Luxury Private Tours of Ireland

Ireland’s southwestern gem, County Kerry, is a destination that feels like stepping into a painting—where rugged coastlines, emerald mountains, and ancient heritage blend into a timeless landscape. On a deluxe private tour of Ireland, Kerry offers an unparalleled experience that combines luxury, culture, and breathtaking scenery. From the famous Ring of Kerry to the windswept Dingle Peninsula, let’s uncover what makes a journey through Kerry one of the most unforgettable highlights of any Irish vacation.

The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is arguably one of the most celebrated driving routes in Ireland. Spanning 179 kilometers, this circular journey begins and ends in Killarney and takes you through charming towns such as Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, and Cahersiveen. With a private chauffeur guiding your trip, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of craggy coastlines, serene lakes, and soaring mountains, all from the comfort of a luxury vehicle.

Along the route, don’t miss Ladies View—a lookout named for Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting. The panoramic vista here, overlooking the Killarney Lakes, is one of the most photographed in Ireland. Another highlight is Muckross House & Gardens, a 19th-century Victorian mansion near the edge of Muckross Lake, part of Killarney National Park.

The Dingle Peninsula

Heading north, your tour continues to the Dingle Peninsula, known in Irish as Corca Dhuibhne. This rugged outcrop stretches into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to some of Ireland’s richest Gaelic heritage. It’s part of a designated Gaeltacht, meaning Irish is still widely spoken, and traditional music, dance, and folklore are integral to daily life.

The colourful town of Dingle is a hub of culture and charm, famous for its harbour, artisan shops, and lively pubs. Taking a boat ride from Dingle Harbour allows for incredible views of the coastline and, if you’re lucky, sightings of local marine life like dolphins or puffins during the spring and summer.

Dingle’s culinary scene is another surprise—award-winning seafood restaurants, farm-to-table cafés, and even an artisan distillery producing fine Irish gin and whiskey.

Slea Head Drive

One of the highlights of the peninsula is the Slea Head Drive, a loop that begins and ends in Dingle and offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the country. Along this drive, you’ll find Dunquin Pier, the photogenic boat launch where ferries once departed for the Blasket Islands, and Dunquin Beach, made famous by the movie Ryan’s Daughter.

With your personal Irish driver, you’ll also be able to visit Dunbeg Fort, a cliffside promontory fort believed to date back to the Iron Age. Nearby are the extraordinary Beehive Huts, or clocháin, dry stone dwellings that showcase early Irish monastic life.

The road continues past ancient stone cottages known as the Famine Cottages, preserved as a window into 19th-century rural life. Today, they also host live sheepdog demonstrations—a fascinating and family-friendly experience that showcases the intelligence and training of Irish sheepdogs in action.

The Blasket Islands

Just off the coast are the Blasket Islands, uninhabited since 1953 but deeply significant in Irish literature. The islands were home to a small, entirely Irish-speaking community whose oral traditions were captured in now-famous memoirs such as Peig by Peig Sayers and The Islandman by Tomás Ó Criomhthain.

Your chauffeur can arrange for a boat trip to the islands (weather permitting), offering a chance to walk the abandoned village paths, explore the rugged landscape, and understand the resilience of island life.

Conor Pass and Inch Beach

Traveling inland, your private driver will take you over Conor Pass, the highest mountain pass in Ireland. The narrow, winding road reveals incredible views over glacial valleys, hidden lakes, and Brandon Bay. It’s a thrilling drive best left to an experienced chauffeur while you sit back and take in the scenery.

On the southern approach, you’ll arrive at Inch Beach, a vast stretch of sand popular with surfers, windsurfers, and walkers. Whether you’re up for a water sport adventure or a tranquil walk with a sea breeze, Inch offers a chance to slow down and soak in Kerry’s natural beauty.

Gallarus Oratory

Near the northern tip of the peninsula stands Gallarus Oratory, a small, stone-built church believed to be over 1,000 years old. Its construction is a marvel—dry stone corbelling so precise that the structure remains watertight without mortar. A visit here is a humbling reminder of Ireland’s early Christian history and the devotion of those who lived in remote isolation to practice their faith.

Famine Cottages and Forts

Located also along the stunning Slea Head Drive, the Famine Cottages offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century rural Irish life. Built using traditional methods with mud and stone, these simple yet resilient structures typically featured two rooms and a small loft or mezzanine, accessible by ladder. Today, the site serves a new purpose, hosting captivating working sheepdog demonstrations. These displays are a highlight for visitors of all ages and especially popular on family tours, offering an entertaining and authentic look at Irish farming traditions.

Also situated on Slea Head is the Dun Beag Fort, a dramatic promontory fort believed to date back to around 1,000 BC. While its exact origins remain uncertain, it’s thought to be contemporaneous with Iron Age blockhouse forts found in Scotland. This ancient site also features the remarkable Beehive Huts, or clocháin—dry-stone dwellings with corbelled roofs that reflect early Irish monastic or domestic life.

Why Choose a Chauffeur Tour in Kerry?

Choosing a chauffeur-guided experience ensures not only comfort and ease, but also access to local insights and hidden gems you might otherwise miss. It allows you to tailor your day to your pace—whether you want to linger at a scenic overlook, dive into a local legend, or explore an ancient ruin.

Your personal driver doubles as a guide, a storyteller, and a friendly face throughout your journey, helping you connect to the heart of Irish culture and landscapes in an effortless, enriching way.

We can help you plan any part of your luxury vacation in Ireland and if you have any questions please do contact us and we’d be happy to help. If you are interested in an Irish Vacation Package and would like more information, please click on the Enquire button below. All the best, Mike Ryan.