County Kerry

All our County Kerry collections:

• Best hotels on the Dingle Peninsula

Choosing the best places to stay in County Kerry is all about knowing what's pulling you most strongly towards this beautiful part of the world.

County Kerry's Ring of Kerry is a magical place of fog-shrouded mountains hiding old Celtic ruins and glacial lakes, which quickly dips to a coastline of wonderful wind-bashed cliffs. Painters flock here to attempt the ever-changing wonder of the light, folk singers wax lyrical and loud and tourists descend looking for ye olde Ireland. Kenmare is an excellent choice of base - a charming town at the head of Kenmare Bay.

As well as the Ring of Kerry, County Kerry is also home to some other names you might recognise; the Macgillycuddy Reeks, which is where you can find nine out of ten of Ireland's highest peaks and the Dingle Peninsula, a golden sand promontory which is Europe's most westerly point.

While you'll see plenty of tour buses and day trippers here, the way to see Kerry is at your leisure. Allowing time to stop when something catches your fancy - potentially when you see a shaft of light shining upon it from above, a meaningful gap in the clouds.

There are numerous stone ring ruins, Iron Age forts and small hamlets to catch your eye, as well as too many scenic lookouts to bother marking on a map.

County Kerry is also rich in foodie friendly pubs. The fish here is fresh off the Atlantic, like the winds, and Kerry lamb has an international reputation. Many pubs will also do a good evening's musical entertainment if you arrive on the right night.

You might want to make your way to the end of Europe, where you can look out across at the Skellig's, 200metre spires of rock which sit just off the coast. Unlikely as it may sound, Skellig Michael was once home to a community of monks, who lived here between the 6th and 13th Centuries, presumably eating a lot of seagulls in their creatively constructed cells.

What Not To Miss

• You might want to visit Ross Castle, a 15th century tower house that's been the subject of a number of myths - including that of a ghost who still apparently reappears from time to time! Join in with a tour and wander around the place learning all about its history, whilst horse-drawn carriage rides are also available if you fancy indulging in something a little different.
• The picturesque Muckross Abbey in Killarney National Park was originally a 15th-century Franciscan friary. Wonderfully preserved, this historic site actually first dates back to the 6th century (and the beginning of Christianity in Ireland).
• Head off hiking and go visit the remains of Ballycarbery Castle, situated by the beautiful White Strand Beach on the picturesque Ring of Kerry. This impressive ivy-clad house was once home to the McCarthy Clan and, whilst currently in a state of disrepair, is impressive nonetheless. Pack a picnic and wander along the beach for a relaxing way to spend the day.
• Drive around the scenic Ring of Kerry loop around the Iberagh Peninsula. This 179km long route boasts fabulous views and is a spectacular way to see the area.

Don't forget that this part of Ireland is extremely popular with tourists, especially during the peak summer months. If you want guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in County Kerry in July and August, you'll need to book well in advance. Alternatively plan your trip for spring or autumn when the crowds have dissipated but the scenery remains as beautiful, if not more so!

For sea views

• Castlewood House overlooks Dingle Bay and offers comfortable beds in rooms with uninterrupted sea views, and award-winning gourmet breakfasts. This is a wonderful place to come for a quiet escape in amongst those unpaintable views.
• Gorman's Clifftop House is a restaurant with rooms offering spacious accommodation with wonderful views of the Atlantic and Mount Brandon. Boasting an excellent restaurant which serves up regional dishes, this is a top spot for those looking to get away from it all.
• Emlagh House, set in a charming Georgian building, provides stylish rooms featuring plush fabrics, Victorian antiques and artwork adorning the walls. Make the most out of your location to go dolphin and seal watching or head off sea fishing.
• Aghadoe Heights is a contemporary 5* property boasting a spectacular location overlooking the Atlantic. Their rooms are simple yet chic in design, with plenty of natural light and impressive views. Come back after a day out and unwind in their extensive spa.

Country house hotels

• Cahernane House Hotel is another peaceful escape. A grand country house hotel in the Killarney National Park, near the MacGillicuddy Reeks, this is definitely one of the best places to stay in County Kerry if you're here for a special occasion.
• Foodies will love Carrig Country House, a lakeside Victorian residence turned country house hotel with spectacular views over Lake Carah and the mountains, and an excellent restaurant specialising in locally caught trout and salmon.
• Also on the shores of Lake Caragh, Ard Na Sidhe Country House is a beautiful country house surrounded by 32 acres of garden, in a perfect location for exploring the Ring of Kerry.
• Sheen Falls Lodge is a spectacular spot, situated amid stunning countryside and overlooking Sheen Falls. This luxury 5* property boasts elegant and traditional interiors as well as serving up gourmet Irish cuisine, whilst there's a range of activities to keep you busy. A first-rate country escape!

For fishing

• QCS Townhouse is a stylish restaurant with rooms located on the Ring of Kerry. Offering spacious and chic accommodation, their restaurant specialises in local fish - whilst you can make the most out of your location to head off fishing yourself.
• Sheen Falls Lodge is also known for its fish, but is even better known for its fishing. It's also got a spa and children's activities.
• The 4* Brook Lane Hotel offers contemporary rooms featuring modern art, dark furnishings and chandeliers. Head off boat fishing, shore angling or charter a boat on Kenmare Bay before coming back to unwind in their charming lounge.

Quiet Retreats

• Sallyport House boasts just five rooms and enjoys a wonderful location on the edge of the River Kenmare. This old country house boasts traditional interiors and charming bedrooms. Spend your days out hiking or fishing before returning to curl up with a good book in the cosy library!
• The four bedroom An Riasc is set in a charming 200 year old farmhouse in the Dingle Peninsula. Individually decorated rooms feature plenty of pine furnishings, whilst huge breakfasts are served up each morning and four course dinners are available upon request. A great spot for hikers and fishers.

For A holiday cottage or Apartment

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then check out the wide variety available online with our partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to County Kerry?

• It's best to visit Kerry during the summertime, with the average daily temperature reaching 15°C in July and August. This is by far the best time of year to make the most out of the county's beautiful countryside!
• Visitors can fly into Kerry Airport, which is served by direct flights from London with Ryanair. Aer Lingus is their main operator, with regular flights to Dublin and beyond.
• From the airport you can take the bus to Kerry's major cities. A single to Tralee costs €5.80, to Killarney it costs €5.30 and if you're going to Limerick it's €21.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in County Kerry,
• Widen your search to include the best places to stay in Limerick or Cork
• Or, contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in County Kerry