Tucked on to the south western corner of Ireland, and with a coastline so crinkly that even fjord designers would be jealous, County Kerry is perhaps one of the most popular and picturesque of any of the Irish counties. Kerry has every reason to be a well-loved destination for visitors, with interesting features and stunning scenery, much of it to be found off the main tourist routes, where travellers can experience some of the finest views, foods and fun that Ireland has to offer.
Bordered only by County Limerick in the east and County Cork to the south east, with a long North Atlantic coastline, Kerry's proximity to the Gulf Stream ensures that the county enjoys an unusually mild climate.
Things to do in County Kerry The northern extremities of Kerry include the small ferry port at Tarbert, where travellers can take a shortcut across the estuary of the River Shannon over into County Clare.
The Ring of Kerry (or Iveragh Peninsula, to give it its correct name) is perhaps the most famous tourist trail anywhere in the country, stretching over a 110 mile circuitous route, with some of the finest beaches, Iron Age forts and ancient monasteries to be found anywhere in Ireland. To the east, on the inland aspect of the Peninsular, lie the splendidly-named mountain range of MacGillycuddy's Reeks, andthe beautiful Lakes of Killarney.
On a slightly smaller scale, to the north of Iveragh, the magical Dingle Peninsula is a more discrete gem for visitors who want to explore beyond the attractions of the Ring of Kerry route. Windsurf at the appropriately windswept Bantry Bay, visit the amazing and ancient Gallarus Oratory, or swim with Fungi the Dolphin in Dingle Harbour.
In the far south of Kerry, the Beara Peninsula is half shared with the neighbouring county of Cork, giving way to a more genteel and tamed natural environment, and countryside aspect.
Top Destinations
Dingle – The pretty town of Dingle is reached by crossing the Conor Pass, the highest mountain pass in Ireland, and the narrow and weaving road really gives you the feeling that you are squeezing through the slender gap to reach the bustling but homely port nestling beyond.
Gallarus Oratory – One of the most famous landmarks on the Dingle Peninsula, and situated close to four storey tower of Gallarus Castle, the Oratory is an astonishing, exquisite little building, constructed out of carefully-laid stone to resemble an upturned boat. Although there is some confusion as to the age of the structure, ranging from the 6th to the 12th century, there is no doubting the beauty of this well preserved chapel. The Oratory is also architecturally significant, as it represents a transition in design, between the beehive huts of the earlier period and the later rectangular churches with which we are now more familiar.
The Skellig Islands – Halfway round the Ring of Kerry, from Valentia, the most westerly harbour in Europe, the triangular peaks of the two Skellig Islands are a tantalising sight, with steep, jagged rocks surrounded by the crashing waves. Little Skellig is a bird sanctuary, particularly noted for its population of Northern Gannets, and human landing is not permitted. However, visitors are allowed on the neighbouring island of Great Skellig (also known as Skellig Michael); boat trips take travellers over to explore the rock and to climb up to the ancient monastic site at the summit. From the tiny landing stage a road leads to Christ's Saddle, the only patch of green on this otherwise inhospitable rocky island. From here, walkers can make their way along the path which leads to the arched stone remains of St Finian's Abbey, where, amongst the ruins lie six complete drystone beehive huts, which have miraculously managed to survive for centuries despite the often harsh conditions and frequently foul coastal weather.
MacGillycuddy's Reeks – Fabulously named after a local clan chief who once owned the land, and stretching imposingly over twelve miles of County Kerry, inland from the Iveragh Peninsula, and close to the lakes of Killarney, this noted mountain range includes the highest peak in Ireland, Corrán Tuathail. The area offers a varied selection of walks and climbing options to visitors throughout the year.
The Kerry Way – One of the best ways of exploring the finest that Kerry has to offer is by taking the popular 200km signposted walking trail, which runs from the busy town of Killarney, through to the wilderness of the Black Valley, and crosses a wide variety of terrain, over and around much of the Ring of Kerry.
Cois Na Habhainn is a detached holiday bungalow in the lovely fishing village of Carrigaholt, close to the Shannon Estuary. This is the perfect place for a quiet but eventful holiday. It's a great location for fishing or ...
Built at the beginning of the 19th century, this detached holiday cottage has been refurbished and retains many traditional features along with modern day comforts.Tranquil countryside and mountain views.Detached cottage ...
This semi-detached house (similar property shown in photograph) is located on the banks of the beautiful River Laune in a small holiday home development, along with three similar properties. The pretty town of Killorglin, ...
