County Kerry, affectionately known as “The Kingdom”, is famed for its majestic mountain ranges, untamed Atlantic coastlines, and vibrant, colourful towns nestled in deep green valleys. From the soaring heights of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak, to the historic, lively streets of Tralee and Killarney, the county offers an awe-inspiring blend of raw natural beauty, ancient heritage, and a warm, spirited community.
The landscape is dominated by the spectacular Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and the breathtaking expanses of Killarney National Park, where ancient woodlands and shimmering lakes surround historic gems like Ross Castle and Muckross House. For outdoor enthusiasts, the county is an unrivalled playground; the legendary Ring of Kerry, the rugged Dingle Way, and the dizzying heights of the Conor Pass offer spectacular, sweeping views at every turn. Deeply rooted in history, the region’s ancient stone circles, early Christian sites like the Gallarus Oratory, and the profound legacy of its resilient communities add a rich layer of cultural depth to the stunning scenery.
Kerry’s dramatic coastline on the Wild Atlantic Way presents endless wonders, from the golden surfing shores of Inch Beach to the secluded, crystal-clear waters of Keem Bay. A short boat trip reveals the extraordinary UNESCO-listed Skellig Islands, home to an ancient monastic settlement and thriving puffin colonies, while the designated International Dark-Sky Reserve in Ballinskelligs offers unparalleled stargazing. This vibrant natural energy is matched only by the county’s lively cultural calendar, featuring nightly traditional music sessions, the renowned Listowel Writers’ Week, and the internationally celebrated Rose of Tralee, ensuring that visitors to The Kingdom experience the very best of Irish hospitality and joy.
Aghadoe, kerry
Aghadoe stands on a ridge above Killarney, looking down on Lough Leane, Innisfallen island and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. The free, open site gathers a 12th-century cathedral with a Romanesque doorway, a 6th- or 7th-century Ogham stone, a round-tower base and the cylindrical keep of Parkavonear Castle.
Abbey Island, kerry
Ahamore Abbey, better known as Derrynane Abbey, sits on a sand-capped island off the Derrynane strand that you can only reach on foot at low tide. The roofless church frames the Atlantic through three arched windows, and the graveyard holds Mary O'Connell, wife of Daniel O'Connell, and the Gaelic poet Tomás Rua Ó Súilleabháin.
Annascaul, kerry
Tucked in the southern foothills of the Slieve Mish Mountains, Annascaul is a close-knit Kerry village where Antarctic explorer Tom Crean once called home. Visitors can follow the Dingle Way to ancient Cú Chulainn cairns, fish the glacial Annascaul Lake, or catch Atlantic swells at nearby Inch Beach.
Ard na Caithne, kerry
September 1580 saw a contingent of 600 Italian and Spanish mercenaries land at Dún an Óir, only to be besieged and largely executed after a three-day clash with English forces. Today the harbour’s sheltered sands, the Three Sisters headland and the nearby Iron Age fort echo this turbulent past, inviting visitors to explore both natural beauty and the dramatic legacy of the Papal expedition.
Ardfert, kerry
Ardfert was the ecclesiastical heart of County Kerry, founded by Saint Brendan the Navigator in the 6th century, and its cathedral and Franciscan friary are both free, unguided OPW monuments. The Blue Flag sands of Banna Beach are two miles south and the Tralee-Fenit Greenway runs through the village.
St Brendan’s Island, kerry
Reachable only by boat, St Brendan’s Cell is a remarkably preserved double beehive structure dating to the early 500s. Built by early monastic communities linked to St Brendan the Navigator, the twin dry-stone chambers offer a quiet, atmospheric encounter with Ireland’s ancient spiritual heritage.
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Tucked into a sheltered valley between jagged sea cliffs and rolling green hills, this thriving Gaeltacht village is the cultural heartbeat of the western Dingle Peninsula. Visitors can explore 16th-century siege sites, wander through a 6th-century monastic settlement, or simply listen to fluent Gaeilge echoing across its pubs and streets.
Ballinskelligs, kerry
Ballinskelligs is a scatter of Irish-speaking townlands on the western edge of the Iveragh Peninsula, tied together by a kilometre of Blue Flag sand and two sets of ruins – a medieval priory and a lone castle tower. It sits on the Skellig Ring, with a beach wheelchair in summer and some of the darkest night skies in the country.
Ballintaggart, kerry
Nine ogham stones lie inside a low circular bank in a farm field east of Dingle, eight pointing outward from a ninth at the centre, carved from water-rolled sandstone carried from Minard Beach. This was an early Christian monastery, the 'town of the priest', and long afterwards a burial ground for unbaptised children, used into the 1930s. It's an unstaffed Office of Public Works monument, free and open, with no facilities.
Ballybunion, kerry
Ballybunion is a North Kerry seaside town built around three things on one headland: two world-ranked links golf courses, twin Blue Flag beaches either side of a ruined castle, and Collins' seaweed baths on Ladies Strand. It empties out in winter, so come between April and September when everything is actually open.
Ballycarbery, kerry
Ballycarbery Castle's ivy-clad walls overlook the River Fertha and Valentia Harbour, while nearby stone ringforts Cahergall and Leacanabuaile reveal centuries of early Irish settlement. This free, year-round site combines medieval history with rugged coastal scenery on the Ring of Kerry.
Ballydavid, kerry
Ballydavid – officially Baile na nGall since the 2003 Official Languages Act revoked its English name – is a small Irish-speaking fishing village on the north coast of the Dingle Peninsula, looking out over Smerwick Harbour. It's a working Gaeltacht rather than a resort: the draw is the coast walks, the trad sessions at Tigh T.P.'s, and the early Christian sites nearby, above all the Gallarus Oratory.
Ballyduff, kerry
Ballyduff is a small North Kerry village near Listowel whose great draw, Rattoo Round Tower, is the only complete round tower in the county, an 11th-century tower with the only sheela-na-gig known on an Irish round tower. The tower is currently closed for works, but its exterior, the North Kerry Museum and the village's improbable 1891 hurling title give it real character.
Ballyheigue, kerry
Ballyheigue is a north Kerry seaside village built around three kilometres of Blue Flag sand, the near end of a dune-backed strand that runs up to Kerry Head. It's a safe, lifeguarded family beach for swimming and surfing rather than a wild clifftop. Above it stands the burnt-out shell of Ballyheigue Castle – tied to the 1730 robbery of Danish silver from the wrecked Golden Lion – now ringed by a nine-hole golf course.
Killorglin, kerry
On Good Friday, 21 April 1916, a car carrying four men took a wrong turn in the dark and drove off Ballykissane Pier into the River Laune; three Irish Volunteers drowned, widely remembered as the first deaths of the Easter Rising. The plain stone pier outside Killorglin is now a quiet spot for anglers and walkers, with a bronze memorial to the three men and a 6.5 km loop walk back to town.
Banna Strand, kerry
Salty sea breeze brushes the dunes of Banna Strand as 12-metre sand ridges rise across a 10-km coastline. A stone monument marks Roger Casement’s 1916 landing, linking this lifeguarded Blue Flag beach to a pivotal moment in Ireland’s fight for independence.
Barrow Beach, kerry
Tucked along the southern shores of Tralee Bay, Barrow Beach offers a quiet, natural coastal escape. Known for its proximity to Tralee Golf Club and the Fenit Island sandbar, it is a popular spot for scenic walks, beachcombing, and windsurfing.
Dingle Peninsula, kerry
Baurtregaum is the highest of the Slieve Mish Mountains on the Dingle Peninsula, at 851 m. The classic route is the Derrymore Glen Horseshoe, an 11 km loop of around five hours that also takes in Caherconree (835 m) and its Iron Age promontory fort. It is a serious, unmarked hillwalk with big views over Tralee Bay and the Reeks – not a casual stroll.
Ballyferriter, kerry
Béal Bán is a sheltered, mile-long strand on Smerwick Harbour, near the Gaeltacht village of Ballyferriter, with rock pools at one end and Mount Brandon behind. The calm water makes it good for families and kite surfers, and it holds a Green Coast Award.
Beara Peninsula, cork
A strenuous, roughly nine-day loop around the Beara Peninsula from Glengarriff, past stone circles, copper-mine ruins and brightly painted villages. The official length is 206 km (128 miles); Sport Ireland lists 241.8 km once the Bere and Dursey Island spurs are counted. Reliable waymarking and luggage-transfer services make it manageable in stages.
Beaufort, kerry
Beaufort is a small Kerry village on the River Laune, under the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. It was the open-air studio for the Kalem film crew from 1910, and today it works mainly as a base for the Gap of Dunloe, Tomies Wood and the climb up Carrauntoohil.
MacGillycuddy's Reeks, kerry
Rising to 1,008 m in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Beenkeragh offers hill-walkers a challenging scramble across the exposed Beenkeragh Ridge and panoramic views of Ireland’s highest peaks. A key link in the Coomloughra Horseshoe, it rewards prepared climbers with rugged beauty and a true sense of alpine exposure.
Cahersiveen, kerry
Beentee is the 376 m hill that rises straight behind Cahersiveen on the Ring of Kerry. The waymarked Beentee Loop climbs it on minor roads, tracks and an old mass path to a summit with 360° views over Valentia Island, the Dingle Peninsula, MacGillycuddy's Reeks and the Skellig Islands.
Dunquin, kerry
Tucked inside the Blasket Sound off the Dingle Peninsula, Beginish is a low-lying, uninhabited island that serves as a vital sanctuary for wildlife. A designated Special Area of Conservation, its quiet shorelines and grassy dunes are home to a major grey seal pupping colony and nesting Arctic terns.
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The Black Valley was the last place in mainland Ireland to be connected to the electricity and telephone networks, in 1976. It's a remote glen at the southern foot of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, threaded by a stage of the Kerry Way and best known now for Molly's Cottage, an abandoned stone dwelling near Lough Reagh.
Dunquin, kerry
The Blasket Islands, off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, held a tiny Irish-speaking community that was resettled on the mainland in 1953, leaving behind some of the finest writing in modern Irish. A 20-minute ferry from Dunquin lands you on Great Blasket for about four hours among the ruined village, the white-strand seal colony and a free guided walk. Sailings are weather-dependent and the landing is by small boat, so come with a backup plan.
Blennerville, kerry
Standing 21.3 m tall, Blennerville Windmill still grinds grain for visitors following a meticulous 1990 restoration. The five-floor stone tower houses historic French grinding stones, a working model railway and an emigration exhibition, making it a compelling stop on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Bonane, kerry
Bonane is a Kerry valley between the Sheehy and Caha Mountains with over 250 recorded archaeological sites. The heritage park's 2km loop walks you past a solstice-aligned stone circle, a ringfort, a bullaun stone and famine-era ruins across 5,000 years, for €5. It sits where the Ring of Kerry meets the Ring of Beara, 10km west of Kenmare.
Brandon, kerry
Brandon is an Irish-speaking village on the north side of the Dingle Peninsula, sitting below Mount Brandon – one of the ten highest peaks in Ireland. Three routes climb the mountain from the Faha Grotto, while Brandon Bay, which hosted professional wave-sailing in the early 2000s, still draws windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Brandon Bay, kerry
Brandon Bay stretches four miles of golden sand beneath the towering Mount Brandon, while the dramatic headland of Brandon Point offers 360° Atlantic panoramas. The area is a world-class playground for windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing, and a haven for walkers, bird-watchers and wildlife lovers alike.
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Mount Brandon rises to 952m, offering challenging walks, glacial lakes and sweeping Atlantic views. The range is a landscape of contrasts, where 5th-century pilgrimage paths meet the rusting wreckage of World War II aircraft and ancient Ogham inscriptions.
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Caher is the third-highest mountain in Ireland, at 1,000 m, and the least-trodden of the three thousand-metre peaks that ring the Coomloughra glen in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Most walkers take it in as the western corner of the Coomloughra Horseshoe, one of Ireland's classic ridge walks, or as a finer route onto Carrauntoohil than the worn Devil's Ladder. Either way it is a strenuous, exposed mountain day for experienced hillwalkers only.
Near Cahersiveen, kerry
Perched on the Valencia River estuary, the Cahergall and Leacanabuaile forts form a striking pair of early-medieval stone cashels. Their towering dry-stone walls, beehive dwellings and a hidden souterrain offer a vivid glimpse into the lives of Kerry’s ancient chieftains and farmers.
Caherconree, kerry
First sight of Caherconree’s soaring stone promontory fort crowns the ridge like a weather-worn crown against the Atlantic horizon. The 835-metre peak then unfolds sweeping vistas of Tralee Bay and the distant MacGillycuddy Reeks, echoing the legends of the sorcerer-king Cú Roí.
Cahersiveen, kerry
Cahersiveen sits on the banks of the River Fertha, offering a mix of deep history and wild Atlantic scenery. Visit the 7th-century Cahergall and Leacanabuaile stone forts, explore the town's connection to Daniel O'Connell, or use it as a base for hiking Beentee Mountain and driving the Skellig Ring.
Caragh Lake, kerry
Stretching 5km between Killorglin and Glenbeigh, Caragh Lake offers crystal-clear waters for angling and paddling, surrounded by ancient oak woods and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. A perfect stop for walkers, wildlife watchers, and dark-sky enthusiasts.
Killorglin, kerry
Perched on a hillside above Caragh Lake, this Coillte-managed woodland offers a compact walking trail with sweeping views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Dingle Bay. Visitors can follow gentle forest paths to a historic stone railway platform, once part of the line to Valentia Harbour, and enjoy quiet moments among native broadleaf and conifer stands.
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Winding through the foothills of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Caragh River offers dramatic roadside views, protected habitats for rare species and one of Ireland’s most productive salmon fisheries. A perfect stop on the Wild Atlantic Way for nature lovers and anglers alike.
Tralee, kerry
The Carrahane River flows gently through County Kerry’s coastal landscape, emptying into the Atlantic at the southern edge of Banna Strand. Its tidal estuary and sandy banks provide a peaceful setting for walking, wildlife watching, and saltwater angling. Visitors can easily combine a riverside stroll with a day at the nearby Blue Flag beach.
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At 1,038.6 m, Carrauntoohil is the highest point in Ireland and the crown of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks in Kerry. Most walkers go up the loose scree of the Devil's Ladder; the climb is free and open year-round, but it is a serious mountain day, not a stroll.
Iveragh Peninsula, kerry
Salt-kissed breezes drift over Castlecove’s white-sand strand, while the ancient stone walls of Staigue Fort stand watch over the cove. The village’s sheltered waters and historic Gowlane River mouth make it a practical, family-friendly base for exploring the Iveragh Peninsula.
Castlegregory, kerry
Castlegregory sits at the foot of the Maharees sandspit on the north of the Dingle Peninsula, where one of Ireland's longest beaches runs roughly 12 miles below Mount Brandon. A single stone arch beside the village SPAR is all that survives of the 16th-century Hoare castle Cromwell's forces razed in 1650. The Maharees dunes shelter rare Natterjack toads and some of the best surf and diving in Kerry.
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Situated at the foot of the Slieve Mish mountains, Castlemaine blends village charm with a world-class coastal nature reserve. From medieval castle ruins and the legendary Jack Duggan’s Bar to bird-rich dunes and panoramic woodland walks, it offers a genuine taste of Kerry heritage and wild beauty.
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Salt-laden breezes drift over the dunes of Castlemaine Harbour, carrying the briny scent of Dingle Bay. The mosaic of sand-sponged salt-marshes, mudflats and expansive eelgrass beds sustains flocks of Brent geese, golden plovers and the rare natterjack toad, while the nation’s largest natural mussel bed thrives beneath the water’s surface.
Church Island, kerry
Glittering emerald waters lap against the weathered stones of Church Island, where the faint scent of lichen mingles with the distant call of loons. The island’s ruined Romanesque nave, beehive cells and a rare 12th-century sandstone lyre carving reveal a silent monastic community that once thrived here.
Cloghane, kerry
Stone cottages line the road as Mount Brandon rises behind them, while Brandon Bay stretches out to the Atlantic. Cloghane blends everyday Gaeltacht life with dramatic coastal walks, ancient Neolithic sites, and a thriving local music scene.
Cloghane, kerry
Cloghane Island sits just off the northern Dingle coast, framed by the granite slopes of Mount Brandon. Reachable by a short boat ride or a careful low-tide crossing, the uninhabited isle offers quiet coves, nesting seabirds and unspoiled Atlantic scenery.
Western Iveragh Peninsula, kerry
Cloghanecarhan is an early monastic enclosure on the Iveragh Peninsula, in a working farm field southeast of Cahersiveen. Its ogham stone carries a name meaning 'devotee of the rowan' and stands near a rowan tree once believed to ward off spirits. The site also holds dry-stone altars, a cross slab and a souterrain.
