Kerry’s culinary identity draws on signature products such as Dingle seafood, Kerry lamb, and sustainability. Kerry’s status as a foodie destination, particularly along the Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way, is evident in its fine dining venues like Rozzers and The Falls, which emphasise local produce. Casual spots like Out of the Blue and QC’s thrive on fresh seafood, while budget options focus on hearty, affordable fare.
Restaurants like The Chart House and Land to Sea prioritise local, sustainable ingredients with new foraged or zero-waste dishes, as seen in broader Irish trends.
Fine Dining
- The Falls Restaurant at Sheen Falls Lodge (Kenmare, Co Kerry). Overlooking the Sheen Falls, this elegant dining room at Sheen Falls Lodge offers a fine dining experience led by Executive Head Chef Mark Treacy, formerly of Dromoland Castle and L’Ecrivain. The modern classic menu emphasises seasonal Irish ingredients, served in a spacious, luxurious setting with impeccable service. Ideal for romantic dinners or special occasions, with stunning views enhancing the ambiance. Ravioli filled with Coolea cheese in onion broth and cod with mussels, peas, and girolles in Vin Jaune sauce are highlights, showcasing precise technique and local produce. The Falls will introduce new tasting menus or wine club evenings with guest sommeliers, building on its reputation for modern classics and Kerry’s food tourism growth.
- Rozzers Restaurant at Killeen House Hotel (Aghadoe, Killarney, Co Kerry). Voted Ireland’s best fine dining restaurant in 2021 by Tripadvisor, Rozzers, led by Chef Paul O’Gorman for over 25 years, offers a refined experience in a 23-bedroom country house hotel. The intimate dining room, overseen by proprietor Geraldine Rosney, features local fish, shellfish, and meats, perfect for a luxurious escape overlooking the Lakes of Killarney. Open ravioli of seared scallops and prawns, roast rack of Kerry lamb with basil and pinenut crust, and tangy lemon tart are critically acclaimed. Rozzers will expand its seasonal menu or introduce new seafood specials, leveraging its award-winning status and Kerry’s fresh produce.
- The Panorama Restaurant at The Europe Hotel & Resort (Killarney, Co Kerry). This fine dining venue at the 5-star Europe Hotel offers a sophisticated experience with flexible dining options and breathtaking views of the Lakes of Killarney. The menu highlights local ingredients, served in an elegant setting, ideal for special occasions or high-end dining. Expect dishes like Dingle Bay lobster or Kerry lamb, reflecting the region’s premium produce. The Panorama will introduce new chef’s tasting menus or outdoor dining experiences, enhancing its luxury appeal.
- Yew Tree Restaurant at Muckross Park Hotel (Killarney, Co Kerry). Located in the original Victorian lounge of Muckross Park Hotel, the award-winning Yew Tree Restaurant, led by Executive Chef John O’Leary, offers fine dining with a focus on local ingredients. The historic, elegant setting is perfect for a refined meal, with attentive service and a nod to Kerry’s culinary heritage. Rxpect offerings like pan-seared monkfish or Kerry beef, showcasing local flavors. Yew Tree will expand its tasting menu or introduce new wine pairings, aligning with Killarney’s tourism boom.
- The Chart House (Dingle, Co Kerry). A Michelin Guide-listed restaurant in a nautical-themed setting, The Chart House offers fine dining with a focus on Dingle’s fresh seafood and local produce. The intimate, welcoming atmosphere and creative dishes make it a foodie favorite, ideal for a special night out. Expect dishes like Dingle Bay scallops or Kerry lamb, emphasizing coastal and pastoral ingredients. The Chart House will introduce new seasonal seafood specials or sustainability-driven dishes, reflecting Dingle’s fishing heritage.
- Land to Sea (Waterville, Co Kerry). A Michelin Guide-listed restaurant, Land to Sea offers a fine dining experience with a focus on Kerry’s coastal and inland produce. The modern, elegant setting and innovative menu make it ideal for discerning diners seeking a taste of the Wild Atlantic Way. Expect offerings like Valentia Harbour crab or Kerry lamb, showcasing regional quality. Land to Sea will expand its tasting menu or introduce new foraged ingredients, aligning with Kerry’s sustainable dining trends.
Casual Dining
- Out of the Blue (Dingle, Co Kerry). A casual yet iconic seafood restaurant in Dingle, Out of the Blue only opens when fresh fish is available, ensuring top-quality dishes. Chefs Jean-Marie Vaireaux and Eric Maillard create a relaxed, blackboard-menu vibe in a historic 1832 building, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a lively, authentic experience. Seafood chowder, oysters on the half shell, chargrilled tuna mini-kebabs, and pan-seared scallops with flambéed calvados pineapple and chili salsa are highlights. Out of the Blue will introduce new daily specials or expand its outdoor seating, capitalizing on Dingle’s tourism appeal.
