Derrynane House and gardens was the birthplace and family home of Daniel O’Connell in the 19th Century. Within the grounds is an impressive ornamental garden as well as footpaths that take us down to the dunes and white sands of Derrynane Strand.

At the western end of Derrynane Strand is Ahamore Abbey on Abbey Island. At the monastic site founded by St Finian in the 6th Century, we find the ruins of a 12th Century romanesque church in a wonderful setting. We can walk along the sands at low tide from Derrynane House to access the Abbey or we can drive to the nearby section of beach.

Leaving Derrynane, we stop at a few viewpoints on the Ring of Kerry that provide amazing vistas of the south west tip of the Iveragh Peninsula as well as the basin and landscape that envelop the town of Waterville. As we cross over the mountain pass, a rich tapestry of stone walls and ringforts become visible below the road. The seafront town of Waterville is also an option for a lunch break of an hour or so.

A loop of narrow roads lead away from the Ring of Kerry and follow the rugged coastline. Stopping along these lanes, we can gain access to the ruins of Ballinskelligs Castle and, a little way along the shoreline, Ballinskelligs Priory. As we approach the Atlantic coast, wonderful views of the Skellig Islands are revealed, and we can explore St Finian’s Bay from the small surfing beach.

These cliffs loom 300m above the wild Atlantic coastline, providing amazing panoramic views of the Skelligs and the surrounding landscape. There is a steep walk from the car park so a moderate level of fitness is advised if you want to take in the views from here. I know a couple of alternative viewpoints in the area that, although not as high, do provide outstanding vistas of the Skellig Rocks from where we park! The nearby fishing town of Portmagee is also an option for a lunch break of an hour or so.

Located on the northern side of Valentia Island on Cromwell Point, the lighthouse marks the safe channel into Knightstown and Caherciveen harbours. This is an incredibly scenic area with wonderful vistas towards Dingle and the Blasket Islands, easy access to the rugged coastline and atmospheric ruins. Other interesting locations on Valentia Island provide exquisite views out to the Skellig Rocks.

Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts date from the 7th Century and are fine examples of medieval ringforts or cashels. Research indicates they were constructed as “defended farmsteads” by an early christian community. The ruins of the 16th Century Ballycarbery Castle are located close by and fine views of this can be captured from the road and the shoreline.

Rossbeigh Beach is a sandbar that extends 4 miles into Dingle Bay. Wonderful views are obtained from the road as we drive down to the beach, where we can explore the sand and the surf. A fine location for caturing sunset if our tour timing coincides with the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean.