The Black Valley is rather renowned for being off-the-beaten-track and the place that you go to get away from it all, however, if you’re looking for places to visit, there’s always a few around worth checking out!
The main attraction with this hostel is its remote location for hikers or those who are just enjoying a break from modern life while taking in the serene and awe-inspiring surroundings!
However, it is also well located for exploring Kerry with a car and many guests many enjoy using Black Valley as the base for their stay while doing day-trips.
ATTRACTIONS – cultural and historical
Use your An Óige/Hostelling International Membership card to receive discounts in the following attractions in the area:
1. Muckross House, Gardens, & Traditional Farms
3. Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhoir - The Blasket Centre
4. Ross Castle
Muckross House and Gardens
Within Killarney National Park is Muckross House - a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House.
The Gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty. Muckross House is also home to a number of skilled craft workers who can be viewed using traditional skills in the crafts of weaving, bookbinding and pottery in the adjacent walled garden centre.
Derrynane House
This is the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell - yes, he whom the famous O’Connell Street in Dublin is named after! This lawyer, politician and statesman was known as “The Liberator” or “The Emancipator” and a key figure in Irish history. Situated on 120 hectares of parklands on the scenic Kerry coast, the House displays many relics of O'Connell’s life and career. It’s located 3.5km (approx 2 miles) from Caherdaniel (off N70 - "Ring of Kerry").
ACTIVITIES
Hiking/Walking:This is the place to come for some fantastic views and walks! The Kerry Way is one of Ireland's longest signposted walking trails (200km+ or 124+ miles) and also one of the most popular. The trail starts and finishes in the busy tourist destination of Killarney. It loops around the Iveragh Peninsula and goes anti-clockwise, passing through some of the most isolated and dramatic countryside in the country.
With our sister hostel Killarney International Hostel situated 15km away in Fossa it makes a good alternative start to the Kerry Way walking through the Gap of Dunloe between the two hostels. In addition, walking this stretch avoids repeating the section between Killarney and Galway's Bridge at the official start and end of the trail.
Hill-walkers staying an extra day in Black Valley may wish to climb Carrauntoohil (1,039m) or Purple Mountain (832m). These mountains do not have sign-posted trails, so good navigational skills are essential to tackle these summits – ask when you’re booking about our free guides – An Óige volunteers are sometimes available to lead a small group on a hike!
Horse Riding: You can hire horses and riding equipment and make your own way through the famous Gap of Dunloe – a great experience!
Fishing/Boating: You can hire fishing equipment and boats at the Upper Lakes of Killarney and close to the hostel Gearahmeen River can be fished for salmon and trout – perfect for the BBQ later!
Entertainment: From 2012 onwards we will have our *new* Outdoor BBQ area available for guests’ use.
Nightlife and Eating out:
Beaufort Bar and Restaurant (13km/8 miles from the hostel)
Beaufort, Killarney
Co. Kerry
Tel: +353 (0) 64 44032
This immaculate establishment near the Gap of Dunloe is a pleasure to visit. The pride taken by the family in running this fine pub is obvious. Children are welcome.
Kate Kearney’s Cottage (8km/5 miles from the hostel)
The Bar and Craft Shops are open 7 days a week from 10am each day.
They serve bar food daily from 12noon until 8pm.
Our restaurant is open for dinner, Sunday lunches and group bookings.
Don’t miss their Traditional Irish Nights with dinner (CIE Awarded two years running!), and includes traditional music, dancing and plenty of craic (Irish for “fun”!!).
