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The three lakes in this region, Upper, Middle (Muckross) and Lower (Lough Leane), are linked by the Long Range River and are all incorporated into the stunning 100-sq km (40-sq mile) Killarney National Park. Flanked by mountains, and with a varied landscape of woodland, heather and peat bogs, the area offers a range of beautiful walks and drives.

Upper Lake, Killarney

The largest of the western peninsulas has something for everyone, with its pretty villages, beaches and mountains. The two ranges here are the Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountains. Tortuous bends wend their way to the summits, but it’s worth it for the view on fine days. If you are interested in wildlife, take the cable car across to Dursey Island, with its sea bird colonies.

A small, attractive fishing town with a fine natural harbour, Dingle is extremely popular with tourists, who appreciate its charm. Fungi the dolphin is the town’s most famous resident and people come for miles to see him play.

Designed by the Marquess of Lansdowne in 1775, this prosperous town has more of a continental atmosphere here than Irish, with its smart shops and fine restaurants. Kenmare’s greatest claim to fame, however, is more traditional, as a centre of lacemaking.

This market town and fishing port is named after its beautiful situation at the head of Bantry Bay. Bantry House, commanding an outstanding position with views across the bay, has been owned by the White family since 1739. For maritime enthusiasts there is a small museum in the stable, examining the history of the French Armada, which was scuttled here in 1796.

The best preserved early Christian site in Ireland is believed to have been built some time between the 6th and 9th centuries AD. It was exquisitely constructed, using Neolithic techniques, with fine dry-stone corbelling to ensure the structure was waterproof.

On the doorstep of the Ring of Kerry, with a clutch of excellent hotels and old-fashioned ponies and traps, it’s not surprising that this attractive town becomes inundated with visitors in summer. The shops and restaurants are worth the visit, let alone the surrounding scenery.

Derrynane is a lovely spot on the coast, with 3 km (2 miles) of dunes and beaches. Derrynane House was the family home of Catholic politician and lawyer Daniel O’Connell (see Government Buildings) and it now contains a museum dedicated to the great leader.

This pretty village, backed by the 682-m (2,240-ft) Knockmoyle Mountain, resembles something out of a children’s picture book, with its houses all painted different colours. A popular, friendly place.

The Skellig Experience museum, near the causeway linking Valentia Island to the mainland, includes exhibits on the history of the Skellig Michael monastic site and a range of information on local flora and fauna. Valentia is a popular holiday spot and is particularly good for watersports, but the only inhabitants of the Skelligs now are the birds. Cruises circle the islands but do not land.