Kerry

Discover the vast range of things to do in Kerry Ireland. As one of Irelands most visited locations, you will never want to leave.

THINGS TO DO IN KERRY IRELAND QUICK LINKS

Discover the vast range of things to do in Kerry Ireland. As one of Irelands most visited locations, you will never want to leave.

TOWNS IN COUNTY KERRY IRELAND QUICK LINKS

Ardfert Cathedral

St Brendan “The Navigator” first founded a monastery on the site of Ardfert Cathedral in County Kerry Ireland in the 6th century. The Ardfert Cathedral ruins themselves date back to the 12th century, three medieval churches, several medieval grave slabs and an Ogham stone (Ogham is the earliest form of writing seen in Ireland) can be seen on the site.

Blasket Islands and Blasket Island Heritage Centre

The Blasket Islands are made up of 6 small islands off the coast of Dingle County Kerry Ireland. The biggest of the islands is called Great Blasket and boat trips to Great Blasket or around the Islands area are available, one of the best things to do in Kerry Ireland. The Islands have been uninhabited since the last of the inhabitants there moved to the mainland in 1953 but during a visit to the Great Blasket visitors can still see the old village. A fascinating documentary of island life can be seen in the Blasket Island Heritage Centre on the mainland.

Crag Caves

Crag Caves in County Kerry Ireland were only discovered as recently as 1983 by Professor John Gunn and Welsh cave diver Martyn Farr. Experience the captivating 3.82 cave system for yourself by taking a guided tour and seeing the remarkable examples of caverns, passages and other cave formations such as stalactites and stalagmites some of which are over one million years old

The Dingle Peninsula

Experience some of the most breath-taking scenery in County Kerry Ireland by exploring the Dingle Peninsula. Take a journey through historic sites including Dunbeg Fort and An Riasc (an excavated monastic settlement), view the stunning costal scenery of Slea Head drive and Dunmore Head (Ireland’s most westerly point) and say hello to one of the most unique attractions of Dingle – Fungi the friendly Dolphin who has made this area his home.

Gap of Dunloe

A trip through the Gap of Dunloe can only be taken on foot, by cycling, horse riding or by pony and trap (jaunting cart) which makes it an even more special and magical experience. Carved thousands of years ago by a large glacier the Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry Ireland is approx 11km (7 miles) long and offers spectacular views of the Macgillycuddy Reeks, the Purple Mountains and the lakes within the Gap. Many visitors take the opportunity of the return journey to go by boat and experience the Killarney Lakes.

Killarney National Park

With rugged mountainous scenery, vast forests and an abundance of wildlife Killarney National Park at approx 10,000 hectares is nature at it’s purest. One of the major attractions of Killarney National Park in Killarney Ireland is its lakes, the much loved Lakes of Killarney offer stunning scenery and plenty of viewing points to get that perfect picture. Killarney National Park in County Kerry Ireland is also home to Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall and Muckross House and Gardens. Tours are available of the Park from Killarney town and self guided nature trails are also a good option.

Lakes of Killarney

These beautiful lakes within the Killarney National Park in Killarney Ireland offer incredible scenery and an abundance of postcard perfect photo opportunities, one of the most remarkable viewing points worth stopping at is Ladies View. The three lakes, Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and Upper Lake are enclosed by rugged and beautiful mountains and they are one of Ireland’s most beguiling attractions.

Muckross House and Gardens and Traditional Farms

Muckross house in Killarney Ireland is an impressive Victorian mansion built in 1843 and is one of the main focal points of Killarney National Park. This stately home overlooks Muckross Lake one of the renowned Lakes of Killarney. Muckross House and Gardens are exceptionally kept with period furnishings and fine art, the 19th century house is also the home to a number of skilled craft workers and shows exhibitions on local heritage and crafts.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry Ireland around the Iveragh Peninsula at approx 179km (112 miles) long is truly one of Ireland’s greatest and most popular scenic routes to tour and explore. As it is circular journey sightseers can use any of the towns along the route as a starting point. On the Ring of Kerry you will visit many of County Kerry’s much loved attractions, towns and villages including Killarney, Kenmare, Waterville Cahersiveen and Glenbeigh. Visitors will also enjoy an abundance of Kerry’s spectacular scenery and historic sites taking in Coomakista Pass Ladies view, Muckross House, Ross Castle, and the Lakes of Killarney. Most buses will travel the Ring of Kerry in a clockwise direction, therefore if you are driving the recommendation is to travel in an anticlockwise direction as this will have you going against instead of behind the bus traffic it makes for a more enjoyable drive.

