County Kerry is located in the Southwest of Ireland. Kerry is world renowned for its beautiful scenery and this has drawn people to this pleasant part of Ireland since the mid 18th century. Kerry is home to one of Ireland’s largest Irish speaking communities (Gaeltachts). Its picturesque landscape provides excellent opportunities for walking, cycling, horse-riding, fishing and golfing.
The county itself, also known as ‘The Kingdom’, has a many miles of coastline in the Atlantic along its three peninsulas. It is also home to Ireland’s highest mountain Carrauntoohil (approx 1038m / 3407ft in height), Killarney National Park, a number of wonderful beaches, and the famous Ring of Kerry scenic route. Kerry has also got a fine variety of restaurants and pubs for you to enjoy!
There are a number of important historical attractions, such as Muckross House and Gardens, Gallarus Oratory, Staigue Fort, Derrynane House and Ardfert Cathedral and others.
Top Attractions in County Kerry
Ardfert Cathedral – Ardfert – A monastery was founded here by St. Brendan “The Navigator” in the 6th century. There are three medieval churches, an ogham stone and a number of early Christian and medieval grave slabs on the site today.
Blennerville Windmill – Blennerville – This windmill is a fully restored, two hundred years old windmill housing exhibits on the history of milling. Craft workshops, coffee shops and a restaurant overlooking the mill.
Celtic and Prehistoric Museum – Kilvickadownig, Ventry – The Celtic and Prehistoric Museum is located at Ventry. Its fossil room contains a number of fossils, as well as a nest of seventy million year old dinosaur eggs. Also displays various tools and artefacts from the stone age up until more recent times
Crag Cave – Castleisland – Crag cave is a colourful wonderland of stalactites and stalactmites. Only discovered in 1983 and thought to be over a million years old, it is a natural all weather attraction. A craft shop, restaurant and coffee shop are open to the public.
Derrynane House – Caherdaniel, Derrynane – Derrynane House is the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, lawyer, politician and statesman. Situated on 120 hectares of parklands on the scenic Kerry coast, the House displays many relics of O’Connell’s life and career.
Gallarus Oratory – Dingle – Located on the Dingle Peninsula, on the R559 ATLANTIC WAY this is the most perfectly preserved of the boat shaped oratories in Kerry, built between 9-12 Century. This little church has never been restored and still stands intact.
Kenmare Heritage Centre – Kenmare – The Kenmare Heritage Centre provides a intregal insight into the history of the town. The centre’s tours cover a wide range of historical themes from generations gone by.
Kerry Bog Village Museum – Ring of Kerry, Glenbeigh – The Kerry Bog Village Museum, located on the beautiful ‘Ring of Kerry’, gives people an insight into how people lived and worked in Ireland in the 18th Century. The village is the only one of its kind in Europe.
Kerry County Museum – Tralee – This is part of the “Kerry the Kingdom” Experience, which features 3 superb attractions in one centre. Priceless treasures stand side by side with the most modern interpretative media.
Kerry Woollen Mills – Killarney – The Mills date originally from the seventeenth century, when a woollen manufacturing industry was established. Tours of the Mill give a delightful insight into how wool has been manufactured in Kerry, up to the present day.
Killarney National Park – Killarney, Muckross – Summary The National Park comprises of 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of beautiful lake and mountain scenery. The Park is famous for its’ native natural habitats and species including oakholly woods, yew woods and red deer.
Listowel Castle – The Square, Listowel – 15th century castle built by the Fitzmaurices.
Muckross Friary – Muckross Estate, Killarney – This Franciscan Friary was founded in the 15th century and is in a remarkable state of preservation. The tower was added after the church was built and is the only Franciscan tower in Ireland which is as wide as the church.
Muckross House and Gardens – Killarney National Park, Muckross, Killarney –
Muckross Traditional Farm – Muckross Estate, Killarney –
Ross Castle – Killarney – This Castle may be considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. The date of its foundation is uncertain but it was probably built in the late 15th century by one of the O’Donoghue Ross chieftains.
Skellig Experience Centre – Valentia Island – In THE SKELLIG EXPERIENCE CENTRE you can experience many aspects of those offshore Skellig islands while remaining on the dry land, in a custom built, stone clad, grass roofed, prize winning building located right on the waterfront beside the Valentia Island bridge at Valentia, County Kerry!
Staigue Fort – Castlecove – This is one of the largest and finest stone forts in Ireland and was probably built in the early centuries AD before Christianity came to Ireland. It must have been in the home of a very wealthy landowner or chieftain who had a great need for security.
Tarbert House – Tarbert – Home of the Leslie family since 1690, Tarbert house is a Queen Anne /Georgian period building dating from 1690. It is still preserved in its original form with furniture and pictures from the same period.
The Blasket Centre – Dingle Peninsula, Dingle –
The Garden of Europe – Listowel – The garden is laid out in 12 divisions representing the countries that formed the European Union in 1992. The garden has two focal points. At the top of the garden there is a splendid bust (almost twice the life size) of the poet Schiller.
The Lakes of Killarney – Killarney – The three main lakes of Killarney occupy a broad valley stretching south between the mountains, the Lower, Middle and Upper lakes, all lie within the Killarney National Park. Spectacular scenery.
The Skellig Islands – Skellig Islands – The Skellig Islands, Skellig Michael and Small Skellig, stand aloof in the Atlantic Ocean some 12 km southwest of Valentia Island, County Kerry. From any angle, or from any vantage point on the nearby Ring of Kerry, they are spectacular pinnacles, which have magnetised viewers throughout all history – and beyond.