The Glass House, Ventry, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Dingle, County Kerry
This single-storey house offers a truly superb location for the holidaymaker. Set on a 2-acre site which leads down to the seashore, it offers spectacular sea, beach and mountain views. Located within strolling distance of ...
Derrygorman, Annascaul, nr. Dingle, Co. Kerry, Anascaul, County Kerry
11% off for a 21 nights break starting Wednesday, 29th of May
This detached holiday home enjoys a great location right in the heart of the little village of Annascaul yet is surrounded by countryside and offers magnificent mountain views from all angles. Located on the Dingle ...
A uniquely located self catering cottage accommodation, surrounded by a picturesque garden, by the shore’s of Kenmare Bay with superb views of the mountains and down the Bay towards the Atlantic Ocean. Available for ...
Situated just outside a small village, eight miles from Kenmare, this quaint cosy wooden holiday chalet is in a natural woodland setting surrounded by tall mature silver birch and oak trees.In a natural woodland ...
Rossbeigh outside Glenbeigh village on the famed Ring of Kerry route, is noted for its long stretch of sandy beach.Seaside haven.Semi-detached single storey cottage for 6.Rossbeigh outside Glenbeigh village on the famed ...
This modern, spacious bungalow with wooden floors, open fire, raised stone fireplace and tasteful furnishing, is set on a country road, 2 miles from the bustling town of Killorglin on the Ring of Kerry.Peaceful ...
This five-bedroomed cottage is located just 4 miles from the picturesque harbour town of Dingle. Surrounded by rolling hills, this cottage location offers a wonderful sense of tranquility. The downstairs area has solid red ...
In an idyllic setting on the Beara Peninsula by the Kenmare river, this detached property enjoys panoramic views over the river, open sea and the mountains beyond. Light and airy, with three patio doors leading off the ...
Dun Brina, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Kenmare, County Kerry
Peacefully nestled over the beautiful views of Kenmare Bay, in the rolling hills of the Kerry countryside, Dun Brina enjoys sea and mountain views, with excellent trout fishing on nearby lakes and rivers. Detached, it has ...
41 displayed of 41 properties found, no date selected
19 Ath Solas, Milltown, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Milltown, County Kerry
This holiday property is located in a quiet residential park within walking distance of Milltown village with its pubs, shops and cafes. The house is finished and furnished very nicely, and offers pleasant and spacious ...
A uniquely located self catering cottage accommodation, surrounded by a picturesque garden, by the shore’s of Kenmare Bay with superb views of the mountains and down the Bay towards the Atlantic Ocean. Available for ...
From its elevated site, this traditional, detached holiday cottage offers stunning sea views which can be enjoyed from the private garden and patio area. The cottage retains many original features such as deep windowsills ...
This detached cottage, next door to the owner's house, is on the outskirts of the pretty little village of Anascaul. Just 4 miles from the golden sands of Inch Beach and 2 miles from the beautiful Anascaul lake, it is a ...
Ballyfinane, Ballyfinnane, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Killarney, County Kerry
This semi-detached holiday house makes a wonderful base for discovering the magnificent scenery that Kerry has to offer, with easy access to the glorious Dingle Peninsula, the spectacular lakes and National Park of ...
From its elevated site this renovated bungalow offers truly spectacular panoramic views over Caragh Lake. Stunning lake and mountain views.Bungalow for 4.From its elevated site this renovated bungalow offers truly ...
Cois Na Habhainn is a detached holiday bungalow in the lovely fishing village of Carrigaholt, close to the Shannon Estuary. This is the perfect place for a quiet but eventful holiday. It's a great location for fishing or ...
Derrygorman, Annascaul, nr. Dingle, Co. Kerry, Anascaul, County Kerry
11% off for a 21 nights break starting Wednesday, 29th of May
This detached holiday home enjoys a great location right in the heart of the little village of Annascaul yet is surrounded by countryside and offers magnificent mountain views from all angles. Located on the Dingle ...
This five-bedroomed cottage is located just 4 miles from the picturesque harbour town of Dingle. Surrounded by rolling hills, this cottage location offers a wonderful sense of tranquility. The downstairs area has solid red ...
Dun Brina, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Kenmare, County Kerry
Peacefully nestled over the beautiful views of Kenmare Bay, in the rolling hills of the Kerry countryside, Dun Brina enjoys sea and mountain views, with excellent trout fishing on nearby lakes and rivers. Detached, it has ...
