"Overlooking
the Atlantic at the Mouth of the Shannon"
Attractions
The
Manor Inn, Ballybunion is located in
the heart of the Shannon Region which is one of the most beautiful
parts of Ireland. It gets its name from the Shannon River that flows through
its centre which is the longest river in Ireland & the U. K. The Shannon
Region has a fascinating Atlantic coastline & the Purity of the
air refreshes in the region has to be experienced to be believed.
The Shannon region consists of counties Kerry,
Clare, Limerick, &
North Tipperary.
The Manor Inn, makes the ideal touring base to expierience everything that the Shannon Region has to offer.
COUNTY KERRY
Ballybunion;
Ballybunion with its extensive beach and spectacular scenery has all the
attractions of an established seaside resort. Home to one of the world's
finest golf courses with its magnificent clubhouse the town is also renowned
for its world famous Seaweed Baths. Here there is something for everyone,
golden sand on 2 spectacular Blue Flag beaches, cliff walks with superb
scenery, ultra modern children's playground, indoor swimming pool & outdoor
pursuits centre, Ballybunion Heritage Museum, amusement arcades, superb
seafood restaurants & singing pubs & traditional music sessions.
Carrigafoyle-Castle;
Carrigafoyle Castle is situated outside Ballylongford. Ballylongford at
the head of the bay and is guarded on each side by Lislaughtin Abbey and
Carrigafoyle Castle. This castle was built by the O' Connor chieftains
in1490. The castle is well worth a visit and you can climb to the top
and admire the breathtaking views from one of Irelands finest castles.
Lislaughtin Abbey was built by O'Connor as well in 1470 & 2 of the O'
Connor chiefs are buried within its walls. The fine east window remains
intact.
Tralee;
Tralee is the capital of Kerry and has a lot of attractions to keep any
visitor happy.
Blennerville
Windmill (c.1800) is the largest working windmill in Ireland and Great
Britain and is the focal point of a major visitor and craft complex. The
visitor centre comprises of the working windmill, audio-visual theatre,
exhibition centre, craft workshop and workshop overlooking the windmill.
Open from April to October 10am to 6pm. Tel. (066) 21064.
The Kerry County Museum is housed in one of Tralee's finest buildings,
the Ash Memorial Hall. It presents the history and archaeology of Kerry
in a very exciting way. It shows artefacts in their real context with
the aid of audio-visual media. The most exciting part is the Time Car
that takes you back several centuries through the streets of mediaeval
Tralee. Open mid March to December from 10 am to 6 p.m. Tel. (066) 27777.
The Jeanie Johnson visitor Shipyard will introduce visitors to
traditional shipbuilding with lots of displays on the development of timber
ships and the historical background to Irish emigration.
Tel (066) 27777.
Steam Railway, the Tralee - Blennerville section of the world
famous Tralee & Dingle railway has been restored and you can now take
a ride from Blennerville Windmill to a station near the Aqua Dome. The
passenger carriages are fitted out in a traditional style and there is
an exclusive range of memento's on board. Open from May to October 11am
to5.30 p.m. Tel (066) 21064.
Tralee Aqua Dome is Irelands biggest indoor waterworld. It has
many features including a 90-metre river, a large wave pool, whirlpool
spas, and gushers, geysers bubble seats, fountains and water cannons.
On the outside it has a distinctive glass dome which dominates the skyline.
Open all year from 10 am to 10 p.m. June, July & August. Tel. (066) 7129150.
Town Park where the Ashe Memorial hall is situated on. The beautiful
landscaped lawns with a children's playground and recreational amenities
for adults .The roses look spectacular when in full bloom in August.
Greyhound Stadium is a new ultra modern greyhound stadium in luxurious
surroundings. It is the place to go for a fun night out, great food and
excitement. Open every Tuesday & Friday at 8 p.m. & also Saturday during
the summer months.
A Day in
the Bog;
A Day In The Bog is located half way between Listowel & Tralee on the
N69.You can stroll around the thatched cottage, learn how blanket bogs
were formed, how people cut the turf, wander around the garden or go and
see the pet's corner. You can also have a cup of tea in front of a turf
open fire. There is a great session of Irish music every Friday night.
