Kerry

[an error occurred while processing this directive] No matter from which direction the county of Kerry is approached, the great central spine of the mountains draws the eye of the traveller like a great symphony draws an audience to a fitting climax. The relatively high mountains and narrow peninsulas conjure weather patterns which change the face of the mountains, the surface of the water and the texture of the landscape by the minute. The fretted coastline and deep bays created by the mighty Atlantic play tricks with the light and produce a magical quality which intoxicates the senses.

Explore

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. The park contains a glorious beach and some lovely walks.

Dingle
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. Once the location of the county's buoyant smuggling trade it served as the base for trade with Spain and France.

Kenmare
Kenmare has been designated a heritage town and is beautifully situated on the Kenmare River between the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula. The town was planned and built in the 18th century by the 1st Marquis of Lansdowne, Sir William Petty. An 18 hole golf course is one of the most scenic in the country.

Killarney
Developed by Lord Kenmare as a tourist town in the 18th century, Killarney is now the major tourist centre and accommodation base in Kerry. It is the centre for the Ring of Kerry tour, the focal point for the Killarney National Park and the Kerry Way Walking Trail.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Killorglin
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.

Ventry
Ventry village is situated about 4 miles west of Dingle town. It has a beautiful cresent shaped beach, which has watersports in the summer. The village has two pubs, post office, church, pottery shop and cafe.

Tralee
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.

Sneem Village
Sneem is situated on the Ring of Kerry which encircles some of the most glorious scenery in Ireland. The village has two markets squares, each shop front or house seems to be painted a different colour.

Cahirciveen
The town lies at the foot of the Beentee mountain, overlooking Valentia Harbour. The Liberator, Daniel O Connell is the towns most famous son, a successful lawyer and MP.

Camp
This is a small, compact village in a beautiful scenic area near the foot of the Slieve Mish Mountains. The Camp area is central to the Dingle Peninsula on either side, with close proximity to a number of good, safe, sandy beaches.

Valentia Island
This is an island of unique scenic beauty, tropical vegetation, breathtaking cliffs and magnificent seascapes. The island is an excellent centre for sea angling and diving in unpolluted waters. Access to mainland via bridge.

Portmagee
A picturesque fishing village at the south west tip of Valentia harbour.

Kells
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.

Glenbeigh
Glenbeigh is a popular holiday base nestled at the foot of a well wooded mountain known as the Glenbeigh Horseshoe.

Glencar
High above Caragh Lake, is the naturally beautiful district of Glencar. 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.

Ballydavid
This is one of the most beautiful spots of the Dingle Peninsula and an area of uncommercialised local culture. Even throughout the busy summer months, this area remains peaceful. There are outstanding walks and wonderful evening views out over the last edge of land to the wide, open Atlantic ocean.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Inch
Inch strand consists of three miles of sandy beach, for bathing, surfing and sea angling. The film 'Playboy of the Western World' was shot entirely at Inch as was scenes from the film 'Ryans Daughter'. 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.

Attractions

DINGLE OCEANWORLD AQUARIUM
Mara Beo - Dingle Ocean World is Ireland's new spectacular Aquarium, overlooking the scenic Dingle Harbour, in County Kerry. OceanWorld reveals the fascinating species that live in the waters around the magnificent Dingle Peninsula, but this experience is also a journey through the Peninsula's ancient sea culture and its people's interface with the sea from the pre-christian era to the present time.

KENMARE HERITAGE CENTRE
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. A feature of the centre is the Sound Tours which are available to every visitor. A heritage trail from the centre follows for all visitors.

KERRY BOG VILLAGE MUSEUM
The Kerry Bog Village Museum and Village at Glenbeigh on the magnificent Ring of Kerry is a unique rural attraction to delight young and old who are interested in finding out more on the domestic lifestyles of the Irish in the early 1800's. It aims to create a period setting where you can visit and experience the past and understand the way of life in Ireland during this era.

KERRY WOOLEN MILLS
The Mills date originally from the seventeenth century, when a wollen 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 MODEL RAILWAY
Killarney Model Railway will give enjoyment to all the family. Some fascinating detail, scores of trains running on over a mile of track, transport you throught the landmarks of Europe. There are thousands of tiny people depicting all walks of life and a day and night scene that will take your breath away.

MUCKROSS HOUSE, GARDENS AND TRADITIONAL FARMS
Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms are a fantastic experience for everyone. The House and its Gardens are kept magnificently, while the Farms show how farming used to be managed in more traditional times. Car and boat trips as well as a crart workshop make for an eventful and enjoyable visit.

KILLARNEY MANOR BANQUETS
A celebration of Irish Music, Song and Dance, while enjoying the finest of Irish fare in the company of The Lord and Lady of Killarney, their household and guests. A corporate and incentive event venue with a difference.

