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 The
beauty of Co. Kerry is breathtaking beyond any doubt. Through
Killarney, Tralee, Dingle and the Ring of Kerry itself, you
will be surprised and delighted at every twist and turn of the
road.
Whether
you stay inland or travel along the beautiful rugged coastline
you will have a multitude to see and do on your visit to Kerry.
Situated on the South West Coast of Ireland, County Kerry experiences
an often changing climate although it is blessed with a great
many sunny days during the summer months when the entire county
is awash with colour and activity
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| Killarneyis the main destination for visitors to Kerry and
there is no shortage of places to visit such as Muckross House and Gardens. Muckross House is
a magnificent Victorian mansion, which was built in 1843 and
is surrounded by Killarney National Park. Following your bumpy
trip up to the house in a compulsory, traditional pony and trap
through the estate by Muckross lake, you reach the house and
gardens which are known throughout the world. |
Inside
the house each room depicts the lifestyles of the landed gentry
of the day, while the lives of the servants and workers are
re-enacted throughout the house and gardens. There is a live
working farm where the farming methods used in the 1930's are
still carried out. You may also visit the walled garden and
craft centre where you may take home that special piece of Kerry.
Choose from Muckross pottery, weaving and crafts. The gardens
are renowned throughout the world for their beautiful displays
of Rhododendrons, and azaleas and the rock garden hewn from
limestone A must see on your visit to Kerry.www.muckross-house.ieOpen all
year roundTel : + 353 - 64 - 31440mailto:mucros@iol.ie
The Gap of Dunloe
is a beautiful glacial valley in the Macgillacuddy Reeks mountain
range, which dominate the skyline of Killarney. Here you may enjoy an energetic walk
or cycle its rough path. The scenery
all around the famousLakes of Killarneyis breathtaking
and there are many viewing points around the lakes as you see above. If you
are energetic why not take the Gap of Dunloe Trip, by horseback
or pony and trap through the Gap, and then by boat across the
Killarney lake to Ross Castle. Ross
Castle is a fantastic 15th Century Castle, which has
been restored and has excellent guided tours. You may also take
a boat trip out onto Lough Lein, the main lake, and on to Inisfallen
island, which has monastic ruins dating back to the 6th
and 13th Centuries. Aghadoe is a small area just outside the town
of Killarney in a beautiful setting with stunning views over
the lakes and a round tower dating from 102AD and 12th Century
Monastic ruins.
Naturally there is an abundance of fishing in the area, brown
trout and salmon a speciality, and the designated walking trails
are highly recommended to get away from it all. There are a
multitude of restaurants, arts and craft shops, Pubs and accommodations
in and around Killarney and you will surely find lots to do
and see. 
The
Dingle Peninsulais the most westerly point in Ireland
and retains much of it's tradition and folklore. Dingle and
it's environs is a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area and is
also steeped in a rich history and culture. Stretching
westward from the town of Tralee for 30 miles, the peninsula
has a backbone of mountains, the highest being Mount Brandon,
3,127 ft (952m)
The stunning scenery
of the peninsula offers the perfect backdrop for many activities.
There are many walking and cycling routes and tours to avail
of, two excellent links courses, shore-angling, diving and
a host of other activities Gallarus Oratory over
1,000 years of history on the rugged Dingle Peninsula
The
Dingle Peninsula is
steeped in the most fascinating archaeological and geological
history in the country. There is evidence that the area was
submerged in water over 400 million years ago followed by
volcanic activity which left behind rhyolite, a rock still
found at Ferriters Cove.
The earliest evidence
of human settlement dates back to 3500 BC, while the landscape
is dotted with reminders of early Christian times. Dingle
is a unique part of Ireland, steeped in history and proud
of its rich heritage. To discover the real countryside and
its people you should walk or cycle at least some of your
stay, you will discover ring forts, monastic sites, castles
and ogham stones scattered throughout the land and with a
beautiful setting to compliment.
The Blasket islands were once
home to a community rich in tradition, folklore, culture and
the Irish language. Due to the ravages of time and the decrease
in population the Blaskets were finally evacuated in 1953
and an era ended. Now the lives of the people who once inhabited
this wild island off the most westerly tip of the Dingle Peninsula
is recreated at The Great Blasket Centre at Dun Chaoin about
ten miles from Dingle. The lives of the people who once lived
here, photographs and storytelling is recreated at the centre.
You can avail of guided tours of the centre , audio visual
presentation and see a scale model of Blasket village as it
once was. Telephone 066 9156444
The
Ring of Kerrytakes in about 176 km of the most southern
peninsula in Kerry, Iveragh, this will take you through some
beautiful villages and towns such as Killarney, Kenmare, Waterville,
Glenbeigh and Killorglin and there is plenty to see and
do on the way.Kenmareis a 17th century planned town
which has retained much of its old charm in the pubs, shops,
restaurants and hotels. There is plenty to do in and around
Kenmare including fishing, golf, walking and discovering the
local area.
You may visit The Skellig Islands from either Waterville or
Valentia Island; these daunting outcrops in the wild Atlantic
were once home to 6th Century monks who built a monastery
600ft up on the edge of sheer cliffs!! If you are not that
brave to venture on the wild seas you may take refuge in the
Skellig centre, at Valentia, which depicts the lives and history
of the monks and how they survived and also the wonderful
array of flora and bird life on the island. Between
Killorglin and Glenbeigh you will find the
Bog Village, to discover how peat is harvested and
used since the 18th Century a visit here is very enjoyable.
The Puck Fair at Killorglin
has become world renowned for a great weekend of singing,
dancing, music and craic and if you find yourself here in
August be sure to make a day of it, if not a weekend!!
No matter
which part of Kerry you visit you will never be short of something
to do or see. The list is endless, whether you want to hike
over mountain and dale or rest a while and take in the wondrous
beauty of this beautiful part of Ireland we are sure you will
enjoy your stay. A warm friendly traditional Irish welcome
awaits you so relax and savour the moment.. Tóg gó bog é..
Take it easy. . and enjoy. |
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Ireland