Known as The Kingdom, the county of Kerry certainly reigns when it comes to visitor appeal. With a concentration of eye-poppingly beautiful scenery so intense it seems almost unfair to the rest of the world, Kerry has no shortage of tourist attractions. See below for some of our favourites.
Muckross House, Gardens And Traditional Farms
Killarney National Park, Muckross, Killarney, Kerry
Listed among the top tourist attractions in Ireland, Muckross House is situated in the heart of the beautiful Killarney National Park on the shores of Killarney’s lower lake.
One of Ireland’s largest stately homes, Muckross House was built in 1843 and extensively renovated in preparation for Queen Victoria’s visit in 1861. The house is surrounded by lush terraced gardens, and the grounds also incorporate a traditional working farm.
Blennerville Windmill
Blennerville, Tralee, Kerry
Blennerville Windmill is the country’s only commercially operating windmill. Dating back to the 18th century, it’s the largest in Ireland and the tallest in Europe.
The Windmill Visitor Centre features a number of exhibitions as well as an audio-visual presentation on Blennerville’s history.
Blasket Islands
Dun Chaoin, Dingle, Kerry
At the most westerly land area of Europe you will find a unique group of islands, which were inhabited for thousands of years and finally abandoned in 1953, when the last inhabitants were moved to the mainland. On the Great Blasket, life has stood still, there is no electricty, no phone, no television, no cars, only the sound of the sea, the cry of the gulls, unspoilt beaches, extraordinary bird life and a uniquely peaceful atmosphere.
Gap of Dunloe and Lakes of Killarney
Killarney, Kerry
The seven-mile journey through the Gap to Lord Brandon’s Cottage is possible by trap, pony, bicycle, or on foot. There is much evidence of glacial action in the Gap, in striae and ice-moulded rocks. The towering summits of the Reeks, the changing shadows on the Purple and Tomies mountains, and the silent solitude of the rugged glen all combine to make an unforgettable impression upon the visitor. Boats steered by boatmen full of local stories and folklore depart from Brandon Cottage and travel through the three lakes of Killarney to arrive at Ross Castle.
Skellig Rocks
Ballinskelligs, Kerry
Skellig Michael is a fine example of the harshness of island life. This island has been a centre of monastic devotion since the seventh century.
Kerry The Kingdom
Ashe Memorial Hall, Denny Street, Tralee, Kerry
Kerry the Kingdom is a must-see stop for travellers who really want to understand Ireland and appreciate its wealth of history.
The Dingle Peninsula
Dingle, Kerry
The Dingle Peninsula is a must see when in the south west of Ireland. It is difficult not to fall in love with this most beautiful corner of Ireland. The scenery here is breathtaking with rugged cliff faces, golden beaches and beautiful islands off the coastland. Dingle also boasts over 2,000 archaeological sites including famine cottages, beehive huts, stone forts, and much more.
The Aqua Dome
Tralee, Kerry
The Aqua Dome in Tralee is one of Europe’s most exciting water-worlds. Wild, wet and wonderful, it offers fun features for all ages, from kiddies’ pools and sky-high slides through to its raging rapids and exclusively adult Sauna Dome.
Gallarus Oratory
Slea Head Drive, Dingle Peninsula, Kerry
Gallarus Oratory is the best-preserved early Christian church in Ireland. Built in the 7th or 8th century, Gallarus Oratory is located in natural farmland overlooking Smerwick Harbour on the Dingle Peninsula. It has been exposed to the winds and Atlantic weather for over 1200 years, but the stone building remains waterproof.
Its shape, often likened to an upturned boat, is unusual, though not unique in early Irish churches. The oratory embodies the pinnacle of dry-stone corbelling, using techniques first developed by Neolithic tomb-makers. The distinctive shape is created by placing the stones at a slight angle, lower on the outside than the inside, to allow water to run off.
The Gallarus Oratory Visitor Centre offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Oratory and also to enjoy an audio visual display of the archaeological sites of the peninsula and the history of the Gallarus itself.
Kerry Crafted Glass
Knockataggle More, Kilcummin, Killarney, Kerry
Kerry Crafted Glass can be found just outside Killarney in County Kerry. The master craftsman is Terence McSweeney who makes unique glass collections from recycled glass.
The collections include vases, candle holders, bowls, jugs, plates and lots more. Terence draws his inspiration from the wonderful scenery of mountains and lakes in Killarney.
