The Best Things To See And Do In County Kerry Ireland

Kerry is a rural Irish heartland. Distinct and traditional, the south-western county at the corner of the country juts out into the fierce Atlantic and is home to gorgeous villages, tiny roads, ancient sites, and opportunities to explore the hilly landscape.

Often seen as eccentric and slightly backwards-looking by Ireland’s more urban dwellers, that quirky side of Kerry (and the distinctive accents!) will almost certainly be part of what ends up drawing in visitors. You could drive almost anywhere and be charmed, but a few particular spots truly stand out. Here’s are our favourite corners of Kerry, and some of the activities to get stuck into amongst them.

1. Skellig Michael

Natural Feature

Star Wars fans will recognise this jagged, severe island 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) out into the Atlantic from both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Visiting it, however, can be tough: the World Heritage Site – which was a Christian hermitage more than a thousand years ago, and home to as many as seven people as recently as the 60s – is currently resident-less. That’s in part because any kind of inclement weather renders the site all but inaccessible. You’ll need to visit in summer and have a bit of luck, but if you do get there, the crumbling old domed buildings and puffins colonies set against severe cliffsides are amongst Ireland’s most memorable sites.

Cosan Na Naomh

Another walk (but hey, they’re one of the best things about the county), this medieval pilgrimage trek towards Brandon Mountain dates back to pre-Christian times, having almost certainly been adapted from Irish pagan rituals. It now forms part of the ‘Irish Camino’, an increasingly popular set of paths around the country that offer a stunning historic glance at ancient Ireland. On this one, you’ll find the delicate stone Gallarus Oratory that’s somehow remained water tight for a century as you pass over a gentle, rugged route. The full path, which has quite a few relics to uncover, goes from the Vartry Strand to the base of Brandon Mountain, covering 18 kilometres (11 miles).

2. Ross Castle

Forest, Park, Historical Landmark

A 15th-century tower house in the heart of the Killarney National Park, Ross Castle is painfully picturesque, serving as a form of defence at a time when Ireland was very much a tribal entity. The tour describes the difficulties of hardy castle living, with visitors able to explore ageing oak furniture, narrow staircases and thick defensive walls. The views and perfect picnic spots overlooking the lake are worth a visit too.