Relatively little industry ensures an environment which is the envy of Europe, producing a background against which every water and land based activity can be enjoyed to the full. The special culture of the largely agricultural people gives a unique feeling to the country and the warm welcome, which is spontaneously extended, will captivate the heart of any visitor.

Kerry offers a great diversity of scenery, culture and leisure activities. There are many amenities, places of interest, sporting and leisure activities, festivals and other special events to experience. Sporting enthusiasts will find plenty to do, from golfing, cycling and equestrian, to a wide variety of water sports such as angling, sailing, diving, Windsurfing, etc. Kerry is also a Walker's and Climber's paradise with it's many long distance Walking Routes, National Parks and great Mountain Ranges. 
For those interested in history and archaeology there are many outstanding items of interest to be seen, and there are a number of Major Heritage Interpretative Centres, Open Farms, Museums, Castles, Houses and Gardens open to the public.

 

Main Tourist Attractions :

Crag Cave
Located at Castleisland, Crag cave is a colourful wonderland of stalactites and stalactmites. Discovered in 1983 and thought to be over a million years old, it is a natural all weather attraction. Crag Cave is an ancient fossil cave system, older than mankind itself, within which can be seen the natural forces that created the complex and beautiful passages.

Carrigafoyle Castle
Located 2 miles North of Ballylongford in the channel between the mainland and Carrig Island.
Carrigafoyle has had a stormy history and, although wrecked by a series of bloody sieges, remains a remarkable castle. Cleverly located between the high- and low-water marks on the shore of the Shannon Estuary, it comprises a large tower built towards the end of the fifteenth century by the O'Connors of Kerry. The tower has five storeys rising to a height of 86 feet and is beautifully constructed of specially selected small stones laid in neat courses.

Fungi the Dolphin - Dingle
Since 1983, Fungi - a wild Bottlenose Dolphin, chose to make Dingle Harbour his home. Boat trips leave Dingle pier all day, every day, all year round to see Fungi, wild and free in 
his natural habitat.

Skellig Islands
Boat trips to the Skellig Island run throughout the year, depending on the weather. The two Skellig islands, Skellig Michael and Small Skellig stand in the Atlantic Ocean 12km south west of Valentia. They are renowned for their scenery, seabird colonies and early Christian monastic architecture

Lakes of Killarney
The three main lakes of Killarney occupy a broad valley stretching south between the mountains. The Lower, Middle and Upper lakes, all lie within the Killarney National Park. Spectacular scenery

Muckross House
Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms are a fantastic experience for everyone. The House and its Gardens are kept magnificently, while the Farms show how farming used to be managed in more traditional times. Car and boat trips, as well as a craft workshop make for an eventful and enjoyable visit

Dingle Ocean World
Located in Dingle, is Ireland's new spectacular Aquarium, overlooking the scenic Dingle Harbour, in County Kerry. OceanWorld reveals the fascinating species that live in the waters around the magnificent Dingle Peninsula. The experience is a journey through the Peninsula's ancient sea culture and its people's interaction with the sea from the pre-christian era to present times

The Kenmare Heritage Centre
Provides an insight into the history of the town. The centre's tour covers a wide range of historical themes from generations gone by. A feature of the centre is the Sound Tours, available to all visitors. A heritage trail from the centre follows this tour.

The Kerry Bog Village Museum
Located in the Village at Glenbeigh on the magnificent Ring of Kerry is a unique rural attraction. It aims to recreate life in Ireland during the 1800's.

Killarney Model Railway
Located at Beech Road, Killarney, will provide enjoyment for all the family. Scores of trains running on over a mile of track, transport you through the landmarks of Europe. There are thousands of tiny people depicting all walks of life and a day and night scene that will take your breath away

Coolwood Wildlife Sanctuary and Zoo
Located at Coolcaslagh, about two miles from Killarney town. Situated on 50 acres, it is an ideal family venue with scenic walks, coffee shop, children's playground and the 3 acre children's zoo with a variety of exotic species

Valentia Observatory
Located on the Waterville road, just a few miles from Cahersiveen, this is Irelands oldest synoptic weather station.. Weather observations are made each hour and transmitted by telex to Dublin. Many historic instruments originally used are on display at the Observatory.

Heritage Sites

Ardfert Cathedral
A monastery was founded here by St. Brendan 'The Navigator' in the 6th century. There are three medieval churches, an ogham stone and a number of early Christian and medieval grave slabs on the site today. The earliest building is the cathedral which dates from the 12th - 17th centuries. It has a fine Romanesque west doorway, a magnificent 13th century east window and a spectacular row of nine lancets in the south wall. Two effigies of ecclesiastical figures of late 13th - early 14th century date are mounted on either side of the east window.

Derrynane House, National Historic Park Caherdaniel
Derrynane House is the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell, lawyer, politician and statesman. Situated on 120 hectares of parklands on the scenic Kerry coast, the House displays many relics of O'Connell's life and career. Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor

The Blasket Centre Dun Chaoin, Tralee
The Blasket Centre in Dún Chaoin, on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition. Sadly the Great Blasket was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population. Beidh céad míle fáilte romhat in Ionad an Bhlascaoid. Centre is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities.

Muckross Friary Muckross Estate, Killarney
This Franciscan Friary was founded in the 15th century and is in a remarkable state of preservation. The tower was added after the church was built and is the only Franciscan tower in Ireland which is as wide as the church. The cloister and its associated buildings are complete and an old yew tree stands in the centre. The monks were finally driven out by the Cromwellians in 1652.

Muckross House and Gardens
Within Killarney National Park is Muckross House - a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland's leading stately homes. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House. The Gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty.

Ross Castle - Killarney
This Castle may be considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. Probably built in the late 15th century by one of the O'Donoghue Ross chieftains. Much of the bawn was removed by the time the Barrack building was added on the south side of the castle sometime in the middle of the 18th century. The castle contains 16th and 17th century furniture.

Interesting Shops