Kerry Coast House - Self Catering Waterfront Accommodation along the Wild Atlantic Way

The Kerry Coast

"Kerry is known for its diverse land and seascapes, including offshore islands. The coastline is dotted with castles, forts and watchtowers. Warm summers and mild winters produce subtropical and alpine flora, while the temperate ocean waters, heated by the Gulf Stream, allow for potential sightings of whales, dolphins, seals and turtles." The New York Times

Kenmare & The Ring of Kerry

"Like Killarney, its bigger and more commercial cousin to the north, Kenmare is one of those picture-perfect Irish towns that seems to have more brightly painted shops and pubs than parking spaces. It is just off the Ring of Kerry, the road around a southwestern peninsula that attracts innumerable tourist buses for its jaw-dropping scenery." New York Times

Kenmare is a lively, picturesque town, only a 10 minute drive from Kerry Coast House. It is known throughout Ireland as a great town for good food and atmosphere. It is an ideal point from where to tour The Ring of Kerry - a 179-km-long circular tourist route in County Kerry. From Kenmare, the road follows around the Iveragh Peninsula passing through the lovely villages of Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and Glenbeigh through to the famous tourist town of Killarney.

Popular points include Muckross House, Derrynane House, home of Daniel O'Connell, Ross Castle, beautiful lake views within Killarney National Park. Major attractions along the Ring of Kerry include Gap of Dunloe, Kerry Woollen Mills, Rossbeigh Beach, Staigue Fort, Moll's Gap, Ladies View, Torc Waterfall and The Blue Pool and much, much more.

Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park and Torc Waterfall

"The park is a fabulous tableau of heather-flecked mountains, sparkling, island-dotted lakes, monuments such as the 15th-century Ross Castle and Ireland's only herd of wild red deer." The Independent

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, whose white-sand beaches in a natural bay enjoy further protection from black sandstone rock that heats in the sun and warms the calm, shallow waters. The western beach, with a tiny jetty from which children and toddlers leap, is completely protected – and was once a smuggler’s cove." The Guardian

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

"There was something mournful and beautiful about it all: the six beehive-shaped monastic cells huddled together, two boat-shaped oratories, as well as crude stone crosses, serving as grave markers, and the ruins of a medieval church. The views over the Atlantic were endless, and gulls and gannets soared and dived, their cries echoing with either anguished loneliness or triumphant salvation, possibly a bit of both. No wonder George Bernard Shaw, following a visit in 1910, described Skellig Michael this way: “I hardly feel real again … I tell you, the thing does not belong to any world that you and I have lived and worked in: It is part of our dream world.” The New York Times

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.

Conor Pass looking at Slea Head, Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula

"A palpable sense of history emanates from the landscape. And from the people, too. Their thick brogue hints at an ancient language that is making something of a comeback these days." The Washington Post

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

Hillwalking & Hiking

"We followed paths that took us through a breathtaking landscape of lakes and hills... The route took us to Gleninchiquin and up Knockagarrane for a view across Kenmare Bay to Kenmare itself and on to the striking Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Carrantuohill, Ireland's highest mountain at 3,400ft. On route, we passed the Uragh Stone Circle, five striking neolithic megaliths. Its remote location made it even more evocative." The Telegraph

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 in Kerry

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 in County Kerry

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.