Our New Highlights of Ring of Kerry Tour

Many of Our Guests ask for a shortened version of the Ring of Kerry which can be quite long especially if the day is combined with Muckross House & Gardens. Here is our suggested Tour.

Highlights of The Ring of Kerry Tour takes in the very best of this magical peninsula in a unique and unforgettable drive through the heart of the National Park. From Killarney and the Muckross Estate the narrow road winds up to Ladies View and Molls Gap where panoramic view of the lakes and distant peaks form a picturesque stop. We continue to explore this region in depth by travelling into the Black Valley where a blanket bog land is still harvested. Finally we ascend at the Gap of Dunloe driving though a magical valley of quintessential Irish beauty. Ending the tour we can make a stop at Kate Kearney’s Cottage where the adventitious can end the tour on foot or by horse drawn cart.

Ireland Chauffeur Travel - Whats On in March & April in Ireland

The month ahead is filled with a wide variety of events around the country - St. Patrick's Day is next week (17th March) and Easter is only a few weeks later - to read about these and other events that are coming up in March and beyond click here, we have also given a selection of what's on below:
St. Patrick's Festival Dublin12th-17th March - DublinSt. Patrick's Festival is now by far the biggest annual event in the country providing entertainment for all interests and ages.
St. Patrick's Spring Fest & International Band Festival12th-17th March - Limerick CityLimerick plays host to the St. Patrick’s Spring Fest and Limerick International Band Festival with something for all the family.
Clare Drama Festival26th March - 4th April - Scariff Co ClareOne of the many drama festivals of full length plays that take place in various cities, towns and villages throughout Ireland at this time of year.
Clifden Heritage Railway Weekend27th - 29th March - Clifden, Connemara, Co GalwayClifden Heritage Railway Weekend celebrates one of the great lost railways of Ireland.
Galway Comedy Festival9th-13th April - Galway CityComedy Show taking place in Galway City over Easter.
Easter Walking Festival10th-13th April - Glenbeigh Co KerryDiscover the beauty of Kerry in late Spring, on some of the best walks and climbs in the country, in the company of experienced local guides.
Easter Egg Hunts11th-13th April - Athlone Co RoscommonAll the family can take part in fun Easter Egg Hunts on Glendeer Open Farm over the Easter weekend

Recession Has some Possitive Effects on Irish Tourism.

The global recession has hit Ireland as much as anywhere else and the tourism industry are affected as badly as other industries. The big changes to expect in Ireland in 209 are the following.

1. Better rates in Hotels. Particularly five star hotels. Luxury Manor and Castles have dropped rate by as much as 40%. This brings them in line with 4 Star Hotel rates.
2. Less traffic on the small Irish roads. This is great particularly in the honey pots of Killarney, Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula and Burren Region.
3. The locals are going back t the pubs. Believe it or not the recession has increased beer sales. Diageo who owns Guinness reported a 2% increase in beer sales in the last quarter of 2008.
4. Sales, Sales, Sales... everything from crystal, linen, woolens, ceramics, art and crafts are at unbeatable prices at the moment... it’s a good time to stock up on Irish goods.
5. Increased Competition - This means better quality and lower prices all round... the better the competition the better the quality so that’s a bonus too!!!!

We don’t want the recession to last forever but it does have some benefits to the visitor to Ireland.. and of course . The more people that come the sooner it ends for all of us.. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

We recommend the following for those looking for value in Ireland in 2009.

1. Stay at a 5 Star Hotel like Ashford Castle - Its once in a lifetime and great value at the moment.
2. Buy Water ford Crystal - This famous Irish brand may be joining the dinosaurs in extinction.
3. Enjoy a Guinness with the locals .. the Irish like to sing when things get bad !!!
4. Eat Well - People are returning to locally produced and home cooked food so expect lots of potatoes and butter
5. Make sure you use the expertise of Ireland Chauffeur Travel, Irelands leading driver guided travel service.

Shane Leahy