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County Kerry

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County Kerry, in Southwest Ireland, is regarded as perhaps the most scenic county in Ireland and is certainly the most renowned for its scenery. It holds most of Ireland's highest mountains (including the highest, Carrauntuohill), its most westerly fringes and holds a special place in Irish culture. It became a popular tourist attraction in the 19th century and is still very popular today, despite considerable rainfall. In some places the tourist pressure has arguably had a mixed effect but in general the county is friendly and relaxed as well as beautiful.

Regions

  • Iveragh is the largest of the south-western peninsulas, stretching between Killarney and the ocean. The Ring of Kerry circumnavigates this area.
  • The Dingle Peninsula, in the west of the county and to the northwest of the Iveragh peninsula, is much smaller than its southern neighbour, but equally beautiful.
  • Skellig Michael, an island off the coast.

Towns

Note: There are no cities in Kerry.

Other Destinations

Culture and History

Talk

English is the most spoken language however, in certain parts of Kerry Irish is the living language in Dingle and various other parts which is spoken up to 70%.

Travel to County Kerry & Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to County Kerry

There is the small international Kerry Airport at Farranfore, between Tralee and Killarney. It is served by Ryanair, Aer Arann, and summer charters and has regularly scheduled flights to Dublin, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Lorient and Frankfurt Hahn. However, Kerry is easily connected to Cork Airport, which serves more destinations, and also Shannon Airport near by. (Flights to USA, Canada and the rest of Europe, including Paris CDG.)

By train

There is a regular rail service to Killarney, Farranfore and Tralee from Dublin and Cork and there are connections from all stations in Ireland. See the Irish Rail website for timetables

By car

If coming from Clare or Galway there is a car ferry across the Shannon estuary between Killimer (Clare) and Tarbert (Kerry) which can save driving and is a scenic route. It departs hourly all year-round and every half hour in Summer from both sides. The ferry crosses the mouth of the river Shannon as it enters the Atlantic and dolphins are commonly seen from the ferry

Buses to County Kerry

Bus Eireann runs regular bus services to and within Kerry. See the Bus Eireann website

Tours & Getting around County Kerry

Options include:

  • Bus Eireann buses
  • Private bus tours
  • Rental car. Major and local companies are available from Kerry Airport and Killarney town.
  • Bicycle rental
  • Walking - the Kerry Way is a major network of marked trails.

County Kerry attractions and sightseeing

The Ring of Kerry is the best known area of natural beauty in Ireland. It is a 120 mile circuit around the Iveragh Peninsula in south Kerry passing through Killarney, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem and Kenmare.

County Kerry city tours

Watch a game of Gaelic football. This is Ireland's national game. It is the dominant sport in Kerry and the county team has won more All-Ireland Senior Football Championships than any other.

County Kerry Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

County Kerry nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

County Kerry cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

Contact

Destinations in County Kerry:

Caherciveen / Castlegregory / Dingle Peninsula / Kenmare / Killarney / Killorglin / Portmagee / Skellig Michael /

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This page was last edited at 19:26, on 20 November 2008 by Peter Fitzgerald. Based on work by Nick Roux, Todd VerBeek and Evan Prodromou, Wikitravel user(s) Cathal, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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