If you feel like venturing outside the 500-acre grounds of Parknasilla Hotel then there is plenty to see and do. Enjoy a browse around the village of Sneem just minutes from the hotel or plan a Ring of Kerry day trip to discover why Kerry is called “The Kingdom”.
Sneem
Winner of the National Tidy Towns Award in 1987 and the National Landscape Award in 1997, Sneem is a ‘must see’ for visitors. The town is known as "The Knot in the Ring" (of Kerry) - Sneem being the Irish word for "knot". This peaceful and romantic little town is set at the head of the Sneem estuary between Kenmare and Waterville. It is uncertain exactly when the town was established, but it is referenced on a map dated 1756.
Ring of Kerry
This scenic drive is one of the most popular activities in Kerry –110 miles of gorgeous coastal and mountain scenery. The trip includes the towns of Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem, Kenmare and Killarney.
Kenmare Heritage Centre
The heritage centre is full of interesting information on the town and surrounding area. It has an exhibition on Kenmare Lace, displays and information on historical sites, famous visitors to the town, the nun of Kenmare, the effects of the famine and the landlords of Kenmare.
Staigue Fort on the Ring of Kerry
This well-preserved structure is located in Castlecove and is the finest example of a stone ring fort in Ireland. It is thought to have been the home of a wealthy landowner in pre-Christian times. Circular in shape, it is almost 6 metres high with walls 4 metres thick.
The Skellig Experience on Valencia Island
This heritage centre tells the story of the Skellig rocks. There are four themes covered in the exhibition:
- The history and archaeology of Skellig Michael's Early Christian monastery.
- The sea birds that are such a part of the Skelligs, their habitat and their worldwide travels.
- The lighthouses, which have given 161 years of service to mariners.
- Underwater Skellig, which has colour and magic equal to any sea in the world.