DESTINATION: Ireland’s county Kerry

County Kerry, affectionately dubbed “The Kingdom,” is a jewel in southwestern Ireland, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Located in the province of Munster, Kerry boasts Ireland’s highest mountains, rugged coastlines along the Wild Atlantic Way, and charming towns like Killarney, Dingle, and Kenmare. Kerry is Ireland’s fifth largest county by size (4,701 square km) and 15th largest by population (156,458). Visitors can expect a perfect blend of natural wonders, historical sites, outdoor adventures, and lively festivals, all steeped in the county’s rich Gaelic traditions. Here’s a detailed look at what awaits:

Stunning Natural Landscapes:

Killarney National Park: Spanning 10,236 hectares, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a must-visit, featuring the Lakes of Killarney (Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake), Torc Waterfall, and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, home to Ireland’s highest peak, Carrauntoohil (1,038m). Visitors can explore via hiking, cycling, or traditional jaunting cars (horse-drawn carriages), spotting native red deer and rare Kerry slugs. The park’s Muckross House, a 19th-century mansion visited by Queen Victoria, offers guided tours and lush gardens, while Ladies View provides breathtaking lake and mountain vistas.
Ring of Kerry: This 179km circular driving route around the Iveragh Peninsula is one of Ireland’s most iconic scenic drives, showcasing coastal cliffs, rural villages like Sneem and Waterville, and landmarks like Moll’s Gap and the Kerry Cliffs. Expect dramatic Atlantic views and opportunities for photography, cycling, or guided bus tours.
Dingle Peninsula: A rugged, Irish-speaking Gaeltacht region, the peninsula features Slea Head Drive, a 47km loop with cliff-top views, remote beaches, and Dunmore Head, Ireland’s westernmost point. Highlights include Gallarus Oratory, a 1,200-year-old stone church, and the Blasket Islands, accessible by ferry for their literary and ecological significance.
Skellig Islands: Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 11km off the coast, is famous for its 6th-century monastic beehive huts and Star Wars filming locations (The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi). Weather-dependent boat tours from Portmagee or Ballinskelligs offer landings or scenic cruises, with puffins and gannets adding to the allure. The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre on Valentia Island provides exhibits for those staying on land.
Kerry Dark Sky Reserve: One of only three Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserves globally, this area around Caherdaniel and the Iveragh Peninsula offers unparalleled stargazing, especially at Coomanaspig Pass, accessible by car for stunning night skies.
Beaches: Kerry’s coastline features Blue Flag beaches like Inch Beach, ideal for picnics and surfing, and Ballybunion, with its dramatic cliffs and Ladies’ and Men’s Beaches. The Maharees Peninsula boasts Ireland’s longest beach, stretching 12 miles from Castlegregory to Cloghane.

Historical and Cultural Attractions:

Muckross House and Abbey: Within Killarney National Park, Muckross House offers guided tours of its opulent interiors, while Muckross Abbey, founded in 1448, provides a glimpse into medieval monastic life. The nearby traditional farms showcase rural Irish life.
Ross Castle: A 15th-century tower house on Lough Leane, offering guided tours (€5) of its banqueting hall and battlements, with boat trips to Innisfallen Island’s monastic ruins.
Derrynane House: In Caherdaniel, this 120-hectare estate was home to Daniel O’Connell, “The Liberator.” Visitors can explore relics of his life and stroll through historic parklands.
Bonane Heritage Park: Near Kenmare, this archaeological site features a 5,000-year-old stone circle, ring forts, and famine ruins, with trails offering historical insights.
Kerry Bog Village Museum: Near Glenbeigh, this open-air museum recreates 18th-century rural life with whitewashed cottages, offering a window into Ireland’s past.
Listowel: A literary hub, home to the Kerry Writers’ Museum, John B. Keane’s pub (run by his son), and the Garden of Europe, featuring Ireland’s only Holocaust memorial.

Cultural Immersion:

Gaeltacht Regions: The Dingle Peninsula and parts of the Iveragh Peninsula are Irish-speaking areas, where visitors can hear Gaeilge in daily life and enjoy traditional music at pubs like O’Sullivan’s Courthouse in Dingle or Murphy’s Bar in Killarney.
Traditional Music and Dance: Venues like the Killarney Grand Hotel and Siamsa Tíre Theatre in Tralee showcase jigs, reels, and sean-nós storytelling. The National Folk Theatre Choir performs at events like Féile Cheoil an tSamhraidh in Dingle.
Gaelic Football: Kerry’s passion for Gaelic football is unrivaled, with 37 All-Ireland titles. Visitors can catch matches at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney or Austin Stack Park in Tralee, especially during the National Football Championship (May–September).

