Places to Explore in the Kingdom of Kerry

Overflowing with breathtaking 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 the Kingdom of Kerry has something for everyone.

Kerry is a playground for outdoorsy types and boasts Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil, the Lakes of Killarney and hundreds of kilometres of stunning beaches and cliffs, not to mention the 179 km drive around the well-known Ring of Kerry.

Below are just some of the things we love to do in Kerry. It’s impossible to include all of our favourites, but if we’ve left out yours, make sure to let us know!

Tralee

Located just minutes from Ballyseede Castle, the town of Tralee, known as ‘Kerry’s Capital’, 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. You can even enjoy a round of golf at some of the best championship golf courses in Europe, such as Tralee Golf Club, the first course in Europe designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer.

It is impossible to narrow down our favourite activities in Tralee, but we’ve selected two that are guaranteed not to disappoint:

Blennerville Windmill – The largest working windmill in Ireland, Blennerville Windmill is a spectacular landmark nestled in Tralee Bay. Here, you can visit an exhibition gallery, take a guided tour and see a model railway before stopping at the gift shop and café. For those looking for the perfect Instagram-worthy locations in Kerry, Blennerville Windmill is certainly one of them.

Kerry County Museum – Winner of many prestigious awards, Kerry County Museum offers a wide range of permanent displays and special exhibitions for locals and tourists alike. Among its many highlights is the Medieval Experience, where you can walk through reconstructed streets complete with the sights, sounds and smells of the era. Kerry County Museum is a treat for all ages.

Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive

The Ring of Kerry is a breathtaking scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, following the coastal contours and taking in beautiful towns and villages, lakes, beaches, walks and forests—quite simply, some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland.

Located a short distance from Ballyseede Castle, it takes roughly three and a half hours to drive the full Ring of Kerry, but we recommend taking your time to enjoy the wonderful experiences and views along the route.

Gap of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass separating the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range. Located outside Killarney, it offers spectacular scenery that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

As one of Kerry’s most popular tourist destinations, it is a must-see for anyone visiting the Kingdom.

Killarney National Park

Ireland’s oldest national park, Killarney National Park comprises 26,000 acres of incredible natural beauty, combining mountains, lakes, woods, waterfalls and much more.

We would particularly recommend visiting these two attractions:

Muckross House & Gardens – Located just outside Killarney, Muckross House and Gardens is very much the epicentre of Killarney National Park. Explore the stunning gardens of this 19th-century Victorian mansion, with mountain views, lakes and forests to stroll through, before stopping at the restaurant and gift shop.

Torc Waterfall – Located not far from Muckross House & Gardens, Torc Waterfall is well worth visiting and is easily accessible. The optimum time to visit is after heavy rain, but it is a popular destination and a picture-perfect spot no matter the weather.

Kerry’s Islands

Kerry is also well known for its awe-inspiring islands. In particular, the Great Blasket Island, Valentia Island and the Skellig Islands are some of the best places to explore and relax in Kerry.

There is something special about the peace and tranquillity of these islands as you gaze out over the crashing ocean. It is like taking a step back in time.

Skellig Michael is also a must-see for Star Wars fans, with scenes from the films having been shot there in recent years.

Dingle

Just west of the Ring of Kerry and only 45 minutes from Tralee, Dingle is a charming 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 town.

One of its 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 forms 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 those at Slea Head, dramatic headlands broken by sandy beaches and the award-winning Inch Beach in the south.

One of the best things to do in Dingle, especially when the weather isn’t great, is to visit Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, Ireland’s largest aquarium. It is home to sharks, penguins, otters and a wide variety of fish species.

To book your unforgettable staycation at Kerry’s only castle hotel, explore our latest offers.

All photos used in this blog are from Tourism Ireland/Fáilte Ireland.