An Chonair, kerry
The Conor Pass climbs to 456 m over the Dingle Peninsula on a narrow, single-lane road of tight bends and sheer drops, one of the highest and most dramatic drives in Ireland. From the summit car park the views run south across Dingle Bay to the Skelligs and north towards Brandon Bay, and on a clear day as far as the Aran Islands. Vehicles over two tonnes are banned, and winter weather can close it.
Iveragh Peninsula, kerry
Coomacarrea (Com an Charria, 'hollow of the stag') is the 772m high point of the Glenbeigh Horseshoe on the Iveragh Peninsula, named for the deep corries on its north face. It is a serious, trackless hill for experienced walkers; on a clear day the cairn looks out to Skellig Michael, Dingle Bay and the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
Glenbeigh, kerry
Set deep in the Reeks District, Coomasaharn Lake is a still, dark-water basin surrounded by ancient ridges and 4,500-year-old pathways. Hikers tackle the multi-peak Horseshoe Loop for sweeping views of Dingle Bay and the Skellig Coast, while anglers and paddle-boarders enjoy calm waters under a gold-tier Dark Sky Reserve rating.
Beaufort, kerry
The Coomloughra Horseshoe is a 12–13 km loop in MacGillycuddy's Reeks that takes in Ireland's three highest summits – Carrauntoohil, Beenkeragh and Caher. The crux is the knife-edge Beenkeragh Ridge, an exposed scramble that decides whether this route is for you. Expect six to eight hours, around 1,300 m of climbing, and no waymarks the whole way.
Dingle Peninsula, kerry
Stretching 48 km into the Atlantic, Corca Dhuibhne blends dramatic sea cliffs, mountain passes and sandy beaches with a thriving Irish-language culture. Visitors can hike ancient trails, explore historic villages, join traditional music sessions and experience genuine Gaelic hospitality year-round.
Dingle Peninsula, kerry
Cosán na Naomh winds through fuchsia-hedged fields and coastal headlands, linking Ventry Beach to the foot of Mount Brandon. This waymarked pilgrim trail weaves through early Christian ruins, ancient stone markers and sweeping sea views, offering a deeply spiritual and physically rewarding walk on the Dingle Peninsula.
Coumeenoole, kerry
Coumeenoole is a small beach of golden sand cupped between sheer cliffs at the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula, on the Slea Head Drive. It featured in David Lean's Ryan's Daughter (1970) and looks out to the Blasket Islands. The water is dangerous, so this is a place to look rather than swim, with a short walk up to Dunmore Head, the most westerly point of mainland Ireland.
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Mist rises off the low-lying peatlands as the Cummeragh River drops into its first rapid, the sound of water over stone echoing through the heath. The 8.5 km course widens onto Lough Currane, offering white-water thrills for kayakers and productive runs for salmon and sea trout anglers.
Glenbeigh, kerry
Curra Hill is a modest 275 m walk above Glenbeigh, following the bed of what was once Europe’s most westerly railway line. The woods at the foot hold a community-made fairy forest; the cairn at the top looks out over Dingle Bay and the Coomasaharn Horseshoe.
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Tucked between the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Purple Mountains, Cushnavally Lake is the third of the Gap of Dunloe’s five glacial lakes. Its still waters and red-sandstone cliffs make it a standout spot for photography, short walks, and traditional jaunting-car rides.
Killarney, kerry
A small Gothic chapel above the Upper Lake, conserved in 2020 and home to a colony of protected lesser horseshoe bats. It marks the start of riverside walks to the Derrycunnihy cascade and on toward Lord Brandon's Cottage, on the loveliest stretch of the Ring of Kerry.
Derrymore, kerry
Derrymore Island is a long pebble-and-marsh spit reaching into Tralee Bay, one of the best examples of its kind in Ireland and a National Parks and Wildlife Service reserve. It's reached on foot at low tide and matters most to birdwatchers, with brent geese and wigeon grazing the salt marsh and waders crowding the high-tide roost.
Derrynane, kerry
Derrynane is the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell, the 'Liberator', set in a 120-hectare historic park where the Ring of Kerry meets the Atlantic. The restored house holds his duelling pistols and the gold chariot Dublin gave him; a low-tide sand crossing reaches the ruined abbey on Abbey Island, and woodland trails run through dunes and prehistoric monuments.
Derrynane Bay, kerry
Derrynane is a Blue Flag beach on the Iveragh Peninsula, a sheltered curve of golden sand backed by dunes. Time it for low tide and you can walk out to the monastic ruins on Abbey Island; above the bay sits Daniel O'Connell's house, and the whole area falls inside the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve.
Sneem, kerry
Derryquin Castle, a 19th-century Gothic-revival house near Sneem, was burnt by the IRA in 1922 and demolished in 1969. What survives is its battlemented walled garden of around 1840, now part of the Parknasilla Resort estate and reached on foot via the resort's Castle Trail. It's a ruin and a garden rather than a castle, best paired with a wider estate walk.
Killarney, kerry
The Devil’s Ladder is the shortest line to the summit of Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain, climbing from Cronin's Yard through the Hag's Glen. It is a steep, badly eroded scramble of loose rock, prone to rockfall and often better descended by the Zig-Zags. Free to walk, but parking at Cronin's Yard is paid, dogs aren't allowed, and the weather turns in minutes.
Ferta, kerry
Perched nearly 700 m above Killarney, the Devil’s Punchbowl is a steep-walled glacial lake set into Mangerton’s western slopes. Its icy waters and dramatic setting have inspired tales of chieftains and the Devil, while the surrounding trails reward hikers with panoramic views across the Lakes of Killarney and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.
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Dingle sits at the Atlantic’s edge as Ireland’s westernmost town, where pastel streets buzz with Irish music and the aroma of fresh seafood. Its sheltered harbour hosts the famous dolphin Fungie, a historic wooden pier, and ferries to the Blasket and Skellig islands, while the Oceanworld Aquarium and Dingle Distillery round out the visitor experience.
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Charles Lindbergh's first sight of Europe in 1927 was Dingle Bay, the wide inlet between the Dingle and Iveragh peninsulas. The 5 km strand at Inch draws the surfers; boats from Ventry and Dingle find dolphins, minke whales and the odd autumn humpback off the Blaskets.
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Stretching 48 km into the Atlantic, the Dingle Peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne) offers a landscape where rugged mountain passes meet blue-flag beaches and centuries-old monastic sites. From the Slea Head Drive to the lively trad sessions in Dingle town, it remains one of Ireland’s most culturally rich and visually striking regions.
Ballintaggart, kerry
Each August the field at Ballintaggart turns into a racetrack for the Dingle Races, Ireland's largest horse and pony meeting: twenty flapper races over three days, jockeys as young as ten, and a fairground in the middle for everyone else.
Dingle Peninsula, kerry
Circle one of Ireland’s most dramatic peninsulas on a well-signposted 179 km trail. The Dingle Way winds from Tralee past golden sands, early Christian ruins and the shoulder of Mount Brandon, finishing where it began with coastal views and village hospitality at every turn.
Doorus, kerry
Stand beside a Neolithic wedge tomb and wander past a stout Martello Tower guarding Kenmare Bay. The Doorus Peninsula packs prehistoric mystery, Atlantic scenery, and quiet harbour hospitality into a short, rewarding coastal drive.
Smerwick Harbour, kerry
Rugged cliffs guard the ancient earthworks of Dún an Óir, yet a short walk from the parking area brings visitors to a tranquil memorial. The Iron Age fort, linked to legends of fool’s gold, stands beside sweeping Atlantic vistas, marking a landscape shaped by myth and wartime history.
Dún Chaoin, kerry
A serpentine concrete walkway winds down sheer Atlantic cliffs to a small harbour flanked by pyramid-shaped sea stacks. Once known as Ireland’s Sheep Highway, this free-to-access landmark connects the mainland to the Blasket Islands, offering raw coastal scenery, Armada memorials, and a front-row seat to puffins and seals.
Dunbeg, kerry
Step onto a fenced clifftop walkway to explore one of Ireland’s most dramatic promontory forts. Dunbeg Fort (Dún Beag) blends ancient defensive walls, a stone clochán, and a visitor centre with café, all set against a backdrop of relentless Atlantic weather and ongoing heritage conservation.
Templenoe, kerry
Dunkerron Island rises from Kenmare Bay with the imposing ruins of a 13th-century tower house that once served as a stronghold for the O’Sullivan Mór clan. Visitors can walk a short path to the summit for panoramic views across the bay to the Beara Peninsula and the distant Skellig Islands.