Torc Waterfall – Killarney, Muckross – A striking waterfall approached by a very pleasant walk up a steep hill. Magnificent views from the summit.
Valentia Observatory – Valentia Island – This is Irelands oldest synoptic weather station , located a few minutes from Cahersiveen town on the Waterville road. Weather observations and made each hour and transmitted by telex to Dublin.
Main Destinations in County Kerry
Cahirciveen is the largest town at this end of the Iveragh Peninsula and a busy local centre for shopping, entertainment, eating and drinking. It’s a good place for exploring this part of the Ring of Kerry and has some fine attractions of its own.
Dingle has been referred to as the prettiest town on the edge of the world. Situated at the end of the Dingle Peninsula, it is part of the Gaeltacht which means that the national tongue is still spoken here.
Kenmare is a haven of tranquillity, gourmet food, superb accommodation and breathtaking scenery in one of the most natural, unspoilt environments in Europe. Cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay, the picturesque town of Kenmare is the perfect location from which to discover the South West of Ireland, linking the internationally famous Ring of Kerry with the rugged Ring of Beara.
Killarney is the Mecca for visitors to Kerry and offers a myriad of attractions in the midst of glorious scenery. It is a superb resort for golf, fishing, boating, hill and nature walking, touring, dining, pony trekking, cycling, horse racing, shopping and entertainment.
Tralee is the true leading town of the county. Famous worldwide for its Rose Festival in August. It is well served by transport, rail, road and air and is the ideal base for touring the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry.
Other Towns and Villages in County Kerry
Ballybunion is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the country. It is indeed a mecca for those who love the bustle and excitement of such a setting. It has many entertainments, some lovely walking trails and an excellent golf course.
Caherdaniel: Copper mines were worked here over 4,000 years ago, and an old butter road runs from the village which is now part of the Kerry Way walking trail. The area is rich in archaeological remains. Derrynane, the home of Daniel O’Connell, is next to the village in Derrynane National Park.
Glencar can be found high above Caragh Lake. The rugged beauty of the district is greatly enhanced by the delightful forest at Lickeen. The upper Caragh River flowing through Glencar has always attracted the keenest of anglers and is also a delight for the hillwalker, mountain climber and nature lover.
Inch strand consists of three miles of sandy beach, for bathing, surfing and sea angling. Sea Otters and seals bask in the sunshine rearing their young, Dolphins dive gracefully in the bay and gannets fly like arrows into the crystal waters.
Kells is a small picturesque seaside area halfway between Glenbeigh and Cahersiveen. Travelling from mountain stage to Kells Post Office, one has a panoramic view of Dingle Bay.
Killorglin is a market town and venue for the annual Puck Fair, which has its origins in pre-Christian times. The town lies on the Ring of Kerry and boasts a fine 18-hole golf course.
Listowel is one of north Kerry’s cultural jewels, Listowel can claim several eminent writers such as Brian McMahon, and the playwright John. B Keane. These and other Irish literary luminaries are celebrated each year at the Listowel Writers Week.
Skellig Islands: Skellig Michael is a small island off the coast, granted UNESCO World heritage status in 1996.
Tarbert is the ferry crossing point between North Kerry and Killimer in Co. Clare. The 20 minute journey saves nearly 130 km of road travel. Ferries run every hour on the hour from Killimer.
Valentia Island, linked to the mainland by a bridge, has Europe’s most westerly harbour. Valentia has much historical importance as the first transatlantic telegraph cable ashore here linking Europe with the North America came ashore in 1857.
Ventry village is situated about 4 miles west of Dingle town. It has a beautiful crescent-shaped beach, which has watersports in the summer. The village has two pubs, post office, church, pottery shop and café.
Waterville is located dramatically between Lough Currane and the Atlantic Ocean. This is a world famous game angling resort. The scenery in the area is second to none. For those seeking a quieter visit to Kerry, Waterville offers a more low key alternative to the hustle and bustle of Killarney.
Popular locations to stay in Co. Kerry are Anascaul (5 places to stay), Ballybunion (6), Ballydavid (4), Ballyferriter (1), Beaufort (2), Caherdaniel (3), Cahirciveen (4), Castlegregory (1), Castleisland (1), Castlemaine (4), Dingle (33), Fossa (2), Glenbeigh (3), Kells (1), Kenmare (32), Killarney (68), Killorglin (7), Lissivigeen (1), Listowel (4), Milltown (1), Muckross (1), Portmagee (1), Tralee (23), Valentia Island (5), Waterville (3).
Other towns include Aghadoe, Ardfert, Asdee, Ballinskelligs, Ballyheigue, Ballylongford, Blackwater Bridge, Blennerville, Camp, Castlecove, Clonkeen, Currow, Derrynane, Dunloe, Farranfore, Fenit, Feothanach, Firies, Gap of Dunloe, Glencar, Glenflesk, Gneeveguilla, Inch, Kilflynn, Kilgarvan, Knightstown, Knocknagoshel, Lauragh, Lispole, Oakpark, Skellig Islands, Sneem, Tahilla, Tarbert, Tuosist, Ventry.
Getting Here and Around
Kerry is located in the southwest of Ireland. Accessible by air, Kerry Airport is located at Farranfore with a very limited service to Ireland, the UK, and Germany, and a short distance to Shannon Airport, Ireland.
There is a railway line serving Killarney, Farranfore and Tralee. There are some direct services from Dublin, and it’s also possible to change for Dublin/Cork services at Mallow.
For the driver, there is an extensive road network, and, depending on where in Kerry your visit takes you, the closest motorway connections are in counties Limerick and Cork.
More detailed information on getting to and around County Kerry can be found in our Co. Kerry Transport Guide.