County Kerry Tourist Attractions List of sites and attractions in County Kerry

The main tourist routes of the West of Ireland's Shannon Region are linked via the Killimer-Tarbert car ferry. This pleasant, 20 minute journey across the Shannon Estuary will save 85 miles (137 km) from ferry terminal to ferry terminal providing a staging point for the many attractions of Clare, Kerry and adjoining counties.

When traveling between Dingle or Killarney and Cliffs of Moher/Doolin, this ferry can save quite a bit of driving time.

Savour the enchantment of the Dingle Peninsula, a land of blue gold hills and sandy beaches, of glorious waterfalls, hidden bays, wonderous rock formations, caves and arches, busy harbours and wayside pubs, a land dappled with heather, primroses, bluebells, foxgloves and fuchsia, and smiling faces to welcome you. This peninsula that inspired films like "Ryan's Daughter" and "Far and Away" has much to offer people in search of something different.

Don't forget, Dick Mack's Pub (across from the church) and The Small Bridge Pub for traditional Irish music!

Beyond Dingle is Ventry, where you may see upturned Currachs (canvas covered canoes) on the beach. Follow the road marked Slea Head Drive round Ireland's most westerly point. The whole area is riddled with forts, souterrains, standing stones and crosses; you need a good detailed map to explore them all. On the hill-sides you will pass a number of strange little stone huts known as beehives or clochans. There are over 400 in the area altogether. Some farmers may charge you to visit these, and the more perfect specimens may have been reconstructed from the original stones as storage places (or for their more recent value as tourist attractions).

Ventry is a great place for B&Bs during the high season when Dingle is busier. Also check out Ventry for horseback riding -- just ask your B&B owner for information.

Slea Head marks the south-western end of the peninsula, in front of the Blasket islands. In 1916, the main island known its maximum of population, is 176 inhabitants who lived fishing and supplemented their incomes by the breeding of sheep.

Killorglin in the geographical heart of Kerry is the venue for one of Ireland's most unusual street festivals - Puck Fair. The fair is one of Ireland's oldest and longest celebrated and is held without fail on 10th, 11th and 12th August every year with 12 hours of free family street entertainment.

The main events of the festival include the traditional horse fair, the Guinness busking competition, parade and coronation ceremony of King Puck, open air night concerts, fireworks display, children's competitions, street entertainers and dancing displays.

It is estimated that the Fair is worth in excess of £1,500,000 to the local economy as over 100,000 people pass through Killorglin during the three days of Puck Fair. These visitors to the town are of varying nationalities - local people mix with Europeans and Americans to create a truly international atmosphere

A winding cliff road runs north through the Conor Pass, which at 1500 ft. is the highest mountain pass in Ireland. Buses won't fit on the narrow road, but cars squeeze through, and superstar bikers and walkers huff-and-puff it past valley views on 3 mi. of continuous incline. The road crests at Brandon Ridge, and your tribulations are rewarded with dazzling views that will blow you away---if the high winds haven't already. On clear days, you can gaze awestruck at lakes thousands of feet below, even at distant Valentia Island off the south coast across the peninsula and the Maharee Islands to the north. As the road twists down, a small waterfall and a few picnic tables mark the base of Pedlars Lake, named in honor of a traveling tradesman who lost his wares (and his life) to a gang of brigands. These days, you're more likely to encounter geologists than bandits roaming the glacier-sliced lakes and boulder-pocked landscape.

Sites of interest in the town reflect it's strong religious and educational history. Killarney was a Church foundation from the 5th or 6th Century, house settlement began here from around 1500.

Explore colourful laneways, a fine cathedral … historic buildings dating back to the days of the landlord … experience the ambience of busy streets in the town centre.

Nestled amidst deep, lake filled valleys with astounding sights such as the famous Ladies' View (Named after Queen Victoria's Ladies' in Waiting) and the MacGillicuddy Reeks - Ireland's largest mountain range, home of Carrauntoohil our largest peak.

Killarney itself is a lively hub of activity, with many hotels, restaurants, pubs, discos, along with outlets for renting bikes, cars and the famous jaunting cars. It is an ideal base for touring the Ring of Kerry, Dingle and Tralee.

The Ring of Kerry is part of the mystical & unspoilt Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. It's spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits including golf, watersports , cycling, walking, riding and the very best fishing for salmon & trout. The Ring of Kerry has some of the finest beaches in Europe that provide all the facilities for a traditional seaside holiday. Above all the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland - see the Iron Age Forts & Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago.

One of several mountain ranges on the Iveragh Peninsula, MacGillycuddy's Reeks boasts the highest mountain in Ireland, Carrantuohill (3,404 ft.). Whether gazed at from afar or explored up close on foot, the Reeks are among Ireland's greatest spectacles.

This stunning Victorian mansion with its exquisite gardens is also home to skilled artisans at work. Nearby are a series of reconstructed traditional farms, with animals and docents, providing a gateway to rural Ireland as it was for centuries.

