Bonane Heritage Park - Stone Age Irish Heritage Park

Strictly speaking, it's not on the Ring of Kerry (it's located approx 10 km outside Kenmare on the Ring of Beara) but it is unforgivable to visit Kenmare without visiting Bonane Heritage Park. You will pay to visit the Park but the entrance fee is well worth it.

The Park hosts an abundance of well-preserved original (not modern-day, tacky reproduction) archaeological sites from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron ages. Along a 2km graveled pathway in the park, you will find a combination of Ring Forts (fortified dwelling and farmstead), stone circle and burial boulders, Bullaun stones (large flat-topped rock where a basin has been carved out, the original purpose of which is largely unknown) and standing stones. In more recent times there is also a sample “ruin” from the famine period.

Guided tours are also available for those who are interested in learning a little more about the history and archaeological significance of the site. The park opened in 2006 and is still a work in progress.