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To See & Do

To See in County Kerry

Ring of Kerry

The Kerry Coast House is situated on the famous ring of Kerry, a scenic route along the coastal strip around the Iveragh Peninsula, the largest peninsula in the southwest. Taking in some wild mountain scenery well off the beaten track, where Macgillycuddy Reeks, the highest mountains in Ireland, bloom majestically in the background. Cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay, the picturesque town of Kenmare is the perfect location from which to discover the South West of Ireland, linking the internationally famous Ring of Kerry with the rugged Ring of Beara and Dingle Bay.

Kenmare Town

Visitors are immediately captivated by the town's enchanting appearance and the genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Brightly colored houses and shops, bar, restaurants, create the perfect backdrop to your holiday in Ireland.
 
The town is a haven of gourmet food, with is fine restaurants and cafes. Pubs feature traditional Irish music very night. Web: www.kenmare.com

Killarney National Park & Torc Waterfall

Killarney National Park has the most beautiful mountain and lake views, with woods and waterfalls to take your breath away. The mountains include the McGillycuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland, over 1000 metres in height. The Lakes of Killarney are famous the world over for their beauty.
Torc Waterfall is one of the landmarks of Killarney National Park. Web: www.killarneynationalpark.ie

Glengarriff & Garnish Island

Garnish Island is a beautiful island located just off the small harbour of Glengarriff village in County Cork. There is a special microclimate around Glengarriff and the island is famous for its gardens which have a strong Japanese influence in their design. The island is accessible by ferry from Glengarriff. The trip out to the island allows wonderful views of the coastline of the Beara Peninsula and Sheep's Head. Web: www.garnishisland.com

Muckross House & Gardens

Muckross House is the original estate house from whose grounds Killarney National Park was formed. The house was completed in 1843. During the 1850s extensive works were carried out on the gardens in preparation for Queen Victoria's visit in 1861. Between the months of April and July the red and pink rhododendrons are in full bloom. The Muckross Traditional Farms are working farms recreate traditional farming methods of the 1930s. Web: www.muckross-house.ie
 

Bantry House & Gardens

Bantry House is one of the finest historical houses in Ireland and has a beautiful view overlooking Bantry Bay in West Cork. It has been open to the public since 1946. Bantry House is the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry and is still lived in by their descendent. The gardens at Bantry House which date from the construction of the house have been lovingly restored. Web: www.bantryhouse.com

Caherdaniel & Derrynane Historic Park

Derrynane House is the ancestral house of Daniel O'Connell, lawyer, politician and statesman. The house is situated in 120 hectares of parkland on the beautiful Kerry coastline on the Iveragh peninsula. Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland, is located in the Macgillycuddy Reeks mountain range in the centre of the peninsula. Valentia Island lies off the northwest tip of the peninsula. It can be accessed by bridge or by ferry.

The Skellig Islands

These two small, steep and craggy islands have abundant gannet and puffin populations but are most famous for an early Christian monastery on Skellig Michael, the larger of the two islands, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle peninsula is named after the lively town of Dingle and the peninsula is famous for its spectacular views out over the Atlantic ocean. The Conor Pass is the highest mountain pass in Ireland and looks out over the Blasket Islands which are famous for their literary heritage, although they have been uninhabited since the 1950s. Gallarus Oratory is an early Christian church believed to have been built between the 6th and 9th centuries and which is still in perfect condition, due to its design. Web: www.dingle-peninsula.ie

Activities in County Kerry

Hill Walking & Hiking

The Kerry Way and Beara Way walking routes are ideal for those with an interest in trekking or you could even join the annual summer hike to Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntouhil. The foothills of the famous MacGillycuddy Reeks are right on Kenmare's doorstep.

Golfing

Kenmare boasts two super golf courses. The Ring of Kerry Golf Course is located four miles outside of the town and offers spectacular views of Kenmare Bay from the course itself and from its newly renovated Club House. The Kenmare golf course is adjacent the town.

Beaches & Water Sports

Kerry Coast House is just a few minutes walk from the water where visitors can go swimming in the beautiful waters of Kenmare Bay. Kenmare is approximately 30 minutes drive from a host of sandy beaches and it has a very pretty harbour from where you can swim fish or take a trip on the "Seafari Cruise" to view the wildlife in the area.
 
Star Sailing & Adventure Centre is situated on the shores of Kenmare Bay and surrounded by the Caha Mountains just a five minute drive from Kenmare Town Centre. The range of activities includes Sailing, Kayaking, Sea Kayaking, Windsurfing, Hill walking, Boat Trips and much more. 

Horse-Riding

There are a number of equestrian stables in the area and many visitors love to take part in trekking, horse-riding on the beach or availing of one-on-one horse-riding lessons to improve their horsemanship. 

Fishing & Angling

There are lots of great fishing spots to choose from around Kenmare including Clonee Lake, Kenmare Bay and the Black Valley. Permits can be obtained locally.