Things to do in the Area
Golfers enjoy a variety of world class Irish courses to be found in the local and surrounding areas. Fishing is available on the River Laune within walking distance of the house. Hop onto the Ring of Kerry, which passes near to Greenane House, to immerse yourself in the breathtaking views and wonderful coastline of this spectacular part of Ireland. Whether hiking the numerous mountain trails nearby, climbing Torc waterfall stairs, on a boat to the Skellig Islands or exploring vibrant Killarney, your days at Greenane House will be full of fun and laughter with evenings spent reminiscing about the wonderful new memories made together.
Golfing in Kerry
Kerry is home to some of the most beautiful and famous golf courses in Ireland, most of which are just a short drive from Greenane House.
Ross Castle/Innis Island
This Castle may be considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. The date of its foundation is uncertain but it was probably built in the late 15th century by one of the O'Donoghue Ross chieftains. It is surrounded by a fortified bawn, its curtain walls defended by circular flanking towers, two of which remain. Much of the bawn was removed by the time the Barrack building was added on the south side of the castle sometime in the middle of the 18th century. The castle contains 16th and 17th century oak furniture. Access for people with disabilities to the ground floor only by prior arrangement.
Take a trip to Innisfallen Island. The island can be accessed via motor boats which run from Ross Castle during the summer months. Innisfallen Island is home to the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey, which was founded in the 6th/7th century.
Killarney National Park
The National Park comprises of 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of beautiful lake and mountain scenery. Entrance to the park is free. The Park is famous for its' native natural habitats and species including oakholly woods, yew woods and red deer. The National Park Visitor Centre (located at Muckross House) and the Information Point at Torc Waterfall provide information on all aspects of the park. Access for visitors with disabilities to The Visitor Centre. The Education Centre, located at Knockreer House, provides a range of courses related to nature conservation and the ecology of The National Park for school children, students and other groups.
Horseback riding and Jaunting Cars are also available in the park for those who wish to explore the park in a unique and fun way.
Muckross House & Gardens
A magnificent Victorian mansion, beautifully situated amidst the splendid and spectacular landscape of Killarney National Park/Muckross Lake. Embrace tradition by visiting Muckross Traditional Farms representing the lifestyles and farming traditions of rural Ireland in the 1930s.
Torc Waterfall
Torc is the Gaelic word for wild boar. This was the favourite hunting ground for these animals. To reach the top of the waterfall you must be prepared to climb 90 steps.
Gap of Dunloe
Ireland's most scenic glacial valley is just a short drive away. Renowned for it's tours and amazing walks.
The famous Kate Kearney's Cottage is also located here, dating from the mid-1800s, it is a popular spot of great food, drink, music and dancing sessions.
Ring of Kerry
This is Ireland's best known tour. Greenane House sites right on the Ring of Kerry, and is the perfect base for exploring the Ring. The 110-mile (176km) circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula is a marvelous roller-coaster drive over mountain passes, through forest, bog-land, by rivers and lakes and by beaches. Killorglin, the home of Puck Fair, straddles the Laune and an excellent salmon river. Glenbeigh and Waterville boast fine beaches and golf courses. Boat trips are available to the "Skellig Rocks" from Portmagee Pier. Here you can walk the historic parkways and stairways to the 6th century Monastic Settlement at the top. Cahirciveen was the birthplace of the great political leader Daniel O'Connell, Derrynane House and Gardens (O'Connell's Home) and the adjoining beach is a National Historic Park and well worth a visit. Sneem, Kerry's most colourful village has won national awards for it's beauty.
Dingle Peninsula
It includes Slea Head and The Conor Pass. Be sure to stop off and see the "Gallarus" oratory. This is one of the finest early Christian churches in Ireland. The dry-stone oratory was built in the 12th century.
Since 1983, Dingle Bay hosts of bottle-nose dolphin named "Fungi". Boat trips are available daily from the harbuor to see him.
In Dingle town you can also visit Dingle Oceanworld which includes cute but deadly Piranhas, Pacu, Catfish and more. It also has a state of the art Shark tank and a 9m underwater tunnel where you can gaze in awe as a multitude of marine life swim overhead.
For something completely novel and fun, how aout tackling a 10-point quiz trail in a six-acre field of corn. This maze is the work of internationally recognised Adrian Fisher, who designed mazes in 23 countries.
Skellig Michael
The Skellig Islands are located 12 km off the coast of Kerry The main island Skellig Michael was home to a Monastic settlement, evidenced by stone huts which are believed to date back as far as the 6th century. Skellig Michael was also featured as the home of Luke Skywalker in the recent Star Wars films. The Skellig Islands are also home to wonderful wildlife, with the Skellig Islands supporting some of the largest collections of Puffins and manx sheerwaters in the world.
Skellig Michael Tours must be booked well in advance. Due to the turbulent weather on the sea, these tours can be cancelled with short notice so it's best to always ring the night before your booking to confirm.
Kerry Cliffs
A visit to Portmagee and the Skellig islands would not be complete without a trip around the Skellig Ring and a visit to the popular Kerry Cliffs. These rugged 1,000ft (300m) cliffs are know for their enjoyable walks and unigue bird life.
Salmon Fishing
The River Laune runs along near our property. The River Laune provides anglers with some excellent salmon and sea trout fishing opportunities.
The best time for Salmon Fishing is from the end of July through to September. During this period, the river fills with fish can provide spectacular fishing for budding anglers.
The main run of Sea Trout arrives from the end of June to the begginning of September with the average size of the trout being around 1lbs but larger trout can also be fished.
Walking in Kerry
Kerry is a walker's paradise with some of the most amazing trails and hikes in the world. Here are just some of the walks in the local area:
- Dinis and the Middle Lake - lots of trails, lakes, bridges, a waterfall and Muckross House - 24km from Killarney and 16km from the Lake Hotel
- Muckross House and Gardens - Musuem and gardens, Torc Waterfall and the Old Boathouse - 2km to 7km
- Across the front of Torc Mountain - Old Hermits Hut, viewing towers overlooking the lake and town. Most of the walk is under plant cover, excellent for wet days - from Torc car park, 4km
- Carrantoohil - For experienced hikers only. Offers excellent views on a clear day all the way to the sea - 10km+
- The Devil's Armpit - Follow the trail from Torc Waterfall/Torc Carpark - 4km
- The Killarney National Park - The outlying areas are suitable for hill-walking but visitors are urged not to go to remote areas. As Well as Nature Trails, there are also many developed paths. The Kerry Way winds it's way through the National Park on towards the Atlantic Ocean
- Rossbeigh Beach - Located just beyond Glenbeigh - 5/6 km of sand, 10km round trip
- Lake Hotel to Muckross Abbey (Lake Shore) - Walker's heaven. You can access many walks from the entrance to the park at the Late Hotel on Muckross Road - 5km
- National Park & Knockreer House and Gardens - Use the entrance opposite St. Mary's Cathedral; take the road to the right of Deenagh cottage for Knockreer House and Gardens and experience wonderful views of the lake, an hour well spent. Take the road left and follow the river to the lake shore and on to Ross Castle. Very short or long walks are available here - 2km to 10km
- Ross Castle and the Copper Mines - Tour the old Castle and visit Library point and the Copper Mines - 2km to 6km