- Packie’s (Kenmare, Co Kerry). Located in the colorful town of Kenmare, Packie’s offers a buzzing casual dining experience with whitewashed walls adorned by local art. The cozy, creative hub serves old-school favorites using Kerry’s finest ingredients, ideal for groups or date nights. Booking is essential in summer. Crab cakes, Kerry lamb, and crème brûlée are standout dishes, praised for their perfect execution. Packie’s will expand its menu with new seafood specials or host local art events, enhancing its creative vibe.
- QC’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar (Cahersiveen, Co Kerry). An offshoot of the Quinlan family’s seafood business, QC’s offers casual dining with a focus on wild, locally caught seafood from Valentia Harbour. The coastal setting in Cahersiveen and fresh, flavorful dishes make it a go-to for relaxed meals, perfect for families or tourists. Crab and Dingle Bay prawn bisque and risotto with Atlantic hake, prawns, and squid are highlights, showcasing the daily haul. QC’s will introduce new seafood platters or sustainability-focused specials, reflecting Kerry’s coastal heritage.
- Boathouse Bistro (Dingle, Co Kerry). A lively bistro on Dingle’s waterfront, Boathouse Bistro offers casual dining with a focus on local seafood and meats. The relaxed, nautical-themed setting and hearty dishes make it ideal for a laid-back meal after exploring the Dingle Peninsula. Expect dishes like Dingle Bay mussels or Kerry beef, emphasizing fresh ingredients. Boathouse Bistro will expand its outdoor terrace or introduce new craft beer pairings, enhancing its waterfront appeal.
- The Tan Yard (Killarney, Co Kerry). A boho-chic restaurant in Killarney, The Tan Yard offers casual dining with a quiet confidence, featuring shabby-chic lights and ferns. The adventurous menu showcases local produce, perfect for special occasions or relaxed dinners with friends. Gubbeen chorizo and Manchego cheese croquettes, pan-seared Kilmore Quay scallops, and beef brisket linguine are standout dishes. The Tan Yard will introduce new vegetarian mains or seasonal specials, building on its reputation for creative dining.
Budget Dining
- Quinlan’s Seafood Bar (Killarney, Co Kerry). A casual, family-friendly spot on Killarney’s High Street, Quinlan’s Seafood Bar offers budget-friendly fish and chips using fresh, local catches. The no-frills setting and quick service make it ideal for a quick, affordable meal while exploring Killarney. Beer-battered fish and chips and seafood chowder are highlights, known for their freshness and value. Quinlan’s will introduce new budget-friendly seafood specials or takeaway deals, catering to Killarney’s tourist crowd.
- Cronins Restaurant (Killarney, Co Kerry). A Killarney staple since 1957, Cronins on College Street offers budget-friendly, slightly formal dining with a warm, welcoming vibe. The menu showcases local produce in hearty dishes, perfect for a cozy meal after sightseeing. Oak-smoked salmon, Skellig prawn salad, and prime 10oz Hereford sirloin steak with sautéed onions and mushrooms are standouts. Cronins will expand its budget-friendly lunch specials or add new local craft beer options, enhancing its traditional appeal.
- Murphy’s Ice Cream (Dingle, Co Kerry). While primarily a dessert spot, Murphy’s Ice Cream offers budget-friendly dining with savory snacks and its famous artisan ice cream made from Kerry cow milk. The casual, colorful setting in Dingle is perfect for a quick, affordable treat while strolling the town. Sea salt ice cream and Dingle gin ice cream are signature flavors, paired with savory scones or sandwiches. Murphy’s will introduce new seasonal ice cream flavors or savory snacks, reflecting Dingle’s creative food scene.
- The Stonechat Café (Kenmare, Co Kerry). A charming, budget-friendly café in Kenmare, The Stonechat offers homemade soups, sandwiches, and desserts in a cozy, welcoming setting. The focus on local ingredients and friendly service makes it ideal for a quick, affordable lunch. Expect hearty soups and artisan sandwiches, offering great value. The Stonechat will expand its daily specials or introduce new vegan options, aligning with Kenmare’s foodie reputation.
Dining in Ireland
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Award winning restaurants
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow – Overall – County winners – Georgina Campbell – Good Food Ireland – Michelin Star
County Kerry:
Ireland’s county Kerry is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, with the Ring of Kerry offering scenic drives past lakes and coastal cliffs. Killarney National Park features the serene Lakes of Killarney and historic Muckross House, while Dingle’s coastal trails and dolphin-watching opportunities add natural allure. Accessible by seasonal ferry, the Skellig Islands’ ancient monastic ruins make Kerry a compelling choice for outdoor adventure and history. Kerry is Ireland’s fifth largest county by size (4,701 square km) and 15th largest by population (156,458). Population peaked at 293,880 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 112,785 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Kerry is Ireland’s fourth most visited tourist county with around 877,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
