County Kerry Travel Guide

Ireland

Torc Waterfall which includes forest scenes and a river or creek
County Kerry
Torc Waterfall which includes forest scenes
Muckross Abbey showing a castle, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Dunmore Head showing landscape views, rocky coastline and general coastal views
One of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations,County Kerry is brimming with scenery that willlive long in the memory an unforgettable mixture of rugged coastline, rollingcountryside, bogs and mysterious looking mountains. Visitors looking toexperience the romance of Ireland won’t be disappointed in Kerry.As well as the magnificent landscape, there are many fine attractions toexplore in one of Ireland’s least urbanised and independent counties, one wherea warm welcome awaits around every corner.

The Hub of Kerry

Set in the heart of one of Ireland’s finestnational parks, Killarneyhas been plying its tourist trade for more than 250 years. It’s full of qualityrestaurants, pubs and accommodation, all on the doorstep of beautiful lakes,woodland, waterfalls and moors lying in the shadow of the country’s highestmountains, Macgillycuddy’sReeks.

The town’s history dates back to the Neolithicperiod and, based on the copper ore mined on Ross Island, was home to someimportant Bronze Age settlements. Over the centuries, expert stonemasonscrafted forts and devised Ogham script before, eventually, Viscount Kenmaredeveloped the town as the Irish answer to England’s Lake District.

Exploring Kerry

The majority of the one million visitors who descendon the county every year tend to stick to Killarneyand its attractions and the famous Ringof Kerry, a scenic drive around the neighbouring Iveragh Peninsula.

Stretching for more than 110 miles, the longest ofIreland’s renowned circular routes combines incredible coastal scenery withpicturesque countryside and fascinating villages providing perfect stop-offpoints for refreshments. Although the ring can be completed in a day, you couldtake your time and stay overnight in somewhere like Killorglinor Kenmare.

The coastal scenery is at its best betweenWaterville and Caherdaniel, with the UNESCO World Heritage site of SkelligMichael, a jagged 217m high chunk of rock, providing a fascinatingdiversion. Despite its appearance and isolation, from the 6th to the 13thcenturies it was home to Christian monks looking for ultimate solitude.

The more compact Dingle Peninsula, the most westernpoint in Europe at its tip, can also be explored using another circular drive.Its breathtaking natural beauty, mixed with rings forts, ancient ruins andcharming towns like Dingle, make it an experience to remember.

See and Do

Some of County Kerry’smost popular attractions are based around Killarney. As well as the naturalwonders of its national park, there is 15th century Ross Castle, KnockreerHouse and Gardens, the Muckross Estate, with a wonderfully restored 19th centurymansion at its heart, and Inisfallen Island, home to a monastery believed tohave been founded by St Finian the Leper in the 7th century.

KerryCounty Museum, in Tralee,has some excellent interpretive displays, including a Medieval Experience thatrecreates life in the town, smells and all, in 1450.

The SkelligExperience on ValentiaIsland chronicles the history of the Skellig Michael monks as well asthe island’s lighthouses and wildlife, while the atmospheric ruins of BallycarberyCastle, and two ring forts nearby, can be found in Caherciveen.

Popular cities in County Kerry

Muckross House featuring a garden, heritage architecture and flowers
Killarney
Known for Nature, Historical and Live music
Explore the cobbled streets, 19th-century architecture and beautiful walking trails of this Irish town known for its pub culture, hospitality and mountain surrounds.

Reasons to visit

  • Killarney National Park
  • Ross Castle
  • Muckross House
Tralee Town Park showing a statue or sculpture, flowers and a park
Tralee
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Bars
Visit the largest town in County Kerry and see Ireland’s historic functioning windmill and a town park with an exquisite rose garden.

Reasons to visit

  • Tralee Town Park
  • Blennerville Windmill
  • St. John's Parish
Ventry Beach showing a sandy beach and tranquil scenes
Ventry
Known for Windsurfing, Ports and Sandy beaches
Ventry is calling! Discover its windsurfing, coral reefs, adventures and more.

Reasons to visit

  • Ventry Beach
  • Irish Famine Cottages
  • Fahan BeeHive Huts
Dunmore Head showing farmland, general coastal views and rugged coastline
Dingle
Known for Friendly people, Walking and Live music
This scenic oceanfront town in County Kerry is known for its nearby golden beaches, spectacular mountain ranges and historic pubs and restaurants.

Reasons to visit

  • Dingle Harbour
Moll\'s Gap featuring tranquil scenes
Kenmare
Known for Live music, Entertainment and Dancing
Experience the live music, diving and natural setting in Kenmare!

Reasons to visit

  • Moll's Gap
Listowel
Listowel
Known for Dining, Cafes and Culture
Explore Listowel: its cafes, culture, theatre and more!