Ring of Kerry
Kerry is without doubt one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland. With its rugged coastline and mountain ranges there is a breathtaking view around every corner.
The Eclipse Centre is situated just over two and a half kilometres from the popular Ring of Kerry tourist route which takes in with stunning coastal views and mountain and lake scenery which is part of the Killarney National Park including Muckross House and Farm.
Once you’ve exhausted the myriad of things to see and do at the centre there are a multitude of things to do and places to see in the local area.
As well as beautiful driving routes along the Ring of Kerry the nearby Beara Peninsula is also well worth a visit with many attractions such as Derreen Gardens and the spectacular Gleninchaquin waterfall with stone circle in the grounds and an excellent opportunity to spot the elusive otter in the rivers and lakes.
For dining there is no better location than Kenmare. With many first class restaurants, Kenmare has developed an excellent reputation for fine dining with a variety of quality restaurants to suit all budgets. Sneem is also close by with excellent dining choices available.
A trip out to the world heritage site of the Skellig Isles is a must, especially if you have always wanted to get up close and personal to the colourful and it has to be said, extremely appealing puffin. As well as puffins, the islands are home torazorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars as well as the elusive storm petrel. Little Skellig is home to one of the largest gannet colonies in Europe with over 20,000 pairs. From a distance the island looks like it’s covered in icing sugar such is the presence of the birds in this dramatic environment.
There are excellent opportunities to see common and grey seals, basking sharks,dolphins as well as occasional sightings of minke whales, fin whales and sometimes even killer whales.
Ireland is renowned for a wealth of megalithic monuments including standing stones, wedge tombs and rock art. Indeed, the largest concentration of rock art in Ireland is within a pleasant bike ride of the Eclipse Centre.
Another not-to-be-missed experience is the night sky here. With no light pollution, the milky way is clearly visible on a clear night and if you’re lucky enough to be here in a meteorite shower you can witness Kerry’s own fireworks display.
