While tour buses hoon around the Ring of Kerry in pursuit of leprechauns, those in the know are holidaying on the neighbouring peninsula, savouring Ireland at its most tranquil.

Still relatively undiscovered, the 137km-long coastal road that winds around West Cork's Beara Peninsula can be enjoyed by bike or car. For a 196km leg stretch, you can explore on foot following the Beara Way.

Dotted with low-key seaside towns, megalithic stone circles and one Buddhist retreat centre, the Ring of Beara's natural beauty takes in rolling heathland, rock-studded mountains, secluded forests, towering waterfalls, craggy coastlines, sandy beaches and lush offshore islands covered with sub-tropical vegetation. The jewel in the route is the sweeping views of the valley from the Healy Pass.

Popular summer time-wasters in the area include kayaking, hill-climbing, sailing, fishing and diving at shipwrecks.

The Beara Peninsula's heart and soul is Castletownbere, a busy fishing port where the social life revolves around McCarthy's Bar, a spirited pub where you can find one of Ireland's few remaining matchmaking booths.