Ross Castle

Idyllically situated on the shores of Lough Leane, one of the 3 treasured Lakes of Killarney, in County Kerry Ireland. Ross Castle was built in the 15th Century and was home to the O’Donoghues of Killarney Ireland and the Castle was the last place in Munster to surrender to Cromwell’s forces. Tours of the Lakes of Killarney are available from the castle.

Skellig Islands

The Skellig Islands, part of County Kerry Ireland, are two now uninhabited Islands off the Iveragh Peninsula. Skellig Michael is the larger of the two islands and was named by the monks who made this isolated area their home, they first settled on Skellig Michael sometime between the 6th and 8th century and the island as a result has well preserved remains of the monastic settlement which is of great interest to archaeologists and has been designated a World Heritage Site. If you wish to visit the island of Skellig Michael it is recommended you book in advance to avail of one of the boat tours to the island and the tours would be weather permitting.

Torc Waterfall

At the base of Torc Mountain in County Kerry Ireland is the beautiful Torc Waterfall. The waterfall has a fall of approx 60 feet and its best after a heavy rainfall . Torc Waterfall is located approx 7km from the town of Killarney Ireland and the pathway to the waterfall (a walk of approx 300 meters) offers splendid views of the Killarney Lakes

Valentia Island

Valentia Island is a small scenic island linked to the mainland by a causeway to Portmagee. Valentia is approx 11km (6.9 miles) long and is popular for its seascapes and for its close proximity to the Skellig Islands. The main village on Valentia Island is Knightstown offering fun pubs and splendid scenery and also has accommodation for those who would like to spend a night or two on the Island. Valentia is also a favourite with water sports enthusiasts, particularly divers.

Ballybunion

Ballybunion is a family resort town and home to world famous Ballybunion Old golf course. With a spectacular coastline the area is ideal for a seaside holiday or stopover on your golfing tour of Ireland and it is also considered one of the best surfing spots in County Kerry Ireland.

Dingle

Dingle, a Gaeltacht area (Irish speaking), is a busy fishing port and market town in County Kerry Ireland. With a charming and picturesque location it is a popular tourist hub for visitors to the south. A bustling harbour, brightly painted shops, old style pubs, several excellent restaurants and a strong Irish music tradition make Dingle a lively and much loved town, add to this the spectacular scenery in and around Dingle a visit here is a truly memorable Irish experience.

Kenmare

Kenmare, founded in 1670, has a long and interesting history that includes the Stone Circles located just outside the town which date somewhere between 2200 – 500 BC. The town, in County Kerry Ireland is well known for its traditional lace making which was introduced to the town by local nuns during the famine to create employment for the women of the community and an exhibition of the antique lace can be seen the towns heritage centre.

Killarney

Killarney Ireland is one of Kerry’s and Ireland’s most popular destinations for visitors and natives alike. The town of Killarney Ireland provides a great base for activity enthusiasts, sightseers and those seeking a relaxing break. The awe-inspiring scenery of the surrounding areas has enticed visitors for more than 200 years. With several first rate hotels and restaurants and many an entertaining pub often with live traditional music, Killarney in County Kerry Ireland is an ideal location for an Ireland stay.

Listowel

Listowel, situated on the River Feale is market town in the north of County Kerry Ireland. Home to a pleasant market square overlooked by the remains of Listowel Castle the town is often described as the “Literary Capital of Ireland” due to its associations with a number of authors including John B Keane. Listowel hosts a writers week once a year that celebrates the talents and works of new and old, unknown, famed and infamous.

Tralee

Tralee is the county town of County Kerry Ireland and is host town to famous Rose of Tralee Festival which takes place in August every year. Attractions in and around Tralee include, Tralee Golf Club, Kerry county Museum, Siamsa Tire – The National Folk Theatre, The Aqua Dome and Blennerville Windmill.