Outdoor and Adventure Activities:

Hiking: The Kerry Way, a 9-day, 214km trail, winds through Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry. Mount Brandon (952m) on the Dingle Peninsula offers the challenging Pilgrims’ Path, while Cnoc na dTobar in Cahersiveen is a scenic pilgrimage route.
Cycling: The Ring of Kerry and Slea Head Drive are popular cycling routes, with e-bike rentals from Dingle Electric Bike Experience enhancing accessibility.
Water Sports: Kerry’s 1,000km coastline is a surfer’s paradise, with schools at Ballybunion and Inch Beach. Kayaking and paddleboarding are offered in Dingle Bay and Kenmare Bay, where Seafari eco-cruises spot seals and sea eagles.
Boat Trips: Beyond Skellig Michael, cruises to the Blasket Islands or dolphin-spotting tours in Dingle (once home to Fungie the Dolphin) are popular.
Unique Experiences: Kissane Sheep Farm near Kenmare offers sheepdog demonstrations and mountain walks, while the Dingle Falconry Experience provides hands-on encounters with owls and hawks.

Culinary Scene:

Kerry’s dining ranges from traditional Irish fare at Murphy’s Bar in Killarney to seafood at Dingle’s Out of the Blue. The Dingle Food Festival (October) highlights local producers, while Kenmare’s restaurants, like No. 35, offer farm-to-table dining.
Craft beverages thrive, with Dingle Whiskey Distillery and Killarney Brewing Taproom offering tours and tastings.

What’s New for 2026 in County Kerry

Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara (Kerry Seas National Park): Announced in April 2024, this 70,000-acre marine and terrestrial national park on the Corca Dhuibhne (Dingle) Peninsula is Ireland’s largest. It includes Skellig Michael, Little Skellig, and the Valentia Tetrapod Trackway, with a focus on protecting biodiversity, including puffins and storm petrels. In 2026, expect enhanced visitor experiences, such as guided eco-tours and improved access to Valentia Island’s heritage sites, emphasizing conservation and sustainable tourism.
Kerry Playground Passport: Launched by EZxploring, this interactive initiative encourages families to explore Kerry’s public playgrounds in 2026. Kids collect stamps in a passport, making it a fun way to discover towns like Tralee, Killarney, and Dingle while enjoying outdoor activities.
B Corp Certification Spotlight: In March 2026, Kerry businesses are pursuing B Corp certification, highlighting sustainability. Visitors can engage with eco-conscious attractions, such as sustainable dining or eco-tours, particularly in the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve.
Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Yacht Race (June 11): This 320-mile sailing race, starting at Ireland’s most westerly marina in Dingle, is a highlight of Kerry’s 2026 calendar. Expect vibrant events at Dingle Harbour, including live music and markets, boosting local tourism.
Féile na Bealtaine (May 1–5): This Dingle Peninsula arts and cultural festival, running since 1994, will feature expanded music, theater, and visual arts programs in 2026, with a focus on local Gaeltacht traditions.
Animation Dingle (March 22–23): Celebrating its 10th year, this festival showcases global animation, with workshops, screenings, and new networking events for creatives, reinforcing Dingle’s cultural hub status.
Killarney Bike Fest (June): Expected to draw 600,000 visitors, this family-friendly event features cycling races, stunt shows, and live entertainment, with new community-focused activities in 2026.
Kerry Camino Enhancements: This 3-day, 57km walking trail from Tralee to Dingle, inspired by Spain’s Camino de Santiago, introduces new guided tours and passport-stamping stations in 2026, offering a soulful journey through the Dingle Peninsula.
Listowel Writers’ Week (May 28–June 1): Ireland’s oldest literary festival expands in 2026 with international authors, poetry slams, and storytelling sessions, drawing book lovers to Listowel’s vibrant scene.
Poland-Ireland Wine Fest (May): A new cultural event in Tralee, featuring unique wine blends, food pairings, and music, celebrating Polish-Irish community ties.
Street Feast Tralee (May): This community event encourages shared meals and cultural exchange, with new pop-up dining experiences planned for 2026.
Killarney Pedestrian Bridge: A €5 million project linking Killarney’s bus and railway stations is under consideration for 2026, improving access to the town center and national park.

Visitor Tips for 2026:

Best Time to Visit: May and September offer mild weather (10–15°C), fewer crowds, and vibrant festivals like Féile na Bealtaine and Listowel Writers’ Week. July–August is peak season with events like the Killarney Bike Fest, but expect higher prices and busier attractions. March brings St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) celebrations. Pack waterproof gear for Kerry’s unpredictable weather.
Getting Around: Renting a car is ideal for exploring the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, with rentals at Kerry Airport (Farranfore) or Cork Airport (1-hour drive). Citylink and Bus Éireann connect Killarney, Tralee, and Dingle, while ferries to Skellig Michael and the Blaskets require pre-booking.
Accommodation: Options range from luxury at The Europe Hotel in Killarney to cozy B&Bs in Dingle or self-catering at Dromquinna Manor near Kenmare. Book early for summer festivals. Glamping on Valentia Island or VW campervan rentals via Ireland.com offer unique stays.
Accessibility: Killarney National Park, Muckross House, and Siamsa Tíre Theatre are wheelchair-accessible, but Skellig Michael’s steep steps and some rural trails are challenging. Contact venues for details.
Currency: Euro (€) is used, with 10–15% tipping customary in restaurants if no service charge is added.

County Kerry in 2026 promises an unforgettable mix of iconic scenery, rich culture, and exciting new developments like the Kerry Seas National Park and enhanced festival offerings, making it a top destination for adventurers, history buffs, and culture lovers. For more details, visit www.discoverkerry.com or www.ireland.com