TORC WATERFALL
A striking waterfall approached by a very pleasant walk up a steep hill. Magnificent views from the summit.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] COOLWOOD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND ZOO
This sancturary and childrens zoo is located about two miles from Killarney town. Situated on 50 acres, it is an ideal family venue with scenic walks, coffee shop, childrens playground and the 3 acre childrens zoo has a rich variety of exotic species.

THE DINGLE DOLPHIN
Since 1983, a wild Bottlenose Dolphin chose to make Dinge Harbour its home. Boat trips leave Dingle Pier all year round. Swimming trips with the dolphin is a visitors delight.

BALLYFERRITER BUTTERFLY FARM
Butterfly World is set in the grounds of Ostan Granville. There are over 330 species between the Native butterfly house and the Tropical house. Other insects and reptiles on display also.

GALLARUS ORATORY
Located on the Dingle Peninsula, this is the most perfectly preserved of the boat shaped oratories in Kerry, built between 9-12 Century.

THE SKELLIG ISLANDS
Boat trips out to the Skellig Island run throughout the year, depending on the weather. The two Skellig islands, Skellig Michael and small Skellig stand in the Atlantic Ocean 12 km south west of Valentia.They are renowned for their scenery, seabird colonies and early Christian monastic architecture.
SKELLIG EXPERIENCE CENTRE
The centre has an audiovisual show, cafe, exhibits on all aspects of the Skelligs. The themes are the Hisory & Archaelogy of Skellig Michaels Early Christian Monastery, the seabirds, their habitat, the lighthouse and the underwater world. Apr-Sept.

ARDFERT CATHEDRAL
This monastery was founded by Saint Brendan The Navigator in the 6th Century. There are three medieval churches, an ogham stone and many early Christian grave slabs on the site. May-Nov

CAHIRCIVEEN HERITAGE CENTRE
A visit to this enchanting centre is a must if a visitor wishes to see and do something really different. Wide variety of exhibitions on display.

ROSS CASTLE
Located in Killarney, the Castle is typical of the strongholds of Irish Chieftains during the Middle Ages. Apr-Sept.

STAIGUE FORT
Situated in Castlecove, the Fort is probably the finest example of a stone fort in Ireland, about 2,500 yrs old. Built of local stone.

DERRYNANE HOUSE
This is the ancestral home of Daniel O Connell, lawyer, politican and statesman. The exhibition incorporates an audio visual presentation and a guided tour on request. Today, some 120 acres of the lands of Derrynane, together with Derrynane House, make up Derrynane National Historic Park.

DUNLOE CASTLE GARDENS
The Gardens at Dunloe Castle combine the wild grandeur of loughs and mountains, with rarities of the plant world seldom seen elsewhere in Ireland. Apr-Oct.

THE BLASKET CENTRE
The Great Blasket Island off the Dingle Peninsula is known for its historic, cultural and literary heritage.The island was abandoned in 1953 when only 22 inhabitants remained and has now being designated a National Historic Park. Apr-Oct.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] BLENNERVILLE WINDMILL
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. Mar-Oct.

FENIT SEAWORLD
This is a unique opportunity to observe hundreds of species of underwater wildlife from Tralee Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Fenit Seaworld is entertainment and education, science and mystery, beauty and savagery.

THE GERALDINE EXPERIENCE CENTRE
This is a unique visitor attraction located in the Kerry The Kingdom, Tralee, which also houses the exhibition Kerry In Colour and the Kerry County Museum. The visitor is transported back in time on a battery operated Time Car. Mar-Dec

PREHISTORIC MUSEUM
Located at Ventry, enter our fossil room, see our next of seventy million year old Dinosaur eggs. From there you can pass through the major phases of human life over the last five hundred thousand years. Apr-Sept

FARMWORLD
Situated on the Dingle Peninsula, this is a 160 acre hill farm. Mainly drystock, featuring hill breeds of sheep and cattle. Indoor animal display. Guided tours. Feb-Sept.

TARBERT HOUSE
Home of the Leslie family since 1690, Tarbert House is a Queen Anne Georgian building. A Heritage house, it is preserved in its original form with furniture and pictures from the 17th Century.

FAIRYTALE MUSEUM
Located at the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, this is probably the only exhibition of its kind. The ancient Celtic holidays are recalled, over one thousand items on display include antique dolls and collectable bears, rabbits, dolls houses and minitatures. Cafe ajoining has home made foods and based on the characters from the Enchanted Forest. Apr-Sept.

MUSEUM OF IRISH TRANSPORT
Situated in Killarney, this museum contains a spectacular display of veteran, vintage and classic motor cars. Also a collection of bicycles and motorcycles. All year.

CRAG CAVE
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.

THE LAKES OF 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.

KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK
The National Park comprises over 10,000 hectares 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.