If you're doing the Ring of Kerry, this is the most charming base camp you could wish for. The "little nest" has a blessed location at the mouth of the River Roughty on Kenmare Bay, and is loaded to the gills with flowerboxes and enchanting shops and places to eat.

Eight miles (13km) offshore of the Iveragh Peninsula, rising sharply 714 feet out of the Atlantic, is a stunning crag of rock dedicated to the Archangel Michael. In flight from the world, early Irish monks in pursuit of "white martyrdom" chose this spot to build their austere hermitage. Today, the journey to Skellig, across choppy seas, and the arduous climb to its summit are challenging and unforgettable.

Nestled in the northern half of the County of Kerry is located the traditional lively market town of Listowel, situated on the banks of the River Feale. Listowel has a long history dating back to 1303 where it first appears in the Plea Roll. Fortress to the Fitzmaurice family the town developed around Listowel Castle and its magnificent market Square, one of its many distinguishing features. Described as the 'Literary Capital of Ireland', Listowel has produced an abundance of world famous writers including John B. Keane and Bryan MacMahon, giving it a uniqueness not to be found in any other part of Ireland. Listowel is home to Writers' Week, the annual Literary Festival held in June, the famous Listowel Horse-Racing Festival held in September and Listowel Food Fair held in November.

In the vale of Tralee next to the river Lee can be found Kerry's capital town, Tralee. a regional centre for tourism in Ireland. Here you will find there is no shortage of things to do: a plummet down a giant waterslide, a guided tour through a medieval castle, a round of golf on a great course, a boat trip to see 20,000 gannets in colony, a walk or bike ride in Europes quietest valleys and hills or a visit to a pub to enjoy a meal, a conversation with the friendly locals or the delight of a spontaneous traditional Irish music session.

(6,278 Yards / Par 72) This challenging course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and is every bit as demanding - if not more so - than the Old Course at Ballybunion. Both courses enjoy the benefit of the Atlantic coastline.

(6,542 Yards / Par 71) Undoubtedly, Ireland's most famous golf course - a place of giant sand hills and deep valleys, this links course is a treat for the senses. Wildly beautiful and spectacularly located, when the wind lashes in from the Atlantic, this is not a place for the faint-hearted!

(6,550 Yards / Par 72) This is a classic links course designed by Eddie Hackett and Christy O'Connor Jr. The course is designed around and uses the natural terrain with the wind blowing off the Atlantic Ocean playing a big factor. With its many panoramic views, Ceann Sibeal, is truly has an ideal setting for a golf course.

(6,010 Metres / Par 70) Dooks - derived from a Gaelic word meaning "sandbank" - is a testing 18-hole links situated in one of the most picturesque corners of the Ring of Kerry. The course is laid out on one of three stretches of sand-dunes at the head of beautiful Dingle Bay.

(5,950 Yards / Par 71) Kenmare is a picturesque course and mainly very sheltered which leaves it playable in all kinds of weather. It is a parkland / links course designed by Ireland's most experienced golf architect, Eddie Hackett. This is a course which can be very exacting for a great player but not unfair to the weak. It also has the advantage of being situated in one of Ireland's areas of outstanding scenery - a unique golfing environment.

(6,474 Metres / Par 72) Golf has been played here - in majestic surroundings amidst the famous Lakes of Killarney - since the 19th century, hence the oft-heard referral to its being a "golfer's dream". Among the better holes on the Killeen parkland course are the 1st which follows the curve of Lough Leane's shore, the stunning par three 3rd also along the water's edge and the 13th - a long par 4.

(6,152 Metres / Par 72) The second of the two championship parkland courses at the Killarney Golf Club, Mahony's Point runs adjacent to Lough Leane with the mountains of Kerry rising on the other side of the lake. Mahony's Point is no less challenging as it is beautiful.

(6,923 Yards / Par 72) This is a new parkland course, described as World Class 18 hole course overlooking Kenmare Bay. It is designed by Eddie Hacket, whom also designed Waterville Course. The panoramic views of the nearby Caha Mountains and Kenmare Bay to the south, combined with the MacGillycuddy Reeks to the north, provide for a wonderful golfing experience amidst the tranquility and beauty of Ireland's most imposing landscapes.

(6,252 Metres / Par 71) This Arnold Palmer designed course, the first in Europe, is set amidst the beautiful scenery associated with the Kerry region. This challenging course starts with a relatively flat front nine, set on the cliff tops; the second nine by contrast are built on and about the noteworthy dunes.

(7,184 Yards / Par 72) Although it does not have the history of Ballybunion and Lahinch, this majestic links course perched on Ballinskelligs Bay has become accepted as one of the finest courses of its kind anywhere in the world. Long but not hilly, it is enjoyable to walk, with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Kerry Mountains. Each hole has individual characteristics and every club in the bag will be needed.