Kerry

Kerry, Ireland

The ancient Kingdom of Kerry lies on the very edge of Europe - once believed to be the edge of the world. This far-flung place is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lively towns with a strong traditional culture combine with some of the world's most beautiful coastline scenery in this unique place.

Population:

147,707 (2016)

Currency:

1 Euro € = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

The national emergency numbers are 999 and 112

Killarney Garda (Police) Station: Tel: +353 64 6671160

Dingle Garda (Police) Station: Tel: +353 66 9151522

Tralee Garda (Police) Station: Tel: +353 66 7102300

Opening Hours:

Most shops are open 09.00 until 17.30 or 18.00 from Monday to Saturday. During Summer and Autumn, a number of shops in parts of the county may remain open until 22.00 or 23.00.

Many shops are also open on Sundays.

Newspapers:

The Kerryman
Kerry’s Eye
Irish Times
Irish Independent

Killarney

People flock to Killarney to experience first-hand the legendary beauty of its lakes, waterfalls, mountain peaks and breathtaking views. Relax in the evenings and taste “craic agus ceol,” the good times, the banter, the pubs with live music, and the Irish charm.

The town is on the north-east shore of the largest of the three Lakes of Killarney: Lough Leane, or Lake of Learning , where the medieval monks of Inisfallen recorded the earliest history of Ireland. Killarney offers a variety of experiences - both easy strolls and challenging hikes, trips and tours, bike hires and boat rides. Traditional horse-drawn jaunting cars with their drivers known as “jarveys” wait in the centre of town to take visitors to the National Park.

Killarney is a great base for exploring South West Ireland’s three wild Atlantic peninsulas, Dingle, Beara and Iveragh, as well as the world-famous Ring of Kerry.

Do & See

The ancient Kingdom of Kerry lies on the very edge of Europe - once believed to be the edge of the world, “Next parish, Manhattan” is a local phrase. This far-flung place is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lively towns with a strong traditional culture combine with some of the world's most beautiful coastline scenery in this unique place.

The Ring of Kerry

Starting in Killarney, take the N72 to Killorglin where there is a variety of Outdoor Activity Centres. Cyclists should take the Glencar route that will bring them along the mountainous spine of the peninsula taking in glacial lakes and mountain passes to the heart of the Iveragh Peninsula’s Gaeltacht at Dromid (na Dromoda).
From Killorglin to Glenbeigh, the Bog Village is an interesting visit and in Glenbeigh, take time for a pony trek along the beautiful Rossbeigh Beach. From Glenbeigh, the route will open up to wonderful views of Dingle Bay as you approach Kells, where the Victorian Gardens of Kells Bay are located.

In Cahersiveen, the history of the area can be discovered at the Old Barracks Heritage Centre. Enjoy a fun filled boat trip around Cahersiveen Harbour and Valentia Lighthouse. After Cahirsiveen, drive on to the beautiful fishing port of Portmagee or take the ferry to Valentia Island. This region, called the Skellig Ring, is a place to linger. From Portmagee, the ferries leave for the spectacular Skellig Rocks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you cross the bridge at Portmagee, stop to walk up to Bray Head and Geokaun Mountain for amazing views. At the Slate Quarry, the views over Valentia Lighthouse and Knightstown are stunning.

Take time to visit the Tetrapod Track and take an eco tour around the harbour.
From Portmagee, continue on the Skellig Ring Road, over Coomanaspig Pass to St. Finan’s Bay and on into Ballinskelligs (Baile na Sceilge), a Gaeltacht village, Valentia Island where the Cill Rialaig Famine Village and Ballinskelligs Blue Flag Beach are well worth a stop.
Waterville, with wonderful views of Ballinskelligs Bay, is home to Waterville’s famous Links Course and the angler’s paradise, Lough Currane. Onwards to Caherdaniel, the Coomakista Pass offers sublime views over Kenmare Bay, Derrynane Harbour, Scariff and Deenish Islands. Caherdaniel is an ideal base for outdoor pursuits and is home to Derrynane House & National Historic Gardens. At Castlecove, visit Ireland’s largest circular stone fort, Staigue Fort. Next, the colourful village of Sneem, home to the Sculpture Park and Garden of the Senses, is a delightful village to spend some time.
In Kenmare, enjoy a lovely choice of charming shops, galleries, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Stay longer to enjoy the fun and adventure of local Activity Centres, Kilgarvan’s Motor Museum and the heritage of the region captured at Bonane Heritage Park and Gleninchaquin Park.

To complete the Ring of Kerry, travel north to Killarney via Moll’s Gap. Marvel at the panoramic vistas at Ladies View, with breathtaking views of the glorious Lakes of Killarney.

Dining

The southwest of Ireland is renowned as a gastronomic epicentre. An abundance of seafood and locally grown produce ensure that chefs have the freshest possible ingredients at their fingertips. Some of the best traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine can be savoured in Killarney, as well as some of the highest quality seafood.