While the Ring of Kerry is probably the most famous visitor attraction outside Dublin and  there are precious moments to be had in abundance only if you are willing to seek them out.  While many other places throughout the world offer breathtaking scenery perhaps the difference I feel is that the landscape changes so dramatically, so quickly, so unannounced.  It appears that around the next hairy bend is a new feast for the eyes with jaw dropping look-out points scattered about the countryside.  Perfect for a clear day with blue skies but take to The Ring on a day of broken clouds or in the early winter, the colours of light that come thru the clouds can be stunning and the shadows that are cast upon the land while spectacular are not short of daunting.

Take the N70 West toward Killorgin and you are on your way.  You can pretty much stop anywhere along on route to Cahersiveen but that is where I suggest that you make your first stop.  There is a fab little French Bakery ‘‘Petite Delice’’ on the left hand side half way thru the town across from the Church.  They have great coffee and pastries and mighty soup too.

From here you are going to head for Valencia Island (val-ench-ah) via a tiny car ferry so follow the signs and take the crossing to the quaint little village of Knightstown.  (This will take you away from the notorious Coach tours.)  You should be able to get a map of the Island on the ferry and this is a great help. The Royal Valentia is a great spot for luunch if you feel hungry.You will want to make your way to the slate quarry and see magnificent views of the lighthouse. You circle back the road that you drove in on and head south exploring lots of other stuff you’ll have to seek out for yourself.  You will exit the Island via bridge to the south of the Island.  When you cross the bridge go (right) and thru Portmagee then left to the R566 & The Skellig Ring.(This drive has just been announced as one of the top ten drives in the world). Look out for The Fisherman Pub on the corner a great locals stop if you feel like some chat.  There is another great stop at the Skellig Chocolate Factory if you feel like another break, then continue on the unforgettable drive thru Ballinskelligs.  You will want to take the first right (R567) for Waterville and back to the main road of The Ring of Kerry.  By now the majority of the Coaches have passed.

A must see for me is Abbey Island by Derrynane, not easy to find but worth the visit. After you reach the top of Coomacista the spectacular viewing point 5 miles(9KM) out of Waterville you will start your descent after about 3 miles(5KM) you will see a small sign for the L4014 to go right. Follow this all the way to the sea passing a while bell-tower on the left.  There is a wonderful beach for a magnificent stroll or visit the ancient Abbey Island in ruin with the headstones abounded centuries old.

On the way back to the main road there is a shortcut, hang a right at the bell-tower and continue thru the gardens, this is The Daniel O’Connell(Irish Liberator) National Park. After a couple of miles you will pass The Blind Piper Pub and from there you will hang a right back onto the main Ring road. Another couple of miles ahead is a great little beach with a bar called Carrolls Cove great food and a nice place to sit out, well worth a look especially if you feel like a swim !

From here on you can pick and choose it all depends on time, whether you want a late lunch or early dinner. I think just take your time, O’Sheas Pub in Sneem has great food and beer. Or you could plan to eat in Kenmare which has tons to offer leaving a late evening drive over Molls gap and onto Killarney.

If time becomes an issue you can hang a left in Sneem (R568) and bypass Kenmare (a really nice quaint town) to Molls Gap and home.