Fleur Cottage, Killorglin, Co. Kerry, Killorglin, County Kerry
Situated in large, landscaped gardens with beautiful views towards the moutains, this charming holiday cottage has been sympathetically renovated retaining all the charm of a traditional Irish cottage. The picturesque town ...
This cottage, which is decorated, furnished and well equipped to a very good standard, is situated on its own private grounds on the famous Ring of Kerry route 4 miles from Killarney.Ideal touring location.Detached single ...
Gleesk House, Sneem, Co. Kerry, Sneem, County Kerry
With its own coral strand and shoreline, spectacular views of Kenmare Bay and 100-acre grounds with landscaped garden, this family house, located on a working farm, has been refurbished to provide a charming holiday home. ...
This cosy holiday cottage has simply breathtaking views of the Dingle Mountains and Dingle Bay across its lovely enclosed garden. The living/dining room maximises the spectacular sea and mountain views through the ...
A wonderful little gem in the heart of 'Sliabh Luachra', famed for its traditional music and culture as well as walks.Tranquil countryside with mountain views.Detached single storey cottage for 4.A wonderful little gem in ...
Grove Lodge, Killorglin, Co. Kerry, Killorglin, County Kerry
Part of a small holiday development, this apartment enjoys a wonderful location on the banks of the beautiful River Laune. Located just a 5-minute stroll from the picturesque village of Killorglin, it is attractively and ...
This bungalow is nestling on a working sheep farm at the foot of Ireland's highest mountain 'Carrantuohill' and just minutes from the footpath.At the foot of Ireland's highest mountain.Detached bungalow for 4.This bungalow ...
This cosy cottage enjoys a wonderful location on the Dingle Peninsula, just 0.75 miles from the glorious Blue Flag beach of Inch with its miles of golden sands, blue waters and softly tinted mountains. The holiday cottage ...
Situated just outside a small village, eight miles from Kenmare, this quaint cosy wooden holiday chalet is in a natural woodland setting surrounded by tall mature silver birch and oak trees.In a natural woodland ...
This modern, spacious bungalow with wooden floors, open fire, raised stone fireplace and tasteful furnishing, is set on a country road, 2 miles from the bustling town of Killorglin on the Ring of Kerry.Peaceful ...
Situated on the Dingle Peninsula, overlooking the sea and the mountains, this charming two bedroomed cottage (midway between Boolteens and Inch Beach), has been lovingly renovated for the ideal getaway from the busy ...
This semi-detached house (similar property shown in photograph) is located on the banks of the beautiful River Laune in a small holiday home development, along with three similar properties. The pretty town of Killorglin, ...
Situated in the shelter of the magnificent Mangerton/McGillicuddy mountain range, Rookery Mews Apartments (one of which is featured here), are surrounded by the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, yet are only 15 ...
Rossbeigh outside Glenbeigh village on the famed Ring of Kerry route, is noted for its long stretch of sandy beach.Seaside haven.Semi-detached single storey cottage for 6.Rossbeigh outside Glenbeigh village on the famed ...
Sadie's Lodge, Tahilla, Co. Kerry, Kenmare, County Kerry
In a superb setting right on the water's edge, this cedar-wood lodge is cosy and enjoys stunning sea and mountain views from its sunny, conservatory living room. With an acre of natural terraced garden, it makes a lovely ...
In an idyllic setting on the Beara Peninsula by the Kenmare river, this detached property enjoys panoramic views over the river, open sea and the mountains beyond. Light and airy, with three patio doors leading off the ...
In an idyllic setting on the Beara Peninsula by the Kenmare river, this detached property enjoys panoramic views over the river, open sea and the mountains beyond. Light and airy, with three patio doors leading off the ...
The Gatehouse, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Kenmare, County Kerry
Retaining lots of character, this 200-year-old house, with its own garden, was originally built as a gardener's cottage and still boasts its external stone stairs. Set within the 3-acre landscaped grounds with another ...
The Glass House, Ventry, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Dingle, County Kerry
This single-storey house offers a truly superb location for the holidaymaker. Set on a 2-acre site which leads down to the seashore, it offers spectacular sea, beach and mountain views. Located within strolling distance of ...
Quietly set just a ten-minute walk from Killarney town, this lovely detached cottage has beautiful high ceilings creating an impression of spaciousness and a cosy electric ‘glow' stove in the living room. Standing in the ...
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