Enjoy the slow pace of traditional village life in Glencar, a quaint spot nestled in the hills of County Kerry. Take long walks in the country, explore the sites of ancient settlements, look at mountain vistas and come home to a cosy homestead in the evening.
Discover lakes and rivers winding between rugged mountains where wildflowers grow. Wander through green forests and mysterious bogs. Cast a line in the beautiful Caragh Lake and Caragh River, popular with avid fishermen for their schools of trout and salmon. Join a local tour to hunt for rabbits, pheasants, ducks and snipes that abound in this region.
Walk along the river and see the historic Blackstones Bridge with its stone arches. Look for early Christian rock carvings at Cloon, a fascinating window into history. In Lickeen Forest, walk under the boughs of weathered trees covered in moss. Look up and see the summit of Carrauntoohil, the tallest mountain in Ireland.
Visit the two spectacular gaps, Ballaghisheen Pass and Ballaghbeama Gap, passes that link South Kerry with Mid Kerry. Hike or ride your bike over these hills and encounter barely a soul. Your companions will be the peaceful herds of sheep or the birds flying overhead. Find opportunities for many long and beautiful walking tours, such as a portion of the long-distance Kerry Way.
At Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre, go canoeing, kayaking, climbing and orienteering with the whole family. At the Red Fox Pub, next to nearby Kerry Bog Village, experience classic Irish hospitality as it’s been since the 18th century. This is just off the Ring of Kerry, the road that takes you all around this unique peninsula.
Stay in one of Glencar’s classic country houses for a glimpse into how life has been in this part of the world for centuries. In town find a collection of these inns and a local store. Glencar is remote but connected to neighboring villages Keeas and Coad by narrow roads.
