Lush green foliage peppered with bright bursts of wildflowers lines the ancient stone walls giving a totally tropical taste to the route. Then, the narrow road opens out. It is surrounded by towering peaks with distinctive features and is home to gravity-defying sheep and goats. Below, dark blue lakes shimmer in the summer sun. The views are seemingly never-ending, stretching off to a galaxy far, far away. But this isn’t some mythical kingdom; this is the Kingdom, the kingdom of Kerry, and it is magic.
Kerry has just about every landscape you can imagine in Ireland and some that you can’t fathom. It has the highest mountains in the land, with spectacular driving and cycling routes and breathtaking hiking and walking trails. The rolling ocean and beautiful beaches beckon you to dive in, splash around, surf waves and the clear water of the glacial lakes lure swimmers, paddlers and sailors. So, it’s time to dust off those boots, bikes, boards and boats and get yourself to brilliant Kerry for a break filled with adventure and memories.
Due to its history, heritage, and location, Killarney is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations. It is a great starting point for your Kerry getaway, as it is very accessible by bus, train, car, and even air.
Killarney is also an ideal base for those looking to explore the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park. It is also perfect for those who don’t drive, as you can get a jaunty car ride, take the hop-on, hop-off bus, use the Killarney shuttle bus, or just start walking.
For those with calves of steel, get out there and explore the Ring of Kerry by bike. If you don’t have your own gear, there are plenty of places where you can rent everything you need. Cycling solo? You’ll meet loads of other cyclists along the way as this region is very popular with two-wheeled explorers.
Top tip – When you make it to the top of Moll’s Gap, reward yourself with a refreshing drink and some cake at the cafe. Don’t forget to look down over the steep terrain and enjoy the views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.
If you’d like to get even closer to those magnificent mountains, you can climb, hike or scramble up to the top. No matter what your experience, aspirations or fitness levels, the friendly folk at Kerry Climbing will take you on an adventurous day of mountaineering. Just think of the bragging rights having climbed Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain.
For those who like folklore-filled fun, the 21km MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Carrauntoohil Entire Mountain Range Walk follows in the footsteps of Fionn MacCumhail and the Fianna. This is a challenging full-day hike from Killarney to the Gap of Dunloe, but the views and scenery are second to none and well worth the effort.
Another rewarding walk is The Kerry Way, which, at over 200km, is one of Ireland’s longest signposted walking trails. Starting and finishing in Killarney, the walk loops around the breathtakingly rugged Iveragh Peninsula, and you’ll tramp through some of the most dramatic countryside in the whole of Ireland—a walk on the wild side for those with an adventurous spirit.
Whilst the views from the top of Kerry’s mountain passes are jaw-dropping, the views skyward are also pretty impressive. Enjoy a different perspective from the middle of Kerry’s numerous lakes, surrounded by the protruding peaks. Paddle around lovely Lough Caragh in the Reeks District and take in the surrounding scenic landscape whilst having a nosey at the millionaire lakeside properties and seeing how the other half live. The lotto win dream home!
For a sensational way to see out the day, try stand-up paddleboarding at sunset on Cloon Lough. This is a very relaxing and unique way to watch the sun fade out over one of the most beautiful parts of Kerry.
Located nearby is Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve, so why not camp out and stargaze in one of only three locations worldwide with a Gold Tier ranking? That means that stargazing and the nocturnal environment are some of the best you’ll find anywhere. Expect to see shooting stars galore! Make a wish.
For those looking for something to recharge and revive body and mind, especially after some hardcore outdoor activities, Aloha House in Killorglin is a holistic retreat centre and guest house perfect for weary travellers. Unwind with some stress-relieving treatments, yoga classes or a deep sound bath healing session and enjoy the tranquil surroundings and wholesome vegetarian food.
While in Killorglin, you should book a table at Sol y Sombra, a terrific tapas restaurant in a beautiful old church. Enjoy the flavourful food, which is a harmonious marriage of Spanish cooking techniques and Irish ingredients, served in reverent surroundings. It’s a match made in heaven!
Rested, revived and raring to go, head to delightful Dingle to continue the dramatic adventures.
The coastal road along the peninsula is breathtaking, and you’ll want to leave yourself plenty of time to stop and take photos from the various viewpoints and the many Star Wars filming locations. Be sure to make it all the way to Dunquin Harbour, aka The Sheep Highway, and get that iconic Irish postcard image.
Along the way, stop at Inch Beach and catch some waves. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent some from Kingdom Wave Inch Beach Surfing and get lessons, too. Or, you could just catch some rays on this Blue Flag sandy beach and watch the wetsuit-clad surfers wipe out. You can be as relaxingly active as you like.
In Dingle, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do. But first, fuel up by eating flappingly fresh fish in one of the many seafood restaurants and enjoy a pint (as long as you aren’t driving) in some of the traditional old Irish pubs. For scoops of another kind, head to Murphy’s for some of the best ice cream in the country. You have to try the Dingle Sea Salt and Dingle Gin flavours. I mean, you are here; it would be rude not to.
Then, it’s time to get out on the water. You can take a trip to see Fungi, the legendary dolphin who has lived in Dingle Harbour since 1983 or take a trip out to the Blasket Islands, the most westerly island group in mainland continental Europe.
Top tip – Fungi usually shows up no matter what boat trip you take. So keep your eyes peeled for this friendly fella.
(Sad update: Fungi, the Dingle Dolphin vanished without a trace in 2020).
As you step on Great Blasket Island you really do feel like you are stepping back in time. Crumbling stone cottages that once housed Peig Sayers (remember her from school?) and her neighbours dot the landscape, as do ancient Jedi shelters. Yup, those intriguing beehive houses here are the same as those found on Skellig Michael.
Top tip – The history of the deserted village is fascinating, so make sure you join the free tour to learn all about it.
Walk along the sheep trails to the edge of Great Blasket Island, and you’ll find yourself on the edge of the world. Your next stop is America. Look out for the Skelligs jutting out of the water and the Sleeping Giant, also known as An Fear Marbh (the dead man), the northernmost of the Blasket Islands. Once you see it, you’ll understand the name.
The windswept island is home to loads of sheep, hares and donkeys and that strange wailing noise isn’t the ghost of Peig, it’s hundreds of grey seals singing to each other on the pristine beach below. An Trá Bán (the white beach) is a magnificent curve of soft sand lapped by clear blue seawater. Looking down over the beach, it is hard to believe this is Ireland – it looks and feels very antipodean. But this is Ireland. And when the sun comes out, there’s nowhere else like it. It is glorious.
The kingdom of Kerry is out of this world, yet right on our doorstep. With its adventurous activities, spectacular scenery, and wonderful wildlife, Kerry is a destination for those whose comfort zone is the outdoors. Throw into the mix fantastic food, folklore, and film locations, and you have a holiday hotspot that will keep all the family happy, no matter how relaxed or active you choose to be.
Here is my blog post on the best things to do in Waterford, my Waterford Travel Guide, and also my recommendations for things to do in Lough Derg and Wicklow.
If you are visiting Ireland, look at my many blog posts, such as “Things to Do in Ireland,” “Things to Do in Kilkenny,” and my West Cork Travel Guide.
Furthermore, if you are looking for a place to stay in Ireland, I highly recommend Glenlo Abbey, Cork International Hotel, and Longueville House.
Also, I’ve written a review of the Culloden Estate and Spa if you’re looking for a place to stay in Northern Ireland.
Additionally, click here to learn about the traditional Irish foods we use to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
I also have a post about Christmas dinner in Ireland.
Finally, click here to learn about Easter in Ireland: Traditions, food, and festivities.
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