the most beautiful and famous golf courses in Ireland
- Ballybunion Golf Course
- Killorglin Golf Course
- Castleisland Golf Course
- Tralee Golf Course
- Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
- Ross Golf Course
- Castlerosse Golf Club
- Dooks Golf Course
- Skellig Bay Golf Course
- Dingle Golf Links
- Kenmare Golf Club
- Beaufort Golf Course
- Waterville Golf Course
- Ring of Kerry Golf Course
Other Places of Interest
Here are some places that might be of interest, especially if the weather isn't looking great:
- Crag Caves - Discovered by a Welsh man who was pot holing in the area. The caves are about 1 million years old and a wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites. It also has Crazy Play (an indoor soft play for the children)
- Dingle World of Leisure - Cosmic Ten Pin Bowling
- Buddies - Indoor Children's play centre in Killarney
- Aura Sport & Leisure Centre - Gym and Leisure centre in Killarney
- Tralee Aqua Dome - Water sports and pool
- Geraldine Centre "Ash Memorial Hall" - Old Ireland in wax figures located in Tralee
- Cappanalea - Outdoor Educational Activity Centre. They provide canoeing, rafting, rock climbing orienteering and more
- Burkes Activity Centre - Crazy Golf
- Kennedy's Pet Farm - All Weather Pet Farm and Playground
Entertainment
There is plenty of entertainment/music in the bars around Killarney from 7:00pm till late. Our own local bar Kate Kearney's Cottage provides Traditional Irish Music and Step Dancing. The Gleneagle Hotel and the INEC provide some of the bigger names in the music and entertainment business. In Tralee town, The National Folk Theatre of Ireland, Siamsa Tire, reflects our great wealth of music, dance and folklore through vibrant and colourful stage entertainment. Tickets for these venues may have to be booked in advance.
Restaurants
There are a variety of restaurants in the locality which are of a very high standard. These include Heather's restaurant (5 minute walk), Kate Kearney's Cottage (7 minute walk), Beaufort Bar and Restaurant, Dunloe Castle Hotel and then there is Killarney and Killorglin towns to choose from.
