"Overlooking
the Atlantic at the Mouth of the Shannon"
Suggested Trips
With it's prime location, in the heart of the South West of Ireland, the Manor Inn is the ideal touring base to travel, and expierience all the South West has on offer. We here at the Manor Inn, Ballybunion, have drawn up five sample trips, which you may undertake, by staying with us. Each of these trips have been designed to be made in a full day.
Day 1: Exploring the Local Area
Ballybunion has many attractions such as 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. . 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. From Ballybunion take the R551 to Tralee the first town you pass through is Ballyduff and outside the village on the right is a sign for Rattoo Round Tower which is well worth a visit. After you leave Rattoo Round Tower continue on towards Tralee on the R551 to Causeway and Ballyheigue Blue Flag Beach; It has miles of golden sand and has few challengers for beauty anywhere in the world. Rolling sand dunes backs the golden sandy beach and lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer. From Ballyheigue keep on theR551 to Ardfert. Ardfert is probably Kerry's most important ecclesiastical site and it would be a shame to miss it. From here continue on the same road to Tralee and take the N69 for Listowel. Approximately half way between Tralee and Listowel on the right hand side of the road is A Day in the Bog. On most Friday evenings you can sit and listen to some excellent Irish music. After an action packed day return to The Manor Inn, and relax in our luxurious sitting room in front of an open log fire.
Day 2: Co. Clare
From The Manor Inn, take the 'drive on drive off' ferry in Tarbert to the County Clare. After your 20-minute journey on the ferry you are ready to explore the amazing beauty of County Clare. Take the N67 road from Killimer, to Kilrush, to Milltown Malbay via Spanish Point and stop off at Spanish Point (called after the survivors of the wrecked Spanish Armada swam ashore only to be arrested and executed by the High Sheriff of Clare). You can then continue on your journey to Lahinch and follow the R478 road to the Cliffs of Moher. You can park your car in the large car park and take a stroll along the edge of the cliffs, visit O' Briens Tower and observe the Aran Islands across the water. You continue on for about 3 miles and you will come to the village of Doolin, where you have the option of having a pint of Guinness in the local pub or taking the ferry across to the Aran Islands. You can then continue on the R478 to Ballyvaughan where some of the best seafood is to be found in the country. From here follow the signpost for the Alliwee Caves which are well worth a visit. From here follow the road for Corofin (R480) for about 4 miles and you will come across Poulnabrone Dolmen, again well worth a visit. From the time you left Doolin you have been driving through the Burren region. You have a choice after you visit Poulnabrone Dolmin. You can either take the R460 from Corifin to Milltown Malbay or take the R481 after visiting the Dolmin toLahinch. Here you can either take a game of golf, or you can stop off at the lovely seaside resort. Visit the seaworld, or take a swim in the leisure centre or relax in the Jacuzzi.You also have the options of coming back down to Kilkee and visit the waterworld or go for a swim here. Take the ferry from Killimer back to The Manor Inn.
Day 3: Out and about in Tralee
From The Manor Inn take the N69 to Listowel and Tralee. There are such choices of attractions in Tralee to choose from, you will have an exciting fun filled day. Attractions and activities such as; Blennerville Windmill, The Kerry County Museum, The Jeanie Johnson visitor Shipyard, Steam Railway, Tralee Aqua Dome, Town Park, Greyhound Stadium. Jungle Jim's fun and activities for children, and the Tralee sports complex where you can take a swim in the leisure centre or relax in the Jacuzzi or sauna. You can complete your day and watch one of the local Gaelic team train and play football.
Day 4: The beauty of South Kerry
From The Manor Inn take the N69 to Listowel and Tralee. From here take the N21 and then the N22 to Killarney. 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. There is so much to see here that one would have to spend most of a day doing the ring. On your way home to The Manor Inn from the Ring Of Kerry take a right hand turn in Farranfore (N23) for Crag Cave outside of Castleisland. From Castleisland take the N21 road for Abbeyfeale and the R524 to Athea and Glin.
Day 5: Explore Dingle
From The Manor Inn take the N69 to Listowel and Tralee. From Tralee follow the signpost for Dingle R (560) Approximately 6 miles out this road you will come to a fork in the road with a signpost indicating Dingle, and Conor Pass. Take the Conor Pass route R (560) to Dingle and the scenery that awaits you is breathtaking. When you are done in Dingle, I would recommend that you take the R559 ring road from Dingle to Milltown, Ventry, (where there is a fabulous beach), Dunquin, Ballyferriter and back into Dingle Town. There is a lot to do and see in Dingle such as; The Dingle Dolphin or Fungie, archaeological sites, Blasket Islands, Gallarous Oratory. The Blasket Centre, Chorca Dhuibhne Museum, The Enchanted Forest, Dingle Ocenworld, and beautiful beaches. There are also some excellent seafood restaurants in the town and it would be a shame to leave without experiencing the restaurant yourself. From Dingle take the R559 road to Annascaul and the R561 road to Inch onto Castlemaine and take the N70 road to Tralee and the N69 from Tralee to The Manor Inn.