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.
Located on the Wild Atlantic Way in south Kerry, 1.3 miles from the picturesque village of Portmagee, gateway to Valentia Island and the Skelligs, this lovely cottage is perfect for exploring West Kerry. Filming of Star ...
Offering stunning panoramic views of Kenmare Bay, the Beara Peninsula and rocky coves, this traditional detached cottage is the perfect getaway retreat for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. Accessed via a ...
Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, in a rural and coastal area, this traditional farmhouse has been converted to offer great space and comfort, and enjoys stunning views of Dingle Bay and the surrounding Kells area. The ...
With its elevated site, Gleesk House offers the most spectacular panoramic sea views. This traditional Irish cottage, which has been a family home for six generations, has been lovingly restored over the years and offers ...
Located just 1km from Dingle town on the Wild Atlantic Way, this semi-detached holiday property enjoys a tranquil location with hill views, yet is just a 10-minute walk to the pretty fishing town. Dingle boasts a selection ...
On the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoying an elevated position between hill and sea, this detached property features a pine kitchen, wooden floorboards, an open fire and magnificent sea views. With a cathedral ceiling and an ...
Awash with olde worlde charm, located on the Wild Atlantic Way, this traditional cottage emanates a very cosy atmosphere with modern amenities and is designed to make the most of its seaside location, with stunning sea ...
Located just over a mile from Killorglin, this pretty little detached cottage has been renovated to a very good standard and retains many traditional features. It makes a perfect holiday base with beautiful beaches at ...
In a delightful, quiet courtyard setting with distant views over Dingle Bay, these 5 holiday properties (references W32188, W32189, W32190, W32191 and W32192) lie just a short walk from the heart of the town. Perfect for ...
In a delightful, quiet courtyard setting with distant views over Dingle Bay, these 5 holiday properties (references W32188, W32189, W32190, W32191 and W32192) lie just a short walk from the heart of the town. Perfect for ...
Golden beach 0.5 miles / Three bathrooms.This wonderful three-storey house on the edge of Castlegregory village enjoys views across to the Dingle Mountains with glimpses of the sea from the bedrooms. It is decorated and ...
Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, this spacious, detached holiday house offers lovely sea views. Valentia has some wonderful walking routes, including Bray Head, and you can even walk in the footsteps of a tetrapod. ...
Offering stunning panoramic views of Kenmare Bay, the Beara Peninsula and rocky coves, this traditional detached cottage is the perfect getaway retreat for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. Accessed via a ...
Golden beach 0.5 miles / Three bathrooms.This wonderful three-storey house on the edge of Castlegregory village enjoys views across to the Dingle Mountains with glimpses of the sea from the bedrooms. It is decorated and ...
Located just 1km from Dingle town on the Wild Atlantic Way, this semi-detached holiday property enjoys a tranquil location with hill views, yet is just a 10-minute walk to the pretty fishing town. Dingle boasts a selection ...
In a delightful, quiet courtyard setting with distant views over Dingle Bay, these 5 holiday properties (references W32188, W32189, W32190, W32191 and W32192) lie just a short walk from the heart of the town. Perfect for ...
In a delightful, quiet courtyard setting with distant views over Dingle Bay, these 5 holiday properties (references W32188, W32189, W32190, W32191 and W32192) lie just a short walk from the heart of the town. Perfect for ...
In a delightful, quiet courtyard setting with distant views over Dingle Bay, these 5 holiday properties (references W32188, W32189, W32190, W32191 and W32192) lie just a short walk from the heart of the town. Perfect for ...
Nestled in a wonderfully secluded setting in over 2 acres of delightful woodland garden, this single-storey, detached lodge is very tastefully presented and offers cosy holiday accommodation, which includes some antique ...
Situated in large, cottage gardens, with beautiful views towards the mountains, this charming, detached holiday cottage has been sympathetically renovated retaining all the charm of a traditional Irish cottage. Relax in ...
Ideal touring location.This detached holiday 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 ...
With its elevated site, Gleesk House offers the most spectacular panoramic sea views. This traditional Irish cottage, which has been a family home for six generations, has been lovingly restored over the years and offers ...
With its elevated site, Gleesk House offers the most spectacular panoramic sea views. This traditional Irish cottage, which has been a family home for six generations, has been lovingly restored over the years and offers ...
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 ...
Stunning mountain views.Looking over to Ireland’s highest mountain Carrantuohill in the rugged beauty of the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, this detached holiday cottage dates back to the 1900s. Delightfully restored with many ...
From its hillside location on the owner’s sheep farm with working dogs, this traditional detached cottage is set just a mile from the beach and enjoys views of Kenmare Bay and the Slieve Miskish mountains. With a small ...
On the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoying an elevated position between hill and sea, this detached property features a pine kitchen, wooden floorboards, an open fire and magnificent sea views. With a cathedral ceiling and an ...
Located just over a mile from Killorglin, this pretty little detached cottage has been renovated to a very good standard and retains many traditional features. It makes a perfect holiday base with beautiful beaches at ...
Enjoying a lovely location on the Wild Atlantic Way, this detached cottage, adjacent to the owner’s home, makes a wonderful base from which to discover the glorious scenery. The cottage is bright and airy with a private ...
Breathtaking views.On an elevated site with a breathtaking view of Kenmare Bay, and the Caha range of mountains. The detached farmhouse has a charm of its own, having been skilfully renovated with excellent furnishings and ...
Picturesque countrysideEnjoy the peace and tranquillity of this scenic beautiful area on the Beara Peninsula in this well kept, semi-detached, coastal holiday cottage, offering compact and comfortable accommodation. The ...
Excellent views.Situated on the Dingle Peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way, overlooking the sea and the mountains, this charming two bedroomed cottage (midway between Boolteens and Inch Beach), has been lovingly renovated ...
Located on the Wild Atlantic Way in south Kerry, 1.3 miles from the picturesque village of Portmagee, gateway to Valentia Island and the Skelligs, this lovely cottage is perfect for exploring West Kerry. Filming of Star ...
Seacrest Cottage is a pretty little detached cottage located on a quiet by-road, just ten minutes’ stroll from the heritage town of Kenmare. Located on the owner’s 30-acre farmland, the cottage offers beautiful views ...
Tranquil countryside and mountain views.Step back in time and enjoy the tranquillity of this traditional cottage located 3 miles from Killarney. Built at the beginning of the 19th century, this detached holiday cottage has ...
Awash with olde worlde charm, located on the Wild Atlantic Way, this traditional cottage emanates a very cosy atmosphere with modern amenities and is designed to make the most of its seaside location, with stunning sea ...
Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, in a rural and coastal area, this traditional farmhouse has been converted to offer great space and comfort, and enjoys stunning views of Dingle Bay and the surrounding Kells area. The ...
Tubrid Cottage enjoys a wonderful location just 1 mile from the beautiful heritage town of Kenmare which offers a host of fantastic restaurants, cafes, traditional pubs and some great shops. This 150-year-old detached ...
Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, this spacious, detached holiday house offers lovely sea views. Valentia has some wonderful walking routes, including Bray Head, and you can even walk in the footsteps of a tetrapod. ...
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