Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
County Kerry Attractions
The Ring of Kerry
This green and beautiful stretch of countryside is one of the world’s most photographed places, and for good reason: gorgeous panoramas of mountains, valleys, rolling hills, and seaside abound. It’s no surprise, then, than the 178km (110-mile) two-lane road encircling the Iveragh Peninsula is such a massive draw for visitors—it’s by far the most popular scenic drive in Ireland. The Ring of Kerry is both the actual name of the road—or, if you want to be pedantic, a section of the N70, N71, and N72 highways—and the collective name given to the many attractions in the area. Nearly all of County Kerry’s most popular sights are either on or within a short distance of the Ring, including the stunning Killarney National Park.
What you won’t find, at least in the summertime, is much in the way of peace. Bicyclists avoid the route because of the scores of tour buses thundering down it from early morning until late in the day. You can drive either way along the Ring of Kerry, but a counterclockwise route gives you the best views. Very large vehicles are always meant to travel this way to avoid accidents and nasty traffic jams around the Ring’s perilously narrow bends.
Of course, if you yearn for peace and quiet, you can simply skedaddle off that busy highway and onto the many narrower country roads. There’s so much beauty here, it doesn’t really matter how you choose to see it. Often the greatest pleasures can be found during a scenic drive along a side road or on a quiet byway just begging to be explored.
The small but busy town of Killarney is the area’s main hub. It’s conveniently sited on the edge of spectacular Killarney National Park, which includes the breathtaking Killarney Lakes and the scenic Gap of Dunloe. Most people traveling the route start and finish at Killarney, but smaller, quieter Kenmare makes for a good alternative base.
6 Results
- Ruins
Ballinskelligs and the Skellig Ring
West of Waterville, across a small bay, the coastal village of Ballinskelligs contains the absurdly picturesque ruins of St. Michael Ballinskelligs, a medieval priory overlooking the sea. A beautiful sandy beach also features the remnants of a 16th-century castle. Ballinskelligs is a… - Cooking Class
Blueberry Hill Farm
Looking for a way to amuse younger children for half a day? Try this working farm that still follows traditional farming methods. As part of the half-day tours, you can help milk cows, make butter, and take part in a treasure hunt. Children get to interact with the animals and can… - Natural Attraction
Crag Cave
Although they are believed to be more than a million years old, these limestone caves were not discovered until 1983. The guides accompany you 3,753m (12,310 ft.) into the well-lit cave passage on a 35-minute tour revealing massive stalactites and fascinating caverns. It’s very… - Historic Site
Derrynane House National Historic Park
Irish political leader and Parliament member Daniel O’Connell (1775–1847) became known as “the Great Liberator” for his successful campaign to repeal the laws that barred Catholics from holding office. He became particularly famous in his lifetime for his so-called “monster… - Museum
Kerry Bog Village Museum
This interesting little museum recreates life in a Kerry bog village in the early 1800s. The site has laborer’s cottages, tradesmen houses, and a blacksmith’s. It’s all quite basic but an informative diversion nonetheless. A little bar and restaurant are on site. - Prehistoric Site
Staigue Fort
This well-preserved, surprisingly large prehistoric fort is built of rough stones without mortar of any kind. The walls are 4m (13 ft.) thick at the base. Historians are not certain what purpose it served—it may have been a hilltop fortress or just a kind of prehistoric community…
