Whether it’s a weekend break or a mid-week treat, 48 hours in County Kerry is a guaranteed feast for all the senses. Try our suggested itinerary for the perfect whirlwind adventure!
Day one
Begin by heading straight to Killarney National Park. It is entirely possible to spend the whole weekend exploring this vast and spell-bounding region, but if you are clever with your timekeeping, you can squeeze in lots of the main parts in a morning. Be clever and hire a bike to allow you to ride from place to place and utilise the many boats and kayaks available to rent to navigate the waterways. While in the National Park be sure to check out Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Ladies View.
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- Explore the magnificent Muckross House set among mountains and woodland
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- Take a walk and admire the beautiful Torc Waterfall
Hop in the car and head for the Ring of Kerry. If you are travelling during the summer months, travel around the ring in a clockwise direction to prevent yourself from finding yourself stuck behind tour buses. Stop to admire the magnificence of the Macgillicuddy Reeks via Moll’s Gap before stopping in Kenmare for lunch. You will find it hard to find a bad meal in this gorgeous town; there is something for every taste and budget.
If you are travelling during the summer months, travel around the ring in a clockwise direction to prevent yourself from finding yourself stuck behind tour buses
From Kenmare, it’s on to Skellig Michael, where you can embark on a tour which will fill you in on its rich and varied history from beginnings as an ancient monastic settlement to the star attraction of the latest movie in the Star Wars franchise. Stop into Portmagee for a cup of coffee and a look around its gorgeous craft shops, before hopping back on the Ring and heading home towards Killarney, stopping in Kilorglin for a photo in the home of the famous Puck Fair.
Day two
After powering up with a good breakfast, it’s time to take to the road again. Today we are heading west towards Dingle. Stop for a walk on Inch Beach, where the opening scene of Ryan’s Daughter was filmed, before driving through Annuscaul and checking out where Tom Crean, the Antarctic explorer grew up. On to Dingle, and the first port of call is a boat trip to say hello to Fungie, the town’s much-loved dolphin. While out on the water, you might have the opportunity to see some whales and porpoises too.
Pack a bag for the day and head to Inch Beach with the kids
Have a pub lunch in one of Dingle’s many watering holes and spend some time investigating the fabulous local crafts for sale. There’s no time to waste dillydallying, it’s back in the car and heading for Tralee, now. Most famous as host of the world-famous Rose of Tralee, there is lots going on in the county capital for tourists to the region. Tralee Bay Wetlands is equipped with not only scenic views from the 20 metre Viewing and Observation Tower but also with full visitor facilities, including the Lakeside Café onsite, an Ecology Centre and a watersports lake. If you fancy something a little more relaxed, then consider a visit to the Kerry County Museum to brush up on your history.
Have dinner in Tralee or head back to Killarney for one last seisiún, confident in the knowledge that you have achieved more than most during your weekend in The Kingdom.
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