Open March to October from 10am to 6pm.
Ratoo Round
Tower;
Ratoo Round Tower located near the village of Ballyduff. This 28 metre
high round tower or bell tower is one of the finest in Ireland and the
only surviving one in Kerry. It dates from the 10th or the 11th century.
There are also the relics of an almost obliterated monastery and a 15th
century church of little interest.
Crag Cave;
Crag Cave is
located on the Abbeyfeale side of Castleisland. This exciting showcave
with 4 km of surveyed caves of which 350 metres is open to the public.
It is a colourful wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites. Over a million
years old, it is formed in limestone and it is abundantly decorated with
calcite forms, which are superbly lit with, synchronised sound system.
The centre has also got a gift shop & restaurant with home cooking. Open
all year from 8.am. To 6 p.m. Tel (061) 397130.Open daily from March to
October from 10am to 6pm Tel. (066) 41244.
Killarney;
Killarney is the most famous of Irish places of beauty and one of the
most famous for spectacular scenery in the world. When one visits Killarney
you will return home feeling refreshed and lots of beautiful memories.
Muckross
House & Gardens & Traditional Farms. Muckross House built in 1843
is a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Irelands leading stately
homes. The fine, elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyle of the
landed gentry, while below stairs are revealed the working conditions
of the servants. The gardens at Muckross are famed world wide for their
beauty especially their fine collection of rhododendrons and azaleas,
and extensive water garden. The traditional farm represents the lifestyle
of the rural community during the 1930s.There are 3 separate working farms
with animals poultry, traditional farm machinery and the tools that our
grandparents used to carry out their daily tasks just as our forebears
did. Note this is not a museum, it is a real life farm. Open all year.
Ross Castle was built in the1420s, this was the last castle to
fall to the Cromwellian forces during the wars of 1652.Guided tours of
the now restored castle are most interesting.
The jaunting car is a beautiful and exciting way to see Muckross
House and gardens. You can also take this horse -drawn ' sidecars' to
Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle. Other attractions in Killarney are the
Transport Museum with an excellent range of transport artefacts
from the 18th century.
Killarney
Watercoach Cruises are an ideal way to view the National Park and
the lakes of Killarney Phone. (064) 31068.
Killarney's Model Railway is the world's largest indoor model railway.
Open 7 days Tel. (064) 34000.
Torc Waterfall is most spectacular after a lot of rain and you
will also get a fabulous view of the lakes.
Ladies View is a place where you can park your car in a large carpark
and look down over Killarney's lakes and mountains for a real pictorial
view.
Kate Kearneys Cottage called after a girl that ran an illegal drinking
house in the mid1800s. It is set at the entrance to one of the most beautiful
glaciated valleys in Western Europe, the Gap of Dunloe. It now has a full
bar licence and a huge range of souvenirs and gifts.
Aghadoe round tower and monastery dating from 566A.D.You will also
see a very good Romanesque doorway, ogham stone and crucifixion carving
in the church.
Ross Castle was beautifully restored and is worth a visit. You
can also take a trip by open boat to Inisfallen and Watercoach tours to
Lough Lein.
The MacGillycuddy Reeks are the mountain range where you will find the
highest peak in Ireland, Corran Tuathail.
Ring Of
Kerry;
Ring Of Kerry is Irelands most famous tours. The tour is mostly taken
anti-clockwise where spectacular views await you. The circuit takes in
Killorglin, Glenbeig, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem, and Kenmare and
Killarney town. Glenbeigh is very busy in summer because of its
beautiful beach and its famous golf course at Dooks. Caherciveen
is the birthplace of Daniel O' Connell in 1775, the great justice seeker
and parliamentarian and later known as the Liberator. Also popular for
the magnificent police barracks that was to be built in India and the
plans got mixed up and it was built in Caherciveen. In Waterville
you will see a monument of Charlie Chaplin who was a regular visitor to
the area. Sneem has won many awards for its beauty and neatness
and is a very colourful village. Kenmare is a charming, picturesque town
nestled among the Caha Mountains. It has an excellent reputation for its
cuisine, and fresh seafood is served in most restaurants. Kenmare
has also got a stone circle, a suspension bridge constructed in 1840,Cromwells
Bridge and a pier.
