Overflowing with breath-taking landscapes, a staycation in Kerry takes you to the furthest points of south-west Ireland along the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way. From sprawling mountain ranges to rugged coastlines and world-class beaches, a visit to County Kerry has something for everyone.
Kerry is a playground for the outdoorsy types and boasts Ireland’s highest mountain Carrauntoohil, the lakes of Killarney and hundreds of kilometres of stunning beaches, cliffs and not forgetting the 179km drive around the well-known Ring of Kerry.
Ring of Kerry
Stretching southwest from Killarney, this drive takes in lakes, beaches, walks, and forests — quite simply some of the most stunning scenery across the country.
First up on the Ring of Kerry, Killarney, one of the most visited towns in Kerry, is full of history, heritage and places to see such as Killarney National Park, the lakes of Killarney and Muckross House and Gardens.
From Killarney, visit the Gap of Dunloe and Moll’s Gap where you catch a glimpse of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks (Ireland’s largest mountain range) before heading south to the pretty town of Kenmare, which is bursting with activities for all ages from horse-riding to golfing.
Other than lakes, mountains and national parks, Kerry is also well known for its awe-inspiring islands – Valentia Island and Skellig Islands. Located on the Skellig Coast in the Southern Peninsulas of the Wild Atlantic Way adjacent to the Ring of Kerry, Valentia Island is still one of Ireland's best kept secrets.
The Skellig Islands, made up of two islands - Little Skellig & Skellig Michael (designated a UNECSO World Heritage Site)
Dingle
Just west of the Ring of Kerry and just 45 minutes from Tralee, Dingle is a humble seaside town in County Kerry. From world-class cuisine to majestic displays of the natural world, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant village.
One of main attractions is the Dingle Peninsula, one of the Wild Atlantic Way's five great Southern Peninsulas. The peninsula is dominated by the range of mountains that form its spine, running from the Slieve Mish range to the Conor Pass and Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest peak. The magnificent coastline consists of steep sea-cliffs such as Slea Head, dramatic headlands broken by sandy beaches, with the award-winning beach at Inch in the south.
Some of the best things to do in Dingle (especially if the weather isn’t great) is to check out the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, Ireland’s largest aquarium. On a brighter day, why not get out into the great outdoors to see the town’s most famous resident, Fungie, a bottlenose dolphin, who was just officially named the world’s oldest solitary dolphin.
Tralee
Known as ‘Kerry’s Capital, Tralee is in the heart of County Kerry and is bursting with shops, restaurants and activities for everyone to enjoy.
With spectacular beaches and majestic mountains just minutes away, you can enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities such as horse riding, water sports, boating and angling or a round of golf in some of the best championship golf courses in Europe on your doorstep such as the Tralee Golf Club, the first course in Europe designed by legendary Arnold Palmer.
Tralee is a great place to bring the family together as it is home to one of Ireland’s largest indoor waterworlds, the Aqua Dome. Located alongside the Aqua Dome is Aqua Golf, an exciting 18 hole mini-golf course which is great fun for all the family and can be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Ballyseede Castle
As Kerry’s only castle hotel, the magnificent Ballyseede Castle offers an authentic castle experience full of Irish charm and personality. The perfect base for touring the south-west of Ireland, Ballyseede Castle is close to Tralee and the famous Ring of Kerry.
Set on 30 acres of ancient woodlands and manicured gardens, Ballyseede Castle Hotel is beautifully placed in secluded grounds and is the perfect choice for staycations and family breaks alike.
At Ballyseede Castle, you will enjoy old world elegance, combined with modern-day comforts. Recently extended, the castle now offers 45 luxurious en-suite bedrooms – many with four-poster beds and garden views, and all the epitome of luxury ensuring you end your day in decadent comfort and style. From the Gate Lodge, to the newly-added ‘West Wing’ bedrooms, modern luxury comes as standard at this historic Castle.