|
Things to See and Do
Local Attractions
Blennerville Village is home to a host of tourist attractions but still retains an old
world charm. There are three local pubs, one with a restaurant enjoying views over the Lee River
|
|
Blennerville Windmill
This famous landmark is a fully restored, 200 years old windmill, housing exhibits on the
history of milling. Standing 21.3m high, its architectural merit and unique location make
it one of the most interesting windmills in Western Europe. The visitor centre features an
exhibition pavilion and audio-visual room. The exhibition charts the history of
Blennerville, particularly its role as a 19th century emigrant port when sailing ships
transported thousands of emigrants to North America and Britain. There are craft workshops,
coffee shops and a restaurant overlooking the mill.
|
|
Ship Canal
Prior to the early 19th Century, Blennerville was the old port for Tralee before the
construction of the Tralee Ship Canal in 1846. For 100 years this waterway was the supply
line to Tralee. Inevitably modern means of transportation took over and the canal fell into
disuse until, happily, a new generation recognised its worth and it is has now been restored
as a leisure amenity.
|
|
Steam Railway
The Tralee & Dingle Light Railway (1891 – 1953) was one of the world’s most famous
narrow gauge railways. Now the Tralee – Blennerville section has been restored and visitors
can experience the sensation of travelling by steam train from Tralee to Blennerville during
the summer season.
|
|
Siamsa Tire
Founded in 1974, Siamsa Tire www.siamsatire.com
the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, presents on-stage a theatrical entertainment based on
the wealth of music, dance and folklore that has evolved in Ireland from the earliest times
to the present. Siamsa Tire has represented Ireland all over the world and is the showpiece
of the Celtic culture of music, mime, story and dance.
|
|
Aqua Dome
The Aqua Dome, www.aquadome.ie one of
Ireland’s largest indoor waterworlds, is a marvellous complex of pools, slides, waves and
rapids. All ages can enjoy the thrills of the Aqua Dome and each area is patrolled by
qualified lifeguards. Those who do not wish to get their feet wet can relax in the Aqua
Dome cafe and watch the activities in the pool, or enjoy a sauna and steam in the Aqua
Dome Health Suite
|
|
Beaches
Kerry has 75 miles of Beach and the cleanest waters in Europe. There is anything from
quiet sheltered Beaches to exposed Beaches which receive huge Atlantic Surf. Aharoe is
ideally situated for exploring many of these.
|
|
Golfing
County Kerry is heaven for golfers. Six of Golf World's Top 100 British and Irish Courses
are in Kerry; and Aharoe Guesthouse is conveniently situated to enjoy them all.
|
|
Walking and Bird Watching
Aharoe House is a an ideal location from which to explore the many walks on its doorstep,
including the North
Kerry Way and Dingle Way
Virtually all the major bird habitats are found in Kerry, in particular for spotting
migrants in spring and autumn. Blennerville is a hotspot, with huge flocks of lapwings and
other waders; recent rarities include greater yellowlegs and avocet.
Visit the Killarney area for woodland birds - jays, blackcaps, garden warblers, long-eared
owls and woodcock all breed here, while the lakes hold great-crested grebes, red-breasted
mergansers and the occasional osprey. Cough, peregrine, kestrel, and ring ouzel all breed
in the Gap of Dunloe. Seabird enthusiasts should visit the two skelligs; little skellig for
its gannets (22,000 pairs), and Skellig Michael for its kittiwakes, puffins and other auks.
During autumn, check out Akeragh Lough, south of Ballyheigue, for rare vagrants such as
pectoral sandpipers, grey phalarope and franklinis gull.. A greater flamingo over wintered
at Lough Gill in early 1996. Lastly, check out the headlands during migation times; Dunquin
and Valentia Island have turned up exciting rarities - red-eyed vireos, bee-eaters, and
yellow browed warblers to name but a few.
|
|
Dingle Peninsula
Blennerville village is an ideal base to explore the Dingle Peninsula. The breathtaking Connor Pass route from Blennerville to the Dingle Peninsula is the first many spectacular sights. Stunning mountains, long sandy beaches and the staggering splinter-slatted mass of rocks that defines the extraordinary coast at Slea Head all conspire to ensure that the Dingle Peninsula is a place you never forget..
Once described by the National Geographic Traveler as “the most beautiful place on earth”, the Dingle Peninsula has some noteworthy stops including the village of Inch, which has a glorious beach, the now uninhabited Blasket Islands, Slea Head and Dingle village where boat trips are available to see Fungie the Dingle Dolphin.
You are advised to give yourself about four hours to travel the 30-mile road circuit of the peninsula by car, as you will want to stop off at many of its beauty spots
|
|
Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is part of the mystical & unspoilt Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. It's spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits including golf, watersports , cycling, walking, riding and the very best fishing for salmon & trout.
The Ring of Kerry circles the Iveragh Peninsula providing breathtaking views of Ireland's highest mountains and Kerry's Atlantic coastline. The route travels through Killorglin, by Caragh Lake, and on to Glenbeigh providing the first view of the Atlantic at Rossbeigh. The journey continues along the southern shores of Dingle Bay to Kells, and south to Sneem and Waterville via the Coomakista Pass. The route then goes to Killarney via Moll's Gap and Ladies View which offers a superb vista of the Lakes..
|
|
|
|
