Innisfallen Island
Take a boat from Ross Castle to this very special island in Lough Leane where the impressive archaeological remains of the ruined monastry dating from early Christian times can be seen. This monastery was founded in the 7th century by St. Finian the Leper, and was occupied for approximately 700 years. Over a period of about 300 of these, the 'Annals of Inisfallen' were written, which chronicle the early history of Ireland as it was known to the monks. The Annals are therefore an extremely important manuscript, and the original copy is kept in a controlled atmosphere in the Bodleian Library in Oxford. The monastery here is also thought to have given rise to the name Lough Leane, which means "Lake of Learning". Brian Boru the most famous High King was educated here and Thomas Moore wrote a special poem about Innisfallen.
Muckross Abbey
Founded by the Franciscans in the 15th century, this unique Abbey was plundered in 1652. Although a ruin, the building is in a remarkable state of preservation with the walls of the Cloister and its associated buildings in their original complete state. Access is all year round and admission is free. Guide on duty June to September. 
The building of Muckross Abbey took 50 years and it was completed in 1448. The Abbey was a gift from MacCarthy Mor and was dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The Friars were in residence until about 1589. O’Donoghue and MacCarthy chieftians are buried there. It is the resting place of the great Sliamh Luachra poets, Aogan ORahaille, Eoghan Rua O’Suilleabhain and Piaras Fertear. It is one of the finest examples of a medieval Irish monastry.Aghadoe Round Tower
An old monastery was founded here by St. Finian the Leper in the 7th century. It is referred to as existing in 992, and a stone church here dates to 1044.The nearby round Tower has been much altered, but it still stands to a height of about 22 feet.In a field to the south-west of the church is Parkavonear Castle dating from the 13th century. The two storeys which remain are joined by a staircase within the wall, and the first floor has the remains of a fireplace
Traditional Farms
The Muckross Traditional Farms are full working examples of rural life in the 1930's. Take a stroll down memory lane to a time before the advent of electricity when all work was carried out using traditional methods. Meet and chat with the farmers and their wives as they go about their daily working in the houses, on the land and with the animals.
Beaufort Ogham Stones
These eight ogham stones can be seen beside the road near Beaufort village, only six miles from Killarney. Ogham is the oldest known form of Irish writing. It consists of four sets of strokes, each set containing five letters that are made of one to five strokes. This gives a total of twenty letters. Inscriptions included the name of a person and their predecessors. They were often used for memorials.The Skellig Experience
The skellig experience 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 who are such a part of the Skelligs, their habitat and their world wide travels.
- The lighthouses which have given 161 years of service to mariners.
- The underwater Skellig, which has colour and magic equal to any sea in the world.
These themes are explored using graphics, models, exhibition items, reconstruction and sound of sea birds and lighthouse keeper ship-to-shore communication.
The Blasket Centre
The Great Blasket Centre on the mainland in Don Chaoin (Dunquin), on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, is an interpretative centre/museum honouring the unique community who once lived on the Great Blasket Island. This community produced an extraordinary amount of literature, referred to as The Blasket Library, which includes classics such as The Islandman, Twenty Years A Growing and Peig. The centre, which is operated by the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, was opened in 1993 and overlooks the panorama of the Great Blasket and its family of surrounding islands.
Famine Cottage
This old cottage, build of stone and mud is a relic of famine times in Ireland. See how a large Irish family lived during famine days, through this Dingle Peninsula dwelling.
Kenmare Heritage Centre
Kenmare was designated a Heritage Town by F‡ilte Ireland. The town was designated under the theme a "Planned Estate Town". The Centre was offically opened in June 1994 by the then President of Ireland, Ms. Mary Robinson. There is ample parking outside the Centre. The Centre covers various themes including Famous Visitors to Kenmare, The Nun of Kenmare, Kenmares history and historical sites, Effects of the Famine on Kenmare and the Landlords of Kenmare. The Centre also has a Kenmare Lace Exhibition.
An integral part of the Experience of the Kenmare Story is to visit the Historical sites after visiting the Centre. The Heritage Trail map will show you at first hand some of the delights of Kenmare. All the sites are within walking distance from the Centre and the trail takes about 40 minutes to complete and must be pre booked.
Gallorus Oratory
Gallorus Oratory is a 9th century Christian Oratory Add. Gallarus is unique in its setting and mystique. Gallarus is situated in natural farmland overlooking Smerwick Harbour and exposed to the winds and atlantic weather for over 1200 years.The building of stone without mortar is still waterproof. From the inside you experience the feeling of time gone by as you wonder at this masterpiece of stone work.
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