County Kerry Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more with this comprehensive travel guide to County Kerry, Ireland. Perfect for planning your next trip!


Introduction to County Kerry

County Kerry is a picturesque region in Southwest Ireland, known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and friendly locals. It sits on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views of the sea, rolling hills, mountains, and verdant forests.

Visitors can explore the charming towns and villages, enjoy outdoor activities, immerse themselves in the county’s rich history and culture, and savor local delicacies, making for a truly unforgettable experience in Ireland.

List of Places to Visit in County Kerry

Here are some of the top spots to add to your itinerary when visiting County Kerry:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Muckross House and Gardens in Killarney allows visitors to experience the grandeur of a Victorian mansion and stroll through beautiful gardens.
  • Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an ancient monastery built by monks in the 6th century on a steep island cliff.
  • Gallarus Oratory is one of the best-preserved early Christian churches in Ireland dating back to the 7th or 8th century.
  • The Kerry Bog Village Museum showcases the traditional way of life for Irish people in the 1800s.

Natural Attractions of County Kerry: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ring of Kerry drive is a must-do scenic route, covering more than 100 miles of stunning coastline and lush countryside.
  • Dingle Peninsula is a dramatic and beautiful area with peaks and cliffs over the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the Slea Head Drive for breathtaking views.
  • Killarney National Park is known for its forests, mountains, lakes, and wildlife, including the famous native red deer.
  • Gap of Dunloe is a glacial valley known for its delightful views, including lakes, waterfalls, and mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Kerry

Kerry has a bounty of natural landscapes to be explored. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes to take to get the most out of the stunning countryside:

  • Kerry Way is a long-distance loop that covers the Iveragh Peninsula. This route takes around 10 days to complete, and it allows you to pass through various villages, towns, valleys, and mountains.
  • The MacGillycuddy Reeks are Ireland’s highest mountain range and an excellent place for a hike in County Kerry.
  • The Gap of Dunloe Loop is a shorter hiking or biking route that runs through the pass, offering stunning views of the surrounding terrain.

Best Things to Do in County Kerry: Activities and Tours

Kerry has plenty of fun activities for everyone who enjoys adventure, culture, or something in between. Here are some of the best options:

  • Boat tours to Skellig Michael, Blasket Islands, or along the coastline are some of the most popular excursions in Kerry.
  • Horseback riding through the countryside is a popular way to explore Ireland, and Kerry offers some of the best options.
  • Whiskey and brewery tours to learn more about Irish whiskey or beer-making traditions are great ways to spend a day in Kerry.
  • Fishing in Kerry is excellent, with plenty of trout and salmon-filled rivers and lakes to explore.
  • Traditional music sessions in the pubs of Kerry offer visitors a unique way to experience Irish music, culture, and social life.

Week-Long Itinerary for County Kerry

If you’re planning to spend a whole week in Kerry, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1-2: Explore Killarney town, Muckross House and Gardens, and Killarney National Park.

Day 3: Take the Ring of Kerry drive, stopping at small villages and scenic spots along the way.

Day 4: Discover the stunning Dingle Peninsula, exploring unique towns, beaches, and ancient ruins.

Day 5-6: Hike or bike through the Kerry Way or explore the Gap of Dunloe.

Day 7: Enjoy a boat tour to Skellig Michael or Blasket Islands.

Food and Drink Scene of County Kerry

The foodie scene in Kerry ranges from fresh seafood to traditional Irish fare. For local dishes and beverages, check out the following:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Irish Stew is a classic, hearty tradition in Ireland, usually made with lamb or beef.
  • Boxty is a potato pancake stuffed with savory ingredients like bacon, cheese, or herbs.
  • Dingle Bay seafood is some of the freshest and delicious examples of seafood one will ever taste.

Local Beverages

  • Guinness is Ireland’s most iconic drink and can be enjoyed in almost any pub in County Kerry.
  • Irish whiskey is renowned worldwide, and there are many local brands to savor such as Dingle, Redbreast, and Powers.

Where to Stay in County Kerry: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

County Kerry has excellent accommodations of all kinds, and you have several choices of where to stay. Here are some of the best options for various budgets:

  • Killarney Park Hotel is a luxurious option located in the heart of Killarney town.
  • Dingle Skellig Hotel is a four-star hotel overlooking Dingle Bay and close to the town center.
  • The Rosewood Bed & Breakfast is a charming guesthouse near the Gap of Dunloe.

What to Buy in County Kerry: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products worth bringing home from County Kerry:

  • Woolen Products such as Aran sweaters, tweed jackets, and scarves are traditional Irish garments and make great gifts or keepsakes.
  • Potatoes are a staple food in Ireland, and Kerry’s potatoes are some of the best in the country.
  • Irish whiskey is an excellent souvenir, whether you take it home for yourself or as a gift.

Local Culture and Customs of County Kerry

The locals in County Kerry are known for their friendly and welcoming manner. Here are some tips to ensure you respect their customs:

  • Greet locals with a friendly “Dia dhuit” (pronounced dee-ah gwit), Irish for “Hello.”
  • Respect traditions such as music, dance, and sport, which are significant parts of Irish culture.
  • Tip at restaurants and pubs, as it is customary in Ireland to give at least 10% of the total bill.

Best Time to Visit County Kerry

The best time of year to visit Kerry is from March to May or from September to November. The weather is mild, and crowds are less intense than in the peak summer months (June to August). But Kerry is a year-round destination, and there’s always something to see or do.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Kerry

Do:

  • Do tip in restaurants and pubs.
  • Do take part in local traditions, such as music, dance, and sport.
  • Do drive slowly, particularly on small roads.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter. Keep Kerry’s stunning countryside clean and tidy.
  • Don’t forget to drive on the left side of the road.
  • Don’t cause damage to archeological remains or other historic structures.

Safety and Health

Safety in County Kerry

Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world, and County Kerry is no exception. However, it’s always good practice to stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secured and follow standard safety practices like using the crosswalks and wearing seat belts.

Health in County Kerry

Ireland has a high standard of healthcare, both public and private. Visitors from the EU need the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) while non-EU citizens require travel insurance. Additionally, wearing sunscreen is crucial, given the rainy weather and proximity to the equator.

Getting to County Kerry: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near County Kerry

  • Kerry Airport (KIR) is the closest airport and connected to most Irish and UK cities.
  • Cork Airport (ORK) and Shannon Airport (SNN) are the other major airports.

Bus Stations Near County Kerry

  • Killarney Bus Station
  • Tralee Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train: Killarney, Tralee, and Farranfore are the main train stations in the county.
  • Ferry: Ferry services from France and Spain go to Rosslare or Dublin, then take a train or bus to Kerry.

How to Get Around in County Kerry

The best way to explore County Kerry is by car, and there are many rental car options available at Kerry airport, Cork airport, Shannon airport, and Killarney town. Alternatively, there are bus and rail services that connect major towns and villages in Kerry.

Where to Go Next from County Kerry: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

County Kerry is ideally located for visits to other famous Irish destinations, such as:

  • Galway, a charming city on the west coast known for its lively streets, music, and arts scene.
  • Cork, a vibrant city in the south, known for great food, music, and cultural attractions.
  • Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, known for its history, bars, museums, and parks.

Conclusion

County Kerry is a must-visit destination in Ireland, with plenty of natural beauty, culture, and history to explore. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re fully equipped to plan a trip that takes in all the sights Kerry has to offer. From outstanding local food and drink to scenic drives and outdoor adventures, Kerry serves up a truly fantastic vacation experience for all.

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