The Dingle
Peninsula;
The Dingle Peninsula is best known the world over for its magnificent
scenery, Fungie the dolphin, and the most archaeological sites in Ireland.
The best way to see the archaeological sites is to take a bus tour
with Sciuird Tours in Dingle town, and get the history on all the best
sites. Dingle was the setting for such films as Ryan's Daughter and Far
and Away. It's also known for its sandy beaches, the Blasket Islands,
and the famous Gallarous Oratory.
The Blasket Centre in Dun Chaoin boasts of state of the art multi-media
and has exhibits on sections of weather and seasons. Open Easter to September
10am to 6pm. Tel (066) 9156444
The
Enchanted Forest is a fairy tale museum full of fantasy, fun and friendly
bears, is a paradise for children and adults alike. They have created
a miniature landscape for each season, complete with trees, mountains,
caves, real waterfalls, lake and even a model railway. Open March to October
11am to 6pm. Tel. (066) 9156234.
The Dingle Dolphin or Fungie, the name given to him by the local
fishermen. Fungie is a fully-grown male bottlenose dolphin. There are
boat rides every hour to the harbour mouth to observe Fungie clearing
the water to great heights and catching fish. He is very friendly, particularly
with females.
Chorca Dhuibhne Museum, located in Ballyferriter, displays a rich
geology, flora, and archaeological heritage of the area. Open during the
summer months from 10am to 5.30 p.m. Phone (066) 9156333
Dingle Oceanworld is a state of the art aquarium overlooking Dingle
Harbour and Marina. It is a purpose built sea life centre and sanctuary
for rare fish. Visitors can walk through an undersea tunnel see the fish
deep under. You will also see artefacts from the Spanish armada. It has
also got a cafeteria and a gift shop. Open all year from 10am to 5.30
p.m. And it's open until 8pm in July and august Tel. (066) 9152111.
COUNTY
CLARE
County Clare is only 25 minutes away from The Manor Inn, Ballybunion,
by taking the Tarbert drive on drive off car ferry. County Clare has an
abundance of visual riches from the river Shannon, Cliffs of Moher, the
Burren region, Aillwee Cave, Doolin, and beautiful beaches.
The Burren
is Irelands ecological treasure. The name Burren comes from the Irish
name meaning stony place. Its formation has lain unspoilt since the ice
age and is composed of karstic limestone, the largest area of such in
Western Europe.
Cliffs of Moher are one of the most outstanding coastal features
of Ireland. They are located 3 miles from Doolin and are 700 feet high.
The cliffs are almost vertical and their shear height from the top into
the Atlantic is fascinating and is a haven for birds and the view is fantastic.
The visitors centre and O' Briens Tower are open all year round
and you will get a lovely view of the Aran Islands from the tower.
Doolin is best known for its traditional music and is the closest
mainland port serving the Aran Islands. The ferry will take you across
to the Aran Islands in 30 minutes and there are several crossings daily
during the summer.
Aillwee Cave located 4 miles from Ballyvaughanis Irelands premier
showcave where they will take you on a guided tour to an underground surprise,
a cave of beauty. They extend into the Burrens underworld through the
beautiful caverns, over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside
the thunderous waterfall. Open daily from 10am to6.30 p.m. Tel. (065)
7077036.
Poulnabrone Dolmen or portal tomb, this area has some of the finest
archaeological megalithic tombs in Western Europe. There are more than
60 wedge tombs in this area and lots of ring forts and stone castles.
The Poulnabrone dolmen is one of the most photographed of all dolmens.
Lahinch is a famous holiday centre in Ireland as it has a beautiful
beach and an excellent golf course. Lahinch has also got a seaworld and
leisure centre comprising of a 25-metre pool, children's pool, a Jacuzzi
and a sauna.
Kilkee has a well-deserved reputation, as been one of the safest
blue flag beaches for bathing in Ireland. Kilkee has also got a Waterworld,
and an18 hole golf course.