2 Hour Trip

Take off from Mallow which is in County Cork (known as the Rebel County)  and fly west along the famous Blackwater Valley to Kerry (known worldwide as the Kingdom) so look out for the main tourist town in Ireland which is Killarney.

For many people around the world, the Ring of Kerry encapsulates their image of Ireland. The spectacular scenery, dramatic coastline, colourful towns and villages  and ancient archaeological treasures have been featured in postcards, film, poetry and song. Each mile will reveal new sights -  windswept cliffs, breathtaking scenery, spectacular lakes, rich flora and fauna, green and yellow chequered hills and unspoilt beaches. It is said that the landscape varies a hundred times in 100 miles. Ireland’s first National Park which lies to the south and west of Killarney town. The park today covers an area of 10,000 hectares (0ver 26,000 acres). As we fly over the national park we see the shadow of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks (Ireland's highest mountain range) which on a fine day we will fly over. The view from this height is spectacular as we see the the jewels of the kingdom (the 3 world famous Lakes of Killarney).

Gap of Dunloe

Keep a sharp lookout for the only herd of native red deer that reside on the mountain slopes and which have been here since the end of the last ice age.

We are now approaching The Gap of Dunloe which  is a wild and rugged gap excavated by forging ice flows during the last ice age. From here we fly thorugh the Black Valley which is a spectacular area which time forgot before we approach Kenmare. Cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay, the picturesque town of Kenmare is a sea of tranquillity and breathtaking scenery in one of the most natural, unspoilt environments in Europe. At this point we land for a nice lunch at the Sheen Falls Lodge or the Park Hotel

There is evidence of the region's unique heritage and culture everywhere, in the place names, the standing stones and the many archaeological sites. See the 6th century stone forts at Caherciveen and Castlecov, the 15th centuryBallycarberry Castle,   the magnificent O'Connell Memorial Church, Derrynane House and Gardens.
Then watch out for the famous  array of championship golf courses - Waterville and Dooks  - to name but  two before we head to the amazing Dingle Peninsula. Peace and tranquility are synonymous with the Dingle Peninsula where life moves at an unhurried pace.

Dingle a beautiful and charming fishing port, is the most westerly town in Europe and a most memorable destination. Gaily painted houses and busy streets lead you to the harbour, keep your eyes peeled for  Fungi, a playful bottle-nosed dolphin who cavorts for the enjoyment of everyone. The Dingle Peninsula has the greatest concentration of archaeological sites in Ireland. Step back in time as you see such treasures as the Kilmalkedar Church, the Dun an Oir Fort  or Fort of Gold, and the Gallarus Oratory. Shaped like and up turned boat, the Oratory is the most perfectly preserved example of early Irish architecture. The Fahan Group is a community of clocháns or beehive huts, souterrains, standing and inscribed stones, sculptured crosses, and earthen ring-forts. The beehive huts owe their name to the 5,000 year-old method of construction in which the dry stonewalls curve gradually inward.

Dingle

It was from this area that St. Brendan the Navigator set out for America in the 5th Century, long before Columbus discovered it, centuries later. Nearby, the traditional fishing boats, known as Naomhógs or Currachs, are still made in the ancient manner of St. Brendan. 

Keep your eyes peeled for  the Conor Pass, the highest pass in Ireland which one can drive through, that provides spectacular views of Dingle Harbour to the south and Mount Brandon to the north. Continue your adventure onto Slea Head as it twists and turns through some of the most ruggedly beautiful landscape in Ireland, offering dramatic views of the Three Sisters and theBlasket Islands. Keep a sharp lookout for Coomenole Beech where Ryans Daughter was filmed. Far and Away with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman was also filmed here.

The land west of Dingle is a Gaeltacht or Irish Speaking area, where the traditional language, folk customs, crafts and lore are very much alive today. The Blaskets are the most westerly islands in Europe located off the coast. 

On the northern side of the peninsula there are many lakes, rivers and unique flora and fauna due to the marsh valley floor. See Loch a’Dúin, one of the most important ancient sites in the region, which contains a remarkable series of monuments from the Bronze Age. Also look down on the charming village of An Clochan and the communities of Brandon as they get ready for daily fishing trips.  

With over 5,000 years of history, mystery and legend swirling about the Dingle Peninsula, you’ll fly away from the area realising you have just seen somewhere very  special.

A one hour option on the above tour is also available whereby after reaching Kenmare we fly back to the base.