Golf
Waterville Golf Links, Waterville (066/947-4102; www.watervillegolflinks.ie), sits at the edge of the Atlantic. On huge sand dunes, bounded on three sides by the sea, this 18-hole championship course is one of the longest in Ireland (7,184 yards). Visitors are welcome. Greens fees start at €180 daily, cheaper for early birds.
Other challenging 18-hole courses on the Ring include Dooks Golf Club, Glenbeigh (066/976-8205; www.dooks.com), a links par-70 course on the Ring of Kerry road, with greens fees of €85 (good discounts are available by booking online); and the expanded Kenmare Golf Club, Kenmare (064/664-1291; www.kenmaregolfclub.com), a parkland par-71 course where greens fees run €40 weekdays, €45 weekends.
Walking
Serious hikers test their chops on the Kerry Way, a long-distance trail that traverses extraordinary scenery while roughly following the Ring of Kerry. Ireland’s longest marked hiking trail, the 202km (126-mile) route includes several “green roads” (old, unused roads built as famine relief projects and now converted into walking paths).
The first stage, from Killarney National Park to Glenbeigh, travels inland over rolling hills and past pastoral scenes. The second stage circles the Iveragh Peninsula and takes in spectacular ocean views, passing through picturesque towns including Cahersiveen, Waterville, colorful Sneem, and lovely Kenmare. The final inland walk brings you via the old Kenmare Road back to Killarney.
The walk is steep in places—the highest point is 385m (1,200 ft.) in a section known as Windy Gap. There are long stretches of wilderness between civilization—walkers attempting the entire path, or even substantial portions of it, need to prepare carefully. But some short stretches can be easily accessed and make for gentle afternoon walks, suitable for amateurs.
Maps outlining the route, and the best short walks, are available from the Killarney and Kenmare tourist offices. For more information see www.kerryway.com
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
