Discover Kerry

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Those looking for evidence of Ireland's long and eventful history are spoilt for choice visiting Kerry and it is no exaggeration to say its scenery is among the most spectacular in the world. Popular with tourists worldwide, it is nonetheless permeated by a stillness and sense of expansive beauty that transcends the everyday and makes every experience memorable.

Kerry can be divided into four main areas: The Iveragh Peninsula and Killarney; the Dingle Peninsula; the Beara Peninsula; and Northern County Kerry. Each one merits an extensive visit to uncover the delights it has to offer.

Self Catering Kerry - Iveragh Peninsula & Killarney

The 180 Kilometre long road which encloses the Iveragh Peninsula is known as the Ring of Kerry. In theory it takes a day to drive around. In practice sightseers will stop time and again, as each enchanting view surpasses the last. Offshore, the Skelling Rocks, their rugged, bleak conical shores lashed by the turbulent Atlantic, are as ominous as they are compelling. Take a boat trip with Pat Joe Murphy to the largest, Skellig Michael, struggle to climb the 600 steps cut into the sheer rock face, stand at the pinnacle overlooking the roaring sea and marvel at the sheer isolation of the monastic community of yesteryear. Awesome, but regrettably not suitable for young children or the elderly who can experience the history and ornithology of the area onshore, with a visit to The Valentia Experience.

The Kerry Bog Village Musuem transports visitors back 200 years to experience life and the turn of them nineteenth century. Leave the car and travel part of the Ring on horseback- consult Burke's Horse Trekking Centre or Killarney Riding Stables and even if the six day ride doesn't appeal, a trek along a few miles of golden sandy beach is unmissable. Massive glacial rocks form the sides of the mesmeric, narrow mountain pass, the four mile Gap of Dungloe. Change your mode of transport once more and hire a jaunting car or pony and trap from Kate Kearney's Cottage- rowing boats are also vailable for hire should you choose to explore the surrounding lakes. After a day outdoors, Gleneagles is the centre for big name cabaret, McSorley's Nite Club is a a lively over 25s venue, and Buckley's Bar has tradtonal Irish music nightly. Gourmets msut not miss out on a dinner in Cahernane House, where charming old-world atmosophere combines with the best of classic cuisine.

Self Catering Kerry - Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula, though smaller than the Iveragh, holds much for the visitor to see. Inch Strand is one of the most glorious beaches in Ireland, clean and unspoilt miles of golden sand. Here you will find the bustling port of Dingle (officially renamed An Daingean in 2005) with its narrow streets and lanes bustling with activity. Its most celebrated resident is Fungie the dolphin and local boatmen are so confident of his appearance, that they offer a money back guarantee on their trips to play and swim with him. A family must. Cheerful, friendly pubs are the best place to while away the hours after dark; most have lively traditional music sessions, pub grub, or both. Try O'Flaherty's or Cassidys on the Pier. Ireland's most westerly extremity, Garraun Point, is located on the peninsula. Stand still, breathe in the tangy sea air, and look out over the 3 thousand kilometres of ocean stretching to infinity; next stop, America. Stunning.

Self Catering Kerry - Beara Peninsula

The Beara Peninsula is shared between County Kerry and County Cork, and this is the southernmost tip of Kerry. Less visited than the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsuala, the Beara Peninsula offers beautiful scenery to be enjoyed in peace and quiet.

Self Catering Kerry - Northern County Kerry

Northern Kerry borders the estuary of the River Shannon and gives the visitor a different experience to the rest of the county. The main town, Tralee, houses the Kerry County Museum, a narrow gauge steam railway, and Blennerville Windmill. Other highlights of Northern Kerry include Listowel - celebrated for its Writers Week which draws in international names in September- the Medieval Ardfert Cathedral and the Tarbert Bridewell Jail and Courthouse.

Fishing and golf dominate the outdoor pursuits agenda in County Kerry. Kenmare Angling offers customised boat trips where you can see seals, dolphins and salmon farms. Lough Currane is one of the great sea trout fisheries. The Cappanlea Outdoor Education Centre introduces variety by offering windsurfing, canoeing and rock climbing. Portmagee and Waterville are the main deep-sea angling venues, with plenty of boat trips available, while inland the Caragh lake, and the rivers Laune, Inny Roughty and Curragh are beautiful wilderness locations famed for their wild salmon.

Self Catering Kerry - Golf

To golf, and US President Bill Clinton will be forever associated in Irish minds with the revered Ballybunion Golf Club where he played a few holes in 1999- there's even a commemoative plaque. Set on the shores of the Atlantic, but without any blind dunes, every shot on the old course is a challenge, but a pleasurable one. Watch out for Mrs Simpson, a double fairway bunker on the first hole, Also try the newer Cashen Course. Killarney Golf and Fishing Club at Mahony's Point is set among an amazing array of mountains, forests and lakes teeming with freshwater fish. For those able to tear themselves away from the excellent fishing, there are three golf courses- Mahony's Point the title course which is along the shores of Lough Leane; the Lackabane, across the road from the main entrance, and the highlight, the Killeen, which is packed with water features. Tralee Golf Club is an unsopoiled seaside links with a fantastic array of dunes, craters, cliffs , crossed by the Atantic winds. The flat, front lull 9 are gentle compared to the ferocious demands of the back 9. Waterville Golf Links is a tough test of skill and at more than 7,000 yards is one of the UK's longest courses. Six holes run along the cliffs, surrounding the other 12 which have a more tranquil ambience . The 1st hole is the aptly-named 'last easy' but the magestic scenery more than compensates for an unexpectedly high score card. Dooks Golf Club may not measure up to world standard; it's shorter, gentler, with tricky greens and is built on the tradition of seaside links. But it's well worth a day out and the scenery includes views of the majestic Magillacuddy's Reeks. Beaufort Golf club offers 18 holes and is buggy- friendly.

Exhilirating coastal drives, the spectacular scenery of the rugged western Atlantic cliffs, and countryside steeped in time-honoured tradition and imbued with a sense of Irishness; memorable golf and angling, and welcoming pubs filled with music, song and laughter - no wonder holidaymakers ensure County Kerry is a priority when visiting Ireland.

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