Iskeroon's location on the south western corner of the Ring of Kerry makes it a perfect base to explore the area. There is so much to do and see that the following is just a suggestion. The Ring of Kerry is a world famous touring route and although its renown is justified, parts of it can get crowded. But, with some local knowledge, it's very easy to avoid the crowds and the coaches and discover the best bits, just off the beaten track.

Boats to The Skellig Rocks leave from Bunavalla Pier, 5 minutes walk away, and for many people a trip to the Skelligs is the highlight of their holiday. Video clip Skelligs (7.5 MB)

Also within walking distance of Iskeroon is the Derrynane National Park which has wonderful gardens and a museum about Daniel O'Connell, known as the Liberator for winning Catholic emancipation, who lived at Derrynane. Both Derrynane Harbour and Derrynane Bay have fantastic beaches, and there are watersports, diving and fishing centres in the harbour. The local pub, Keating's Bar, is a fifteen minute walk from the house, over the Mass Path. Many of our guests go here for lunch, or a drink before dinner.

Five miles away in the car (or three miles by foot) is the village of Caherdaniel. Here there are two good pubs, and a restaurant. The Kerry Way, (the old road, now used by walkers) passes through the village, beside an ancient ring fort.

Seven miles way is Waterville, famous for its golf links and salmon and trout fishing. We can arrange ghillies on the lakes. There are four golf courses within an hour's drive from Iskeroon: Waterville, Parknasilla, Kenmare and Dooks.

Valentia Island, from where the first telegraphic messages were sent from Europe to America, via an undersea cable, is definitely worth visiting. The cable houses still stand and the village of Knightstown (Valentia was the home of the Knights of Kerry) is wonderful, with a unique character. If it's too rough to go to the Skelligs by sea, there is a visitor centre on the Island, as well as antique shops and good places to eat.

Everyone has heard about The Lakes of Killarney...and so they can get very crowded. Just as beautiful, but virtually undiscovered, are the lakes, rivers, mountains and woodlands around Glencar, known as the Highlands of Kerry. If you want to visit Killarney, home of Ireland's largest National Park, we will advise you on the best time to go, and the best way to avoid the crowds - easily done with some local knowledge. Video clip of Killarney Lakes (3.5 MB)

Ross Castle - A 14th century tower house on Ross Island, close to Killarney town and within walking distance of Coolclogher House. The castle was the seat of irish chieftan O'Donoghue Mór but in 1587 fell into the possession of the chieftain MacCarthy Mór. In 1652 Ross Castle was the scene of a battle, and was the last castle in Munster to fall to Cromwell's forces. In the 18th and 19th centuries the castle was used as a military barracks. Today the castle has been restored and is open to visitors. Ross Castle is only a leisurely stroll from Coolclogher House along a little known path which has wonderful views over the Killarney Lakes. Video clip of Ross Castle (3 MB)

Muckross House - Muckross House is a magnificent Victorian mansion located on the shores of Muckross Lake near Killarney. This stately home, built in 1843, is set in the splendour of Killarney National Park. The furnished rooms of Muckross House contain some locally carved furniture and items of historic interest. Inside the house, skilled craftspeople including a book-binder, a potter and a weaver can be seen at work producing high-quality crafts. Muckross House is open to vistors with the entrance being through the main entrance to Killarney National Park. Video clip of Muckross House (4 MB)

Other activities

If you want to do things, rather than just see the sights, there is a great deal on offer and we¹d be happy to help you arrange them. The following is just a selection:

Gardens - see our Garden page

Walking - the Kerry Way, once the old road, now a properly marked walking route, passes very close to Iskeroon and you can walk for miles and miles in either direction.

Golf - the Waterville Golf Links is seven miles from Iskeroon and is a world famous course. In 1998 Els, Furyk, Magee, O¹Meara, Stewart and Woods played at Waterville in preparation for the 1998 British Open. Other courses nearby include Dooks, Parknasilla and Kemare, all within one hour¹s drive.

Diving - a dive charter and instruction company operates from Derrynane Harbour, another dive company operates from Valentia Island.

Fishing - both sea and freshwater fishing are available locally; we can arrange ghillies for you in Waterville, where Charlie Chaplin regularly came to fish.

Watersports - you can waterski, windsurf and sail at the centre based in Derrynane Harbour, 15 minutes walk from Iskeroon.

Riding - the Eagle Rock Equestrian Centre is based in Caherdaniel. Both beginners and more experienced riders are catered for.