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Activities
West
Kerry is a great place for those interested in outdoor activites. There
are many beautiful, historical walks in the area.
CAMP,
WEST KERRY - THE WALKERS PARADISE
West Kerry is
an area of spectacular beauty nestled between mountain and sea with
miles and miles of sandy beaches, winding country roads, hills, valleys
and mountains. There are few areas so versatile for walkers, where one
can intermingle high and low walks in exquisite surroundings.
Archaeological and Historical sites, Local History and mythological
tales abound in the Corca Dhuibhne folklore. Climb one of the high
hills or mountains or walk low trails through the hills or by the sea,
you will find peace and tranquility which ever walk you choose.
Mapped trails are now available, ask in local pubs and shops and they
will point you in the right direction. Here also you will find
experienced local walkers who will lead a walk if you or a group of
friends would prefer to get a guided tour including a local history
talk on the way
Caherconree Climb
The
majestic mountain Caherconree, once the seat of the High King of
Munster Curoi Mac Daire, stands 2715 ft. above sea level. Cuchulainn of
the Red Branch Knights of Ulster is said to have killed Curoi on the
mountain slopes in a fight over the Welsh Princess Blaithnaid. At the
top of the mountain the remains of one of Ireland's most striking
inland promontory forts is still to be seen.
Caherconree Climb is for the hardy climber, but is not dangerous
provided you follow the yellow posts and observe caution at the summit.
Sli
Gleann-na-nGealt
The valley of Gleann-na-nGealt can be entered at 2 points - At
Scrallagh, 2 miles west of Camp village you can walk into the valley
and do a circle coming out at Maum na h-Altora, or indeed you can
commence at Maum na h-Altora and do the opposite ring. You can also
walk down into the valley through Foillatrisnigh and through
Cappaclough and take the beach walk to lower or Upper Camp.
Tobar na nGealt ( Mad Well) is reputed to have a cure in its waters for
madness. Gall the king of France is said to have lost his sanity at the
battle of Ventry Harbour and was cured when he drank the waters of
Tobar na nGealt. Maum na hAltora - The pass of the altar, Mass was
celebrated here in penals times. Here remains a cluster of megalithic
tombs, which are some of the earliest stone structures in the region.
Sli an
Fhionnglaise
Begin your walk at Camp Junction, climbing the high road up
Knockglossmore and head west through Sli Corca Dhuibhne (Dingle Way)
cross the road curradubh road, the Tralee/Dingle Railway bridge, scene
of the great train crash of 1893 in on your right, follow on and cross
the stepping stone at the Finglas River. Local folklore annals tell the
tale of the rive running white when Blathnaid milked her cow at the top
of Caherconree to give a sign to Cuchulainn that she was alone, hence
the name Fionnglas.
Sli an Chama
A looped walk commencing at Camp village, you can complete a circuit
taking in any of the roads, bohereens, along the seaside, your options
are many and varied depending how long you want to make this walk.
Camp/An Cam meaning a gap in the mountains or a fortress is associated
with the encampment of Cuchulainn, the Ulster hero of the Red Branch
Knights. Along the way you can also visit the grave of the milesian
Princess Fas, slain in the battle of Sliabh Mish, also named after
Princess Mish also killed in the mammoth battle between the Milesian
and Tuatha Danann tribes, who were among the first inhabitants of this
island.
Gairdin Cu Roi
A ring walk through Curradubh to Beheenagh and Bothar na gCloch
circling round the top of the road down through Kilteenbane and Coole
to the beach and heading east to exit at Kealode, on the Tralee side of
The Junction Bar. There are no signs of the remains of the Geraldine
Castle or the Glandine Castle reputed to be built in medieval times in
Upper Camp. Some local people will know the site of the Castle in Upper
Camp where a farmer discovered a large underground cellar when
ploughing the field over 50 years ago.
Camp Old School built in 1882 is on your route next to St. Marys
Catholic Church built 1839, worth calling in to see.
GOLFING
AND FISHING
Catlegregory
Golf and Fishing Club boasts one of the finest 9 hole golf links in the
country. Siuated on Stradbally beach, amid exquisite scenery, its hard
to think of a better spot to play golf.
Glenteenasig is a forested area of exceptional beauty and with small
lakes ideal for fishing. River fishing and shore angling is also
popular in this area with miles and miles of shoreline.
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
Camp
offers a
unique holiday experience, whether you want to spend one night or
longer, you will certainly want to come back to this idyllic haven of
peace and tranquility. Some people choose a place like Camp for their
base and travel out to see the sites of the Dingle peninsula by day
returning to relax in the local country pubs in the village in the
evening. No driving, no stress, talk to the locals or enjoy the
traditional music and impromptu sessions which happen all the time.
Alternatively you can stay in Camp and walk and swim in the waters of
Tralee Bay and enjoy the miles and miles of sandy beaches from Tralee
to Brandon. Camp is a walkers paradise with Sli Corcha Dhuibhne, the
Dingle Way stretches the entire 33 miles of the Dingle Peninsula. Climb
Catherconree, standing 2716 ft. above sea level or engage in the many
looped walks taking in hill and sea, your options are endless.
Camp Junction House is a recently opened B/B accommodation on the
Dingle Way and directly across the road form 2 popular family run local
pubs, The Junction Bar and The Railway Tavern. Former Kerry footballer
John Doyle is the proprietor and already people are praising the genial
hosts hearty breakfasts. Camp Junction House can accommodate 20 people
in beautifully decorated modern en suite and single rooms, amid
exquisite views of Tralee and Brandan Bay, with the Slieve Mish
mountain at the back affording breathtaking nature trails. Just minutes
away from Camp beach, you can savour the clean and safe waters of
Tralee bay in an unspoilt quiet environment. Telephone Number -
087/2430704. You can access Camp Junction House on the internet at
www.campjunctionhouse.com.
Kathleen Herlihy's Teac Te is a lovely family run B/B, convenient to
beaches, mountain and local amenities, pubs and entertainment. A stones
throw from Camp Junction, here you also park your car and enjoy a drink
in the local hostelries without fear of having to drive home. Telephone
Number 066/7130340
In Camp Village, Finglas House run by Kathleen Daly is a well
established B/B adjoining Dalys Bar, where you can meet the locals and
chat over a drink at night. Kathleen has catered for walking groups
down through the years and her excellent cuisine is well noted by the
visitors. Telephone Number 066/7130125 You can access Finglas House on
the internet at www.finglashouse.com
Seaview Cottages B/B
is a beautiful family run B/B. This is ideal
location near beaches and local hostelries. Johanne Kelliher
is the proprietress. Telephone 066/7130186. The Tralee Bay Cottages comprising of 9 hoiliday cottages on the
Castlegregory road offers you an alternative type of self catering
holiday. Enquiries - 066/7139491. You can access through internet
www.traleebaycottages@eircom.net
EATING OUT
Ashes Restaurant
and Bar,
Camp is renowned worldwide for its excellent cuisine. Bar Food
is the speciality this year and you can have one of their recession
beating steaks dinners for E10. Childrens menu
reasonable priced in convivial olde world surroundings.
The Junction Bar has a new Restaurant, providing wonderful local cuisine and traditional dishes.
The Seven Hogs Bar and Restaurant at The Tralee bay Hotel and Cottages
caters for all tastes. Sunday lunch, evening meals, snacks suitable for
all occasions. Exquisite setting looking out onto Tralee Bay.
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© 2011 Brigid
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