Dunquin, kerry
Dunmore Head is the westernmost point of mainland Ireland, a sandstone promontory on the Slea Head Drive that stood in for the planet Ahch-To in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. You can't drive onto it: park above Coumeenoole Beach and walk the exposed two-kilometre loop to an Ogham stone and an old wartime lookout, with the Blasket Islands filling the view. The car park is tiny and fills by midday.
Dún Chaoin, kerry
Perched at the edge of the Atlantic, Dún Chaoin offers raw coastal beauty, the literary legacy of the Great Blasket Islands, and the starting point for the iconic Slea Head Drive. The village’s clifftop pier, heritage centre, and quiet Gaeltacht lanes make it a compelling stop for walkers, history lovers, and photographers.
Fenit, kerry
Saint Brendan the Navigator is said to have been born near this quiet fishing village, which now blends maritime history with modern coastal living. Visitors can paddle to the Little Samphire Island lighthouse, walk the flat greenway from Tralee, or explore the low-tide ruins of Fenit Island.
Fenit, kerry
Fenit is the most westerly commercial port in Ireland, a working harbour of cargo cranes and fishing boats alongside a leisure marina on Tralee Bay. A tall bronze of St Brendan the Navigator marks the pier, boat tours run out to the lighthouse on Little Samphire Island, and the 13 km Tralee–Fenit Greenway ends in the village at a Blue Flag beach.
Tralee Bay, kerry
Fenit Island is reached on foot across a tombolo, a sandbar that floods at high tide, at the head of Tralee Bay. The crossing is the draw; on the island, the one surviving ruin is a 17th-century FitzMaurice castle, and the place is remembered as the birthplace of St Brendan the Navigator.
Fermoyle, kerry
Ever wondered where Ireland’s longest beach stretches beneath towering peaks? Fermoyle Strand unfurls 14 km of golden sand at the foot of Brandon Mountain, delivering surf, family space and a slice of the Atlantic’s wild rhythm.
Foilhommerum Bay, kerry
Foilhommerum Bay on Valentia Island is where the first lasting transatlantic telegraph cable was hauled ashore in 1866, running on to Heart's Content in Newfoundland. The inlet itself is a small rocky cove below Bray Head; the reason to come is the history and the cliff-top walk above it.
Killorglin, kerry
Roaring white-water cascades down steep terraces through Hags Glen, echoing off granite walls in County Kerry. Fed by rapid mountain rain, the river delivers intense Grade 5 rapids upstream and a gentler finish near the Gaddagh Bridge for experienced paddlers.
Baile na nGall, kerry
Standing just a short walk from the famous Gallarus Oratory, this 15th-century tower house offers a glimpse into medieval Kerry. Managed by the OPW, the monument is open for external viewing year-round, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ballydavid, kerry
Gallarus Oratory is one of only three dry-stone churches in Ireland still keeping an intact corbelled roof, built without mortar so that rain runs off its inward-sloping walls. It stands above Smerwick Harbour on the Dingle Peninsula; the oratory is free and open at all hours, while the separate visitor centre charges €5.
Gap of Dunloe, kerry
A striking U-shaped valley between the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountains, the Gap of Dunloe offers a dramatic Irish landscape. Visitors walk, cycle, or ride traditional horse-drawn jaunting-cars past five glacial lakes, historic cottages, and the iconic Wishing Bridge.
Garfinny River, kerry
A 14th-century dry-stone arch stands guard over the still waters of Garfinny Lough, just east of Dingle. Walk the historic span, trace its medieval engineering, and enjoy a peaceful riverside escape in County Kerry.
Valentia Island, kerry
Rising to 385 metres at the western tip of Valentia Island, Geokaun Mountain delivers sweeping 360° views across the Atlantic, the Skellig Islands and the Dingle Peninsula. A well-maintained trail and viewing deck make this Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point accessible for all ages, while interpretive panels bring the island’s natural and maritime heritage to life.
Knightstown, kerry
Glanleam House is a botanical estate on Valentia Island, where a sheltered micro-climate allows rare species from South America and New Zealand to thrive outdoors. The property combines a restored Georgian house, once home to the Knight of Kerry, with fifty acres of frost-free sub-tropical gardens, self-catering cottages, and a boutique bed and breakfast.
Lauragh, kerry
Tucked beneath the Caha Mountains, Glanmore Lake offers a serene escape for anglers, wild swimmers, and walkers. Its mirror-like waters surround a tiny island that once housed a medieval hermitage, while the nearby Healy Pass delivers dramatic panoramic views.
Glenbeigh, kerry
Glenbeigh sits at the foot of Seefin Mountain on Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula, offering easy access to six miles of Blue Flag Rossbeigh Strand and the Kerry Way. The village blends outdoor adventure with local charm, from ancient rock art and Wynne’s Folly ruins to traditional pubs and seaside dining.
Great Blasket Island, kerry
Great Blasket Island (An Blascaod Mór) sits just two kilometres off the Dingle Peninsula, guarding the Atlantic horizon with sheer cliffs and white-sand beaches. Once home to Ireland’s most celebrated Irish-speaking storytellers, the deserted village now invites visitors to walk historic grass tracks, spot basking sharks and grey seals, and experience off-grid island life in restored cottages.
West Limerick and North Kerry, limerick
Laid on the old Great Southern and Western Railway line closed in 1977, the trail runs about 40 km from Rathkeale to the Kerry border at Abbeyfeale on compacted tarmac with gentle gradients. Highlights are the 115m Barnagh Tunnel, now a bat roost, and the cast-iron Ferguson's Viaduct. The full Limerick-to-Tralee route will reach 85 km.
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Rising to 603m in the Caha Mountains, Gullaba Hill rewards experienced walkers with a challenging 14km loop across boggy boulder-clay and heather-dusted ridges. From the grassy summit, the panorama stretches from the dramatic Caoinkeen cliffs to the distant peaks of the Iveragh Peninsula and Knockboy.
Macgillycuddy's Reeks, kerry
A sharp 662-m pinnacle in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Hag's Tooth launches scramblers onto an exposed ridge linking Ireland's two highest summits. The route overlooks the Eagle's Nest corrie and rewards careful navigators with dramatic mountain scenery.
Waterville, kerry
Opened in 2017, Hogs Head Golf Club brings world-class links golf to the Iveragh Peninsula with stunning views of Ballinskelligs Bay. Beyond the fairways, the resort offers a luxury lodge, spa, and the dramatic Hogs Head Loop walking route.
Near Killarney, kerry
Carved by ancient glaciers and enlivened by bright volcanic rhyolite, Horses' Glen (Gleann na gCappel) offers a rugged, atmospheric alternative to Killarney's busier trails. Walkers can explore its three high-altitude lakes or tackle the dramatic ridge circuit over Stoompa.
Caragh Lake, kerry
Illaunbuddoga is a small, untouched island resting in the glacial waters of Caragh Lake. Framed by the dramatic Seefin mountain and accessible via peaceful forest trails, it serves as a tranquil sanctuary for photographers, walkers, and wildlife enthusiasts in County Kerry.
Maharee Islands, kerry
Founded in the 5th century by St Seanach, Illauntannig preserves a remarkable early Christian enclosure within a drystone cashel. Visitors can explore ancient oratories and a souterrain, spot Arctic terns and oyster catchers, or book the seasonal farmhouse for a rugged, off-grid retreat in County Kerry.
Inch, kerry
Inch Beach stretches five kilometres of golden sand along the Dingle Peninsula, backed by rolling dunes and framed by the Iveragh mountains. Lifeguarded in summer and popular with surfers, walkers and families, it offers free access and a range of watersports.
Tearaght Island, kerry
Inishtearaght is the westernmost of the Blasket Islands, a steep rock off the Dingle Peninsula crowned by the most westerly lighthouse in Europe, lit since 1870. No one lands here, and it is now part of Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ireland's first marine national park, so the way to see it is a weather-dependent boat tour from Kerry, past one of Ireland's largest grey seal colonies. The island also holds the rusting remains of Europe's steepest, shortest funicular railway.
Inishvickillane, kerry
Inishvickillane is the far-western Blasket where Charles Haughey kept a private summer retreat and released a herd of red deer in 1980. The Ó Dálaigh family were its last residents, leaving about 70 years ago. There is no ferry – you reach it by chartered boat from Dún Chaoin, and only on a calm day.