LADIES VIEW
Ladies View is a celebrated panorama of Killarneys lakes, situated 19 km south of Killarney on the N71. The hilltop commands the view much admired by Queen Victorias ladies in waiting, when they visited there in 1861, hence the name Ladies View.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] KATE KEARNEYS COTTAGE
This cottage is picturesquely situated at the entrance to what must be the most beautiful glaciated valley in Western Europe. It is a family run business with dinner served daily, sing songs, Irish dancing, traditional music and gift shops.

VALENTIA OBSERVATORY
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. Many historic instruments originally used, are on display at the Observatory.

BAHAGHS WORKHOUSE
Located in Cahersiveen, lies the shell of a workhouse. In 1846 it was converted form a lodge to a santuary for the destitute, housing a school, hospital, residential quaterss, soup kitchen and a Church. Its doors were closed in 1923.

DEREEN GARDENS
Situated near Killarney, the gardens give glimpses of the sea and the surrounding wild and majestic country. Mossy paths, lichen encrusted rocks, tunnels in deep shade through the rhododendrons, towering eucalyptus and groves of bamboo all contribute to the making of this fine sub tropical garden. Apr-Sept.

GLANEAM SUBTROPICAL GARDENS
Created over 150 yrs ago by the Knight of Kerry and long famous for a unique collection of rare and tender Southern Hemisphere plants, these gardens are a most for the garden enthusiast.

TRALEE AQUA DOME
One of Ireland's largest and exciting waterworld, the Dome features sky high water slides, wave pool, lazy river, whirlpool, rapids and many more. Restaurant and health suite. All year

Activities

Golf
You are never far from a golf course in the region with many eighteen hole courses and nine hole courses to choose from including the beautiful championship course at Waterville.

Fishing
This area is perfect for those who love to fish. Game/Sea/Coarse fishing are widely available for everyone to enjoy.

Walking
There are numerous mountains in this area whicha are suitable for climbing and hillwalking. While, the Kerry Way, Beara Way and the Dingle Peninsula are among the most scenic walking routes in the country.

Cycling
With the roads relatively uncrowded, especially around the coastal regions, cycling can be a relaxing activity with magnificent scenery.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Sailing
The area has an exceptional coastline, which caters for those who enjoy the challenge of sailing. There are many fine sailing clubs, especially around the Dingle peninsula.

Watersports
You are always near a river/lake or the sea in this area. Anyone interested in Watersports will be well catered for with tuition available in some areas.

Orienteering/Handgliding
The area has the largest mountain in the country, Carrauntuohill and exciting orienteering possibilities exist. Hand-gliding is also possible in some locations.

Seafari Cruises
These cruises invite the visitor to explore the wonders of Kenmare Bay on its comfortable passenger vessels

The Ring of Kerry
The Ring takes in part of South Kerry and it affords a panoramic journey through some to the most outstanding scenery around the Iveragh Peninsula. From Killarney to Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Dingle Bay, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem, Kenmare and back to Killarney.

Waterworld
Located in Castlegregory, this is Irelands only purpose built residential dive centre.

Kerry Angling
This is an organisation formed by a group of full time professional charter boat owners to guarantee that the visiting angler experiences the very best of deep sea angling on Irelands South West Coast.

Horse Drawn Caravans
Take the reins and wander the rainbows of Kerry laden with nothing but freedom. Choose from the Dingle Peninsula or Killarney. There are no set routes or itineraries and every stop you make is your own.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Horse riding
There are numerous equestrian centres dotted all around Kerry country to suit the needs of visitors who wish to ride through rugged mountains, take a quiet pony trail or gallop on golden beaches along the breaking surf.

Horse Racing
Enjoy a day at the races at Listowel, Killarney or Tralee racecourses.

Clay-pidgeon shooting
Visit the Internationally registered all weather shooting grounds at Castleisland.

Coach tours of the Kerry
Bus tours offer a wide range of destinations from the Ring of Kerry to the Dingle Peninsula.

Bowling
Visit the Superbowl in Tralee for a fun day out for all the family.

Go-Karting
Kingdom Karting is based in Tralee and promises to be an entertaining day out with a difference for young and old.

Birdwatching
Kerry's landscape is dominated by Mountains, Lakes and the Sea and is a paradise for the birdwatcher. Islands off the coast are nesting grounds for tens of thousands of birds.

Adventure Centres
Cappanalea Centre in Caragh Lake and Celtic Adventures in Caherdaniel offer a wide variety of activities from Mountaineering to Scuba Diving to Survival training.

Self Drive Touring
Take your car at your own pace and witness the most spectacular scenery on the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head or the Lakes of Killarney.

Traditional Music Pubs
You need not venture far to hear the sounds of tradtional Irish Music wafting from pubs in every town in Kerry.

Theatre
Visit the Siamsa Tire Theatre, entertainment based on a wealth of Irish Music, folklore and danse or the St Johns Arts and Heritage Centre which provides a year round programme of visual and performing arts.