All our County Kerry collections:
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!