Lough Leane, kerry
A short boat ride from Ross Castle brings you to the heart of Lough Leane, where Inisfallen Island rises from the water cloaked in ancient woodland. Explore the atmospheric ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, trace the footsteps of medieval scribes who penned the Annals of Inisfallen, and watch red deer swim ashore. It’s a compact, deeply atmospheric escape into Ireland’s early Christian past.
Inny Strand, kerry
Stretching for several kilometres along Ballinskelligs Bay, Inny Strand offers miles of golden sand backed by sweeping dunes and the quiet remains of the old Reenroe Hotel. Consistently rated Excellent for water quality, it’s a favourite for surfers, snorkellers, and families seeking a wide, open Atlantic escape just outside Waterville.
Kenmare, kerry
Ireland’s largest southwestern peninsula offers a dramatic mix of Atlantic coastline, ancient rock art, and the wild beauty of the Skellig Islands. Home to Daniel O’Connell’s Derrynane House and the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve, it delivers outstanding hiking, stargazing, and maritime heritage.
Annascaul, kerry
Jerome Connor was born outside Annascaul in 1874, emigrated to America at 14 and made his name with public monuments including the Nuns of the Battlefield in Washington. This free gallery, opened in 2014 on the upper floor of the South Pole Inn, holds 14 of his bronzes and brings his work back to his native Kerry.
Gap of Dunloe, kerry
Seven generations of the Kearney family have kept the 170-year-old cottage serving travellers at the foot of the Gap of Dunloe. Its claim to fame includes award-winning Traditional Irish Nights, where live fiddle, bodhrán and the rare ‘Brush Dance’ draw crowds to the barn-style dining hall.
Kells, kerry
Sheltered in a valley off the Ring of Kerry and warmed by the Gulf Stream, this garden grows palms, bamboo and one of the northern hemisphere's largest tree-fern forests, with hundreds of Dicksonia antarctica. Created round an 1800s Blennerhassett hunting lodge, it has a 112ft rope bridge, wooden dinosaurs, a Thai restaurant run by the owner, and rooms in the house.
Kenmare, kerry
Kenmare sits where the Iveragh and Beara peninsulas meet, offering a striking blend of ancient history and modern charm. Explore the 3,000-year-old Kenmare Stone Circle, browse the lace and craft shops, and enjoy seal-watching cruises from the bustling working harbour.
kenmare, kerry
A drowned glacial valley cut 55km into Old Red Sandstone between the Iveragh and Beara peninsulas, Kenmare Bay shelters the only Irish population of the northern sea fan. Seals, bottlenose dolphins and re-introduced white-tailed eagles work the water, reached on boat cruises, rib trips, kayaks and dives from the town at its head.
Kenmare, kerry
A striking egg-shaped arrangement of fifteen prehistoric boulders dominates the edge of Kenmare. Its central capstone and eastern gap are aligned to catch the winter-solstice sunrise, offering visitors a tangible link to Ireland’s ancient past.
Tralee – Dingle, kerry
Inspired by St Brendan the Navigator, the Kerry Camino is a 57km coastal pilgrimage linking Tralee to Dingle. Collect stamps in a free pilgrim passport, explore historic villages and finish at the 12th-century St James Church with a certificate of completion.
Portmagee, kerry
Rising 305 metres above the Wild Atlantic, the Kerry Cliffs provide the closest mainland vantage point to the UNESCO-listed Skellig Islands. This privately managed site blends 400-million-year-old geology with family-friendly amenities, including a glass-fronted café, picnic spots, and resident alpacas.
Tralee, kerry
Stepping into the neo-Georgian Ashe Memorial Hall, visitors are greeted by soaring staircases and a flood of natural light that frames historic artefacts. The museum’s seven galleries weave together prehistoric tools, an early-medieval brooch and Tom Crean’s Antarctic exploits, creating an instant sense of Kerry’s layered past.
Glenbeigh, kerry
Follow the former Glenbeigh-Valentia railway along dramatic Atlantic cliffs and wooded valleys on the South Kerry Greenway. With two sections now open, this free, all-weather trail offers gentle gradients, historic viaducts, and sweeping views of Dingle Bay.
Kerry Head, kerry
A rugged Atlantic headland dividing Tralee Bay and the Shannon Estuary, Kerry Head offers a 17-km cycling loop, historic castle ruins and reliable dolphin sightings. Accessible from Ballyheigue, it’s a free, year-round destination for walkers, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts.
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Seán Ó Súilleabháin championed the idea of the Kerry Way in 1982, stitching together forgotten roads into Ireland’s longest National Waymarked Trail. The 215 km loop now guides walkers past the Killarney Lakes, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and colourful coastal villages, offering a foot-travelled alternative to the famed Ring of Kerry.
Kilgarvan, kerry
Tucked between Kenmare and Killarney, Kilgarvan blends quiet rural charm with a world-class collection of vintage automobiles. While the remnants of the 13th-century Battle of Callann and the 19th-century Ardtully House whisper of centuries-old conflict, the nearby family-run museum showcases Rolls-Royce and Porsche classics, creating a striking dialogue between past and present.
Killarney, kerry
St Finian the Leper founded Innisfallen Abbey on Lough Leane in the 7th century, planting a spiritual seed that still shapes Killarney. Centuries later, the park’s lakes, red deer and Victorian Muckross House echo the town’s layered heritage, making it a natural and cultural crossroads.
Killarney, kerry
Wander through centuries-old oak and yew forests, paddle across the glacial Lakes of Killarney, and spot Ireland's only native red deer herd. This 102 km² UNESCO Biosphere Reserve blends wild mountain scenery with well-preserved Victorian gardens and Bronze Age ruins.
Skellig Ring, kerry
Silent stone walls cling to a rugged glen, juxtaposing medieval Romanesque craftsmanship with the raw Atlantic seascape beyond. The ruin’s semi-circular windows frame views of the Skellig Islands, marrying quiet reverence and dramatic coastline.
Killorglin, kerry
Killorglin is a working market town of about 2,160 people on the salmon-rich River Laune, where the Ring of Kerry meets the Wild Atlantic Way. Its fame rests on Puck Fair (10–12 August), one of Ireland's oldest festivals, when a wild goat is crowned King Puck over three days of horse-trading, parades and late pubs. The rest of the year it's a handy base for the Reeks, the Gap of Dunloe and the coast rather than a sight in itself.
Killorglin, kerry
A single remaining medieval wall marks the site of Killorglin Castle (Castle Conway), once a formidable FitzGerald stronghold. Integrated today into the beer garden of Kingston’s Bar on Market Street, this historic remnant offers an unusual stop in the town centre.
Dingle Peninsula, kerry
Pondering who first set foot on Kilmalkedar’s remote rise, one discovers the 12th-century Hiberno-Romanesque church commissioned by a master mason linked to Cormac’s Chapel. The site, traditionally associated with Saint Brendan and founded by Saint Maolcethair, still guides pilgrims along the Saints’ Path, offering a holed ogham stone, a rare sundial and sweeping views of Smerwick Harbour.
Knightstown, kerry
Discover Knightstown on Valentia Island, where 19th-century slate-quarry history meets sub-tropical gardens and Atlantic sea sports. Explore Victorian streets, walk ancient tetrapod trails, and base yourself on this lively harbour village.
Ladies View, kerry
A sweeping vista over the Upper Lake of Killarney and the Long Range mountains makes Ladies View one of Ireland’s most iconic scenic stops. Named for Queen Victoria’s entourage in 1861, it offers a café, accessible platforms, and easy access to the Ring of Kerry route.
Killarney National Park, kerry
Sweeping glacial basins hold Ireland’s deepest lake, Muckross, alongside the sprawling Lough Leane. Ringed by the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and ancient oak-yew woodlands, the trio offers boat cruises, historic sites like Ross Castle and free-entry walking trails.
Fenit Harbour, kerry
Roaring currents of Tralee Bay crash against the rocky outcrop where the 1854 lighthouse has stood guard. Guided boat tours let visitors step inside the stone tower and keeper’s lodge to see original furnishings and a historic Fresnel lens.
Atlantic Ocean, kerry
Rising sharply from the Atlantic 11 km off the Iveragh Peninsula, Little Skellig is a protected nature reserve and Ireland’s premier seabird sanctuary. Boat trips circle the 134-metre basalt crag, offering close-up views of over 35,000 breeding gannets, puffins, and coastal seals.
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Sheltered behind the sweeping dunes of Ballyheigue, this brackish lagoon transforms into a vital sanctuary for migratory birds each autumn. Walkers can explore quiet reedbeds and mudflats that regularly host rare visitors like the Pectoral Sandpiper, all within a protected Special Area of Conservation.
Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, kerry
Tucked beneath Ireland’s tallest mountain, Lough Coomloughra is a cold, clear glacial lake that sits at the heart of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. The lake anchors the famous Coomloughra Horseshoe hike and offers a rugged, unspoilt wilderness experience for hikers, anglers and photographers.
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Set against the dramatic backdrop of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Lough Currane’s deep, cold waters attract fly anglers from across Europe. Beyond the fishing, visitors can explore ancient monastic ruins, paddle calm sheltered bays, and follow scenic trails through Kerry’s rugged western landscape.
Clogharee, kerry
Lough Doon sits high in the Conor Pass, framed by steep canyon walls and offering views of the Brandon Mountains. The lake is home to Doon Fort, a massive drystone enclosure on a central island, while the surrounding area provides access to challenging mountain trails.
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Cool mist rises from the dam of the Egg Lake, framing the jagged peaks of Carrauntoohil and Caher. The steep concrete Hydro Track brings hikers to this glacial basin, offering dramatic lake-side panoramas before the ascent onto the Coomloughra Horseshoe.
Killarney, kerry
The largest of Killarney’s three lakes, Lough Leane stretches beneath the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Ross Castle guards the eastern inlet, while monastic ruins on Innisfallen Island echo with centuries of Irish scholarship.
Killarney, kerry
Jagged peaks and deep glens define the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks on the Iveragh Peninsula. Home to Carrauntoohil and two other 1,000-metre summits, the range offers challenging ridges, quiet valleys and sweeping views over Killarney and the Ring of Kerry.
Maharees Peninsula, kerry
The Magharees Loop weaves together golden dunes, a standing stone, and the 7th-century ruins of St Senach’s church. Interpretive panels along the way reveal tales of famine, shipwrecks, and early Christian devotion, making this a rewarding coastal stroll for walkers of all abilities.
Maharees, kerry
Salty sea breezes sweep over the golden dunes of the Maharees, where the scent of brine mingles with wild thyme. The blue-flag beach on the tombolo offers world-class surf, diving and a rare Natterjack toad habitat, while the Seven Hogs islands hold remnants of a 7th-century monastic settlement.
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A cluster of seven uninhabited islands at the northern tip of the Maharees Peninsula, offering clear-water diving, a protected early-Christian monastic site, and a thriving sanctuary for seabirds and rare amphibians.
Killarney, kerry
Rising 839 m on the eastern edge of Killarney National Park, Mangerton is a broad, bog-covered summit punctuated by glacial corries and the famous Devil’s Punchbowl. Walkers follow well-marked trails past historic battlefields and ancient folklore, with panoramic vistas of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Lakes of Killarney and Kenmare Bay.
Brandon Group, kerry
Rising to 763 metres in the heart of the Brandon Group, Masatiompan rewards walkers with sweeping Atlantic panoramas and Ireland’s highest Ogham stone. This 12.5 km route from Cloghane combines rugged upland terrain with early Christian history and a post-hike stop at a historic local pub.
Portmagee, kerry
The Maurice O'Neill Memorial Bridge is the road crossing from Portmagee onto Valentia Island, built in 1970 to replace the old ferry. It's named after a local IRA volunteer executed in 1942, and was built as a swing bridge that has not opened since 2004. For drivers it's the free gateway to the Skellig Ring and the Skellig boat tours.
Dingle Peninsula, kerry
Cromwell’s 1650 siege left the four-storey tower house of the Fitzgeralds at Minard Castle scarred, with three levels still jutting from the cliffs. The adjacent storm-boulder beach reveals rounded sandstone stones, and at low tide a narrow sand strip appears beneath the historic promontory.
Moll’s Gap, kerry
Moll’s Gap crowns the N71 between Killarney and Kenmare, where winding roads give way to sweeping vistas of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Named for a legendary 19th-century landlady, this open-air viewpoint remains a favourite stop for cyclists, photographers, and Ring of Kerry travellers.
Dingle Peninsula, kerry
At 952 m, Mount Brandon stands as the highest summit outside the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, guarding a landscape of purple sandstone and glacial lakes. Walk the ancient Cosán na Naomh pilgrimage route or tackle the exposed Faha Ridge for a challenge that blends early Christian history with wild Atlantic scenery.
Killarney National Park, kerry
Founded in 1448 by Donal McCarthy Mor, Muckross Abbey stands as one of Ireland’s most evocative medieval ruins. Wander the vaulted cloisters, trace the footsteps of Gaelic poets in the active graveyard, and find quiet reflection beneath a centuries-old yew tree.
Muckross, kerry
Verdant formal beds burst into colour as visitors step onto Muckross Gardens, where Italian-style hedges frame reflective pools beside the lake. Beyond the manicured lawns, a limestone rock garden and a walled arboretum showcase exotic Southern-Hemisphere trees, all free to explore year-round.
Muckross Peninsula, kerry
Muckross House sits on a windswept peninsula in Killarney National Park, where 19th-century aristocratic life is preserved in over 70% original furnishings. Beyond the 65-room mansion, visitors can wander through sheltered subtropical gardens or step back in time at electricity-free traditional farms recreating 1930s rural Kerry.
Killarney, kerry
Plunging to 75 m, Muckross Lake forms the calm heart of the Lakes of Killarney. Walkers follow gentle lakeside trails through ancient oak woods, past traditional farms and the 18-metre Torc Waterfall, while the clear waters shelter the rare blunt-snouted Irish char.
Killarney, kerry
Glittering waters and ancient woodlands define the Muckross Lake Loop, a scenic circuit through the heart of Killarney National Park. Starting at the historic Muckross House, the route follows lakeside boardwalks and quiet forest trails past the Meeting of the Waters and Dinis Café. It’s a relaxed walk suitable for families, with optional extensions to Torc Waterfall for those seeking a longer day out.
Killarney, kerry
Step onto a narrow strip of ancient woodland and rocky shoreline where Muckross Lake meets Lough Leane. The peninsula offers quiet, signposted trails through moss-draped oaks, frequent sightings of red squirrels and deer, and easy access to Victorian gardens and traditional farms.
Newmarket, cork
The Mullaghareirk Mountains are a low blanket-bog upland straddling Cork, Kerry and Limerick, topping out at 451 m on Baraveha. The range holds more than a fifth of Ireland's breeding hen harriers and is protected as a Special Protection Area; four waymarked loops run through forestry and open heath near Meelin, crossing the pre-100 AD Black Ditch earthwork.
Kerry, kerry
The Munster Blackwater stretches 169 km from the Mullaghareirk Mountains to Youghal Harbour, threading ancient oak woodlands, tidal flats and bustling market towns. Anglers, birdwatchers and walkers alike can enjoy world-class salmon runs, rare species in the Blackwater SAC, and a wealth of historic castles and abbeys.
Castleview, kerry
Nine Daughters’ Hole is a steep, sea-cut chasm on the Doon Bay Road where local legend claims a Gaelic chieftain cast his nine daughters to their deaths to stop a Viking abduction. Today, it offers a dramatic, barrier-protected viewpoint, stunning coastal walks, and evening starling murmurations.
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The North Kerry Way runs 48 km from Tralee to Ballyheigue, starting on the towpath of the old ship canal and ending with a climb over Kerry Head. It crosses Banna Strand, where Roger Casement landed from a German submarine in 1916, and most walkers split it across two days. It sees a fraction of the traffic of the Dingle or Kerry Ways.
Ballybunion, kerry
Tucked beneath the crumbling walls of a historic convent, The Three Nuns is a secluded North Kerry cove accessible only by boat or a rugged cliff descent. Golden sand, clear waters and a dramatic natural arch make it a standout stop on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Dingle, kerry
Explore 150,000 gallons of seawater at Dingle’s Oceanworld Aquarium, where sand-tiger sharks share the spotlight with Gentoo penguins, Asian small-clawed otters and rescued loggerhead turtles. A climate-controlled stop on the Wild Atlantic Way, it blends hands-on exhibits with active marine conservation.
Cahersiveen, kerry
Stone walls once guarded trans-Atlantic telegraph cables, now they frame immersive heritage displays in Cahersiveen. This former RIC barracks houses hands-on exhibitions on the Fenian Rising and Daniel O’Connell, while a distinctive turret offers sweeping views over the bay.
