Ever since the eighteenth-century Kerry has been drawing in visitors from around the world, captivating them with its magnificent landscape and outstanding natural beauty. The fifth largest of Ireland’s 32 traditional counties, Kerry is home to a vast number of stunning tourist sites such as the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Carrauntoohil, the Skellig Islands, and much more. However, its natural beauty often overshadows its architectural sights, which encompass neolithic monuments, medieval castles, and picturesque towns. Here are six of the top destinations you absolutely must not miss if you ever plan a trip to Kerry.
Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is a 230-meter high remote, jagged rocky island jutting out of the water just under 13km off the coast of Kerry. It is the larger of the two Skellig Islands and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island includes a 7th century monastery perched on a rock face some 150m above sea level that a small community of monks used to call home until it was abandoned sometime in the 12th century. It includes a collection of ‘beehive’ stone huts clustered around an oratory. Visitors will also be able to see the monk’s tiny vegetable garden as well as the cistern they used to use for collecting rainwater. The monastery can be reached by climbing just over 600 steep steps cut into the rock face.
Carrauntoohil
At 1,040m, Carrauntoohil is the country’s highest summit. It is part of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks which runs through Kerry and is Ireland’s highest mountain range. The mountain is home to some truly challenging hiking routs that require some serious hiking, rock scrambling, and navigation skills. Especially if you chose to take The Devil’s Ladder route, which also happens to be the most popular. There are, however, alternative easier routes that can be used, even some that are more suitable for beginners. Regardless, the climb should never be attempted without the proper gear, spare water and food, and a compass. And if you aren’t experienced with navigation, a local guide is highly recommended. Regardless of how you eventually decide to undertake the trip, at the peak you will be greeted by a huge iron cross together with spectacular and rewarding views of the Kerry countryside.
The Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry isn’t a singular location, rather a 175-kilometre road that encircles the Iveragh Peninsula. Starting from the famous town of Killarney, the road passes through Kenmare, Killorglin, Waterville, Sneem, Caherdaniel, Ballinskelligs, Protmagee, Valentia Island, Caherciveen, Glenbeigh, and Killorglin. It eventually circles back to Killarney. And you do all this while exploring some stunning beaches and taking in some truly spectacular coastal scenery. While there are daily ring tours organised by tour companies, we would recommend taking the trip on your own if possible. Doing so allows you to do it at your own pace and thoroughly explore each town and soak in the scenery along the way.
Killarney National Park
Sprawling over 10,236 hectares, the magnificent Killarney National Park is the ideal place to spend a day or two exploring. It encompasses three massive lakes – Lough Leane, Muckross, and the Upper Lake – together known as the Killarney Lakes. They alone make up almost a quarter of the park’s total area and are overlooked by the Purple Mountain to the west and Knockrower to the south. They are also surrounded by Ireland’s largest area of ancient oak woods and yew woodland. The Park is also home to several iconic locations and building such as the 15th-century lakeside Ross Castle and the Muckross Estate. Over 140 bird species, together with several animals such as otter, pine marten, red squirrels, Irish hare, and the country’s only wild herd of native red deer call the park home. As a result, the park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. Exploring the park is also relatively easy with regular tours held throughout the year. There are also options for Trekking, Trail Riding, boating and boat tours, cycling, and even Jaunting Car rides (Pony and Trap).
The Gap of Dunloe
Running roughly parallel to the west of Killarney National Park is a narrow mountain pass called the Gap of Dunloe. Forged by glacial flows, the scenic pass resides between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and the Purple Mountain. The pass begins from Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150-year-old pub and craft shop and ends at The Black Valley and onto Lord Brandons Cottage, an old Victorian hunting lodge that now serves as a Café, passing five lakes along the way – Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough. The road itself is approximately 11 km long and quite narrow in places, making it next to impossible for cars to traverse, as it descends into The Black Valley. As a result, it is a popular hiking and biking route. Alternatively, you can also travel by boat or by hiring a jaunting car. There is also a popular ‘Wishing Bridge’ within walking distance of Kate Kearney’s cottage, which offers some of the best views of the Gap. Also, they say wishes made at the bridge will always come true, so why not also make one while you are there?
Dingle
A beautiful port town with an impressive natural harbour, Dingle is the perfect base from which to explore the Dingle peninsula. From the extensive quays to narrow streets lined with colourfully painted stone houses, you could be forgiven for just aimlessly wandering the streets, the town is simply that pretty. Outside from its simple beauty, the town also offers visitors a variety of water-borne activities together with plenty of welcoming cafés and restaurants. The town also hosts several events throughout the year including music and film festivals, art festivals, and even various races.
These six places are but a handful of locations you can explore throughout the county. So why not research a few more and get a plan ready for when it is safe to take your next vacation. Kerry will certainly not disappoint.