This day trip is shorter that the Ring of Kerry but certainly not short of scenery and adventure, it is not for the faint hearted driver and certainly not for the nervous passenger but it is well worth the excursion, and one would certainly say it’s off the beaten track.

So you begin and end on the famous Ring of Kerry but it’s what lies between both ends is the real meat in the sandwich. Hit the road (N70) heading towards Kilorglin and famous for Puck Fair. Go left at the bridge and thru the town on about 4 miles where you will pass the Red Fox Inn and Bog Village. Take the next left after that about 200 yards  further ahead . When you get onto this side road follow it a half mile where there is a turn off to the right, you need to take this right not follow the road straight.

From there you cannot get lost for at least 10 miles where you will encounter the glorious Caragh Lake region featuring the Upper & Lower Caragh River stunning vistas ranging mountains, valleys forests and streams thrown in with dazzling settings, the countryside seems to change with every turn of the wheel. See if you can spot several mansions on far side of the lake it’s a right spot Europeans who made Ireland their home.

If you feel like a stretch of the legs there is a wonderful wood called Lickeen right there that you can venture off in.

Once you cross the bridge with the distinctive house across the lake you will have about 4 miles before your next turn off. Continue along the road staying on the ‘main’ road all the time. When you come to a cluster of buildings you will want to take a right here following the signs for Glencar and The Climbers Inn. This is a really tight road for over two miles where you will hit a T junction where you will want to go right again. Follow this road about a mile and hang a left there you will see a small bridge to your right, follow the sign for Ballaghbema (bollock beama) Pass.

You will follow this small road for over ten miles where you are about to witness an incredible tiny winding road thru the heart of Kerry and the McGillicuddy Reeks. It is one of the finest examples of a glaciated valley in the country if not the world in pristine condition pretty much unspoilt bar the road you are on running thru it ! Rocks and streams and more rocks, peaks and valleys grasses heather  and even more rockswith sheep abounding to welcome you back in time.

After surviving that you might have met 2 or 3 cars (certainly 4 would be a traffic jam) the road will lead you to anther T junction which is back on the Main Ring of Kerry road again the N70, go left here and head for home taking in some more wonderful views.