Killarney, kerry
Ancient stone cairns crown the distinctive breast-shaped summits, echoing Bronze Age rituals dedicated to the mother goddess Danu. Walkers can follow the historic Na Fiacla stone line between the peaks, enjoying sweeping valley views and a landscape steeped in Irish mythology.
Aghadoe, kerry
Rising from a windswept meadow on the Aghadoe ridge, Parkavonear Castle is an unusual cylindrical Norman keep that defies the rectangular designs of its era. Its two-metre-thick walls and ladder-only entrance once guarded the River Laune, while today it offers sweeping views across Lough Leane and the surrounding monastic ruins.
Tralee, kerry
The Pikeman strides up the middle of Denny Street in Tralee, a memorial to the United Irishmen's risings of 1798, 1803, 1848 and 1867. Albert Power's bronze of 1939 replaced a limestone figure of 1905 that the Black and Tans dragged down and smashed in 1921. Maud Gonne unveiled both. It's a five-minute stop rather than a day out – pair it with the Kerry County Museum just down the street.
Portmagee, kerry
Salty sea breezes mingle with the scent of fresh fish as colourful harbour houses line the pier of Portmagee. From the Maurice O'Neill Memorial Bridge, visitors board boats to the UNESCO-listed Skellig Michael or gaze over the towering Kerry Cliffs that loom 305 m above the Atlantic.
Portmagee, kerry
Puffin Island (Oileán na gCánóg) is a steep, uninhabited nature reserve just off the Iveragh Peninsula, hosting one of Ireland's most significant seabird colonies. Managed by BirdWatch Ireland, the island is strictly protected and best experienced from boat tours departing Portmagee during the spring and summer breeding season.
kerry
Rising to 832 metres on the edge of Killarney National Park, Purple Mountain rewards hikers with a rugged ridge walk and panoramic vistas of Kerry’s most iconic landscapes. The distinctive Old Red Sandstone slopes catch the morning light, framing the Gap of Dunloe and ancient oak woodlands below.
Northwest of Ventry, kerry
Step inside a deep-dug early medieval ringfort to explore the stone ruins of a 15th-century FitzGerald tower house. Rahinnane Castle blends early Christian earthworks with late medieval architecture, standing as a striking, free-to-enter National Monument on the Dingle Peninsula.
Rattoo, kerry
Rising 29.6 metres above the golden fields of North Kerry, Rattoo Round Tower is a striking medieval sentinel. Step back through centuries of monastic history at this free-to-visit site, where unique stone carvings and quiet graveyard paths await.
Southwest County Kerry, kerry
The MacGillycuddy’s Reeks hold the only three Irish summits over 1,000m, with Carrauntoohil (1,038m) at their centre and most routes starting from Cronin’s Yard. Off the hills there is year-round surf at Inch Beach, kayaking on Caragh Lake and night paddling in Ireland’s only Gold-Tier Dark Sky Reserve. Killorglin, home of August’s Puck Fair, is the natural base.
Reenard, kerry
Perched on the N70 Wild Atlantic Way, Reenard Point serves as the mainland gateway to Valentia Island. The five-minute ferry ride across the channel delivers sweeping Atlantic vistas, reliable birdwatching, and a direct link to one of Ireland’s most historically significant coastal communities.
Dingle Peninsula, kerry
Step back to the 6th century at Riasc, a tranquil monastic enclosure on the Dingle Peninsula. Explore a stone oratory, six clocháns, and the famous Reask Stone, with Roman amphorae shards hinting at the monks' surprising trade links across the empire.
Ring of Kerry, kerry
The Ring of Kerry runs 179 km around the Iveragh Peninsula from Killarney, on the N71, N70 and N72. It strings together Ross Castle, Muckross, the Staigue stone fort, the Kerry Cliffs and Derrynane, with the Skellig Ring detour and one of only three Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserves in the northern hemisphere near Portmagee.
Listowel, kerry
Rising in County Cork and flowing through Kerry and Limerick, the River Feale is a fast-flowing spate river and EU-designated salmonid waterway. Anglers travel across Europe for its spring salmon runs and sea-trout fisheries, while walkers enjoy its heathered valleys and historic market towns.
Killorglin, kerry
Flowing from the clear waters of Lough Leane to Castlemaine Harbour, the River Laune winds through the heart of South Kerry. Its banks are lined with 200-year-old drainage embankments, the striking County Bridge in Killorglin, and the iconic Puck Statue, making it a scenic route for walkers, anglers and history lovers.
Castlemaine, kerry
Flowing from the Slieve Mish Mountains to Castlemaine Harbour, the River Maine is a vital ecological corridor and historic waterway. Its gentle meanders support wild salmon, sea-trout, and otters, while the nearby bridge site marks the birthplace of Castlemaine’s medieval heritage.
Killarney, kerry
Ross Castle stands guard over Lough Leane in Killarney National Park, a well-preserved 15th-century tower house that offers guided tours through its historic floors. Set against the backdrop of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, it serves as a launch point for scenic lake cruises and lakeside walks.
Killarney, kerry
Ross Island sits on the shores of Lough Leane, where Bronze-Age mine shafts dot the landscape and gentle trails wind past limestone cliffs. Free to explore and just a short walk from Ross Castle, it offers a peaceful mix of ancient history and stunning lake views.
Glenbeigh, kerry
Wild dunes and a wide, golden shoreline define Rossbeigh Beach, just south of Glenbeigh. Lifeguarded waters, a restored historic tower, and coastal trails make it a versatile stop for families, walkers, and surfers.
Rossbeigh Strand, kerry
The rebuilt Rossbeigh Strand Tower stands as a symbol of community resilience near Glenbeigh, County Kerry. Constructed from original stones rescued after the 2011 storm, this historic beacon offers free access and panoramic views of the Iveragh Peninsula and Rossbeigh Strand.
Kenmare Bay, kerry
Towering New Zealand gums and giant ferns create a tropical microclimate on Rossdohan Island. This 138-acre private sanctuary near Sneem features a ruined 19th-century mansion, a lily pond, and a resident seal colony, accessible by prior arrangement.
Ballylongford, kerry
Built in the 1840s to handle the bustling grain trade of North Kerry, Saleen Point now stands as a tranquil waterside promenade. Walk the weathered stone structure for panoramic views of the Shannon estuary, cast a line in the tidal waters, or simply watch the Atlantic light play across the horizon.
Waterville, kerry
Situated on the rugged Skellig Coast, Sea Synergy blends marine science with Atlantic adventure. Visitors explore hands-on displays of Irish sea life before heading out for guided snorkelling, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on Lough Currane.
Clare, clare
The Shannon Estuary stretches from Limerick city out to the Atlantic between Loop Head and Kerry Head, with a tidal range of up to 5.4 m at the Limerick docks. The 207 km Shannon Estuary Way loops through Clare, Limerick and Kerry, taking in Napoleonic battery forts, dolphin-watching from Kilrush and the Killimer–Tarbert car ferry.
Limerick, clare
The Shannon–Ballysadare Waterway links the Atlantic coast with the northwest, threading through historic towns, ancient monastic sites and tranquil wetlands. Ideal for boaters, cyclists and heritage seekers, the route offers a slow-travel experience across some of Ireland’s most characterful landscapes.
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A fast-flowing spate river cutting through the Caha Mountains, the Sheen delivers a thrilling 4 km kayaking run and world-class salmon fishing before plunging into Kenmare Bay.
Kenmare, kerry
Neolithic stone rows anchor the landscape, marking where early settlers first shaped the land. Today, the heritage trail winds past these ancient stones, a famine-era cottage and a working 19th-century farm, offering a gentle walk through centuries of Irish rural life.
Tralee, kerry
Surprisingly, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre runs its own nationally recognised training academy for young performers within the Tralee Town Park complex. Since opening its purpose-built 350-seat venue in 1991, Siamsa Tíre has blended traditional folk productions with contemporary dance, music and visual art, drawing audiences from the Wild Atlantic Way and beyond.
kerry
The Skellig Coast stretches along the wild west edge of the Iveragh Peninsula, where dramatic Atlantic cliffs meet Blue Flag beaches and ancient monastic ruins. Follow the 82 km Skellig Ring to reach Portmagee and Cahersiveen, gateways to boat tours of the UNESCO-listed Skellig Michael and the gannet-covered Little Skellig.
Off the Iveragh Peninsula, kerry
One of Europe's most remote monastic sites, Skellig Michael rises 218 metres from the Atlantic, hosting a UNESCO-listed early Christian settlement. Climbing its 618 stone steps reveals beehive cells, the ruined St Michael's Church and thriving seabird colonies, while strict visitor limits protect this singular landscape that also served as a Star Wars filming location.
