By Kingfisher Visitor Guides
There are many things to do in County Kerry, but here are the top 10.
Take a jaunting car in Killarney
Part of the landscape of Killarney, a jaunting car is a traditional horse and trap. Renowned for their wit and charming storytelling, a local driver will guide you through Killarney National Park on a horse drawn cart regaling you with tales of local history, legends and myth.
See a real beehive hut
Beehive huts can be seen in great numbers across Kerry. The most well-known examples can be found on Skellig Michael, but these stone huts which are thought to date back to the 6th and 7th centuries can be seen all along Slea Head on the westerly Dingle peninsula, particularly around Mount Brandon.
Climb a peak
Standing at 1,039m, Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland and is set among the beautiful Macgillycuddy Reeks in County Kerry. The Reeks offer 27 peaks to ascent, all of differing height and scale, making the area a veritable playground for hikers and climbers.
Get your hiking boots on and explore Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland
Drive the ring
The circuit known as the Ring of Kerry takes you around the Iveragh Peninsula. This 179km-long, circular route takes in the wild ever changing landscape of the county. You can do it in a day, but if you can, take your time and savour the journey.
Visit Ross Castle
Ross Castle sits on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake and was built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century. Legend has it that O’Donoghue still exists in a deep slumber under the waters of Lough Leane. On the first morning of May every seven years he rises from the lake on his magnificent white horse and circles the lake. Anyone catching a glimpse of him is said to be assured of good fortune for the rest of their lives.
Uncover hundreds of years of history at Ross Castle
Experience the Blaskets
The Great Blasket Island – the most westerly point in Europe – is the largest Island of a group of islands located three miles off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula 13 kilometres west of Dingle town. In the past few years a number of the houses have been restored and amenities provided for visitors to the island.
Visit a Bog Museum
The Kerry Bog Village gives visitors a fascinating insight into how people lived and worked in Ireland in the late 19th century. The village is the only one of its kind in Europe and is well worth a visit.
Bow at the altar of Kerry sport
Croke Park may be the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association, Ireland’s largest sporting association, but Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney is the home of Kerry GAA.
See a stone circle
The Uragh Stone Circle overlooks Lough Inchiquin on the Beara Peninsula and is made up of five low megaliths beside a large standing stone. The standing stone is 10 feet high and the circle is eight feet in diameter.
Dating back to the Bronze Age Uragh Stone Circle is one of the most beautiful and mystical places to visit
Spot a fairy
There are two magical fairy trails to be found in County Kerry. These gorgeous family walks can be found in the woodlands of both Derrynane House and also in Darryquin, part of the demesne of Parknasilla near Sneem on the Ring of Kerry.
Read more about County Kerry