Iveragh Peninsula, kerry
The Skellig Ring winds along Kerry’s rugged southwest coast, connecting Waterville, Ballinskelligs and Portmagee with sweeping Atlantic views. You’ll pass medieval abbey ruins, a Blue-Flag beach and the historic Valentia Island, making it a quieter, deeply scenic alternative to the main Ring of Kerry.
Dingle Peninsula, kerry
Follow the R559 around the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula, where sheer cliffs meet the Atlantic and early Christian ruins stand guard over the coastline. The route connects iconic pull-outs like the White Cross and Dunbeg Fort with the Dún Chaoin ferry terminal, offering a self-guided journey through Ireland’s most rugged Gaeltacht landscape.
cork
Stretching across Cork, Kerry, and Limerick, Sliabh Luachra is a landscape of heather-clad hills, boglands, and historic glens. It’s the spiritual home of traditional Irish music, the refuge of rebel earls, and a haven for walkers, cyclists, and heritage seekers.
kerry
The Slieve Mish range runs 19 km along the eastern Dingle Peninsula, its Old Red Sandstone stained purple by iron and at its reddest in late afternoon. Walks run from a 2 km loop above Tralee Bay to a 23 km, eight-hour circuit over Baurtregaum (851 m), and the Caherconree promontory fort sits 683 m up, tied to the Cú Roí and Cú Chulainn legends.
Iveragh Peninsula, kerry
Where the River Sneem meets Kenmare Bay, this compact village on the Iveragh Peninsula draws visitors with its twin squares, a bronze monument to Charles de Gaulle, and the famous seaweed baths.
Bonane, kerry
Perched in the Sheen River valley, Teampall Feaghna combines ancient ruins with rich local folklore. Visitors can explore the legendary Rolls of Butter bullaún stone, a historic holy well, and a graveyard enclosed by famine-relief walls, all within a short walk of the Beara Way.
Atlantic coast, kerry
St. Finian’s Bay combines rugged coastal scenery with a rich archaeological past, from ancient stone graves to a ruined 12th-century church. Today, the small beach attracts experienced surfers, divers, and walkers seeking unspoilt Atlantic landscapes.
Ballyferriter, kerry
Sybil Point rises 206 m above the Atlantic at the edge of the Dingle Peninsula, crowned by a weathered Napoleonic and WWII observation post. Walk the ridge for open heathland, seabird colonies, and clear views of the Blasket Islands, then drop down to see the rusted hull of the 1985 FV Tónaí wreck at low tide.
Tarbert, kerry
Set where the River Shannon meets the Atlantic, Tarbert blends maritime heritage with quiet coastal charm. Explore the immersive Bridewell Courthouse museum, wander the Leslie Woodland Walk, or catch the ferry to County Clare.
Off the Dingle Peninsula, kerry
Rising from the Atlantic just off the Dingle Peninsula, Tearaght Island is home to Europe’s westernmost lighthouse and a protected marine national park. While landings are restricted to protect fragile habitats, licensed boat tours offer close-up views of its natural rock tunnel, sheer cliffs, and thriving puffin and shearwater colonies.
Dún Chaoin, kerry
Explore the literary and maritime heritage of Ireland’s last Irish-speaking island community. The centre combines interactive displays, a faithful cottage replica, and a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform overlooking the dramatic Blasket archipelago.
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Carved by ancient ice and framed by the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Gap of Dunloe is a narrow, winding valley famous for its string of glacial lakes and traditional horse-drawn jaunting cars. Visitors can walk, cycle, or ride through the pass, stopping at the legendary Wishing Bridge and connecting with the wild heart of Killarney National Park.
Killarney, kerry
Walk through primeval oak forests and past O’Sullivan’s Cascade on this easy-to-moderate 6 km loop. The route climbs to a summit cairn for sweeping views over Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, blending ancient myth with accessible Kerry scenery.
Killarney, kerry
Torc Mountain delivers one of Ireland's most accessible summit walks, combining a historic stone-step path with a distinctive wooden sleeper boardwalk. The 535m peak rewards hikers with unobstructed views across the Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House, and the rugged peaks of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks.
Killarney, kerry
Legend says a cursed man turned wild boar burst into flame and vanished beneath Torc Waterfall, giving the falls its Irish name. The 20-metre cascade tumbles over Devonian sandstone into a fern-choked gorge, offering easy walks, deer sightings, and a direct link to the Ring of Kerry.
Tralee, kerry
Rising from the ashes of the 1580 Desmond Rebellions, Tralee reinvented itself into a lively Georgian market town anchored by the Denny family. Today, its wide boulevards, the defiant Pikeman statue, and the restored Ship Canal towpath frame a destination rich in folk culture, coastal ecology, and year-round family attractions.
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Tralee Bay is a shallow 285 km² inlet on the Kerry coast, ringed by over 60 km of sand including the Blue Flag beaches of Ballyheigue, Banna and Fenit. It is an internationally protected Ramsar wetland for wintering birds, and its seagrass beds and waters shelter some of Ireland's rarest sharks and skates.
Tralee, kerry
Though demolished in 1826, the site of Tralee Castle remains a tangible link to County Kerry’s turbulent past. Walk the original footprint on Denny Street and trace the legacy of the Desmond earls and Denny family amid Tralee’s vibrant town centre.
Tralee, kerry
Locals call it 'The Green', and for good reason: this 35-acre urban park balances 19th-century demesne history with modern family amenities. Wander past the Victorian gatehouse to explore the award-winning Rose Garden, a multi-sensory garden echoing ancient Irish mythology, and a fully inclusive playground.
Renard Point, kerry
Opened in 1893 as Europe's most westerly railway station, Valentia Harbour's disused platform now anchors the South Kerry Greenway. Explore the emigration history, fish-trade legacy, and dramatic Atlantic views at Renard Point.
Valentia Island, kerry
Just off the Iveragh Peninsula, Valentia Island blends rugged Atlantic scenery with living Irish history. Walk to the summit of Geokaun Mountain, explore Ireland’s oldest slate quarry, and trace the island’s role in landing the first transatlantic telegraph cable. A compact, visitor-friendly destination where geology, maritime heritage and coastal walks converge.
Knightstown, kerry
The Valentia Island Heritage Centre occupies a charming 19th-century schoolhouse in Knightstown. Inside, volunteer-curated exhibits trace the island’s remarkable past, featuring Devonian fossils, maritime archives, and the pioneering transatlantic telegraph story.
Cromwell Point, kerry
Only lighthouse on Valentia Island that incorporates the ruins of a 17th-century artillery fort, this white tower commands the north-eastern tip of the island. Climbing its granite stairs rewards guests with 360° Atlantic panoramas that include Skellig Michael and the distant Blasket Islands.
Knightstown, kerry
The 1816 quarry on Valentia Island is the only slate quarry still working in Ireland, and its purple stone reached the Palace of Westminster, the Paris Opera House and Osborne House. The interior is off-limits, so the public view is the Marian grotto built into the cave mouth in 1954, with statues of Our Lady and Bernadette.
kerry
Ventry, or Ceann Trá, is a tranquil Gaeltacht village on the western edge of the Dingle Peninsula, famed for its long Blue Flag beach and dramatic coastal scenery. History, myth and outdoor adventure blend here, from Iron Age forts to paddle-boarding on calm, clear waters.
Ventry, kerry
Golden sand stretches along a sheltered bay backed by dunes, a freshwater lake and reed swamps. This protected Natural Heritage Area offers safe swimming, calm waters for paddleboarding and a quiet escape just minutes from Dingle.
Waterville, kerry
Waterville is the only village sitting right on the coast along the Ring of Kerry, on a narrow isthmus between Ballinskelligs Bay and salmon-rich Lough Currane. It was a transatlantic telegraph station from 1884, Charlie Chaplin's summer haunt for over a decade, and the home place of Gaelic football's Mick O'Dwyer, with a world-renowned golf links on the dunes to the south.
Waterville, kerry
Waterville Beach curves along Ballinskelligs Bay, offering calm waters, a paved promenade, and reliable Atlantic sunsets. Visit for the Charlie Chaplin statue, dark-sky stargazing, and easy access to coastal walks and marine activities.
Mayo, mayo
Stretching from Donegal to Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s premier coastal touring brand. Mayo’s 543 km section delivers sheer sea cliffs, sheltered bays and world-heritage archaeology along a flexible, self-paced route.
