The Most Impressive Buildings in County Kerry, Ireland
The best of Kerry, most would agree, is outdoors. There are certain buildings, though, that just perfectly compliment this rustic Irish county’s hills, lakes, and rugged shores, be they castles or hilltop havens. Here are our favourites.
Skellig Michael Monastery
A case of ‘setting is everything’, these tiny stone buildings on the summit of the peaked island that recently starred in Star Wars are well worth exploring. Made up of cells and a series of walls protecting the location from a fierce drop off into the Atlantic, they date back to sometime between the 6th and 8th-century. They’re now mainly home to large flocks of puffins, and can be difficult to visit – you’ll need to drop in during the summer, and in good weather.
1. Ross Castle
Forest, Park, Historical Landmark
3. Listowel Castle
Historical Landmark
4. Muckross House
Forest, Park
A 19th-century mansion set in the heart of Killarney National Park, Muckross House overlooks a lake, has its own working farm, and is home to those wonderful horse-pulled jaunting cars, which will take you around the grounds and then through the forest to a nearby waterfall. Check out the extensive range of arts and crafts while you’re here, too. The entire place feels like the kind of isolated Victorian opulence that’s become so fashionable on TV in recent years.
The National Park, Dromyrourk, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. +353 646670144
5. Blennerville Windmill
The tallest windmill of its type in Europe, Blennerville Windmill was built for simple milling and export of grain to the UK, and so is located right on the Kerry coastline for transport access. Dating back to the 1800s, it’s now fully restored, home to a craft centre and restaurant, and a surprising aside in a county not known for buildings like this.
Windmill Lane, Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. +353 667121064
6. Derrynane House
Museum
7. Valentia Observatory at Westwood House
Building
Not a building many people would describe as classically beautiful, admittedly, but the observatory building, Westwood House on Valentia Island – owned by the Irish weather forecasting service ‘Met Eireann’ – is in some senses the home of modern meteorology. Built to relay weather information back to London (during British rule) from this rural Atlantic corner, the modern-day incarnation of the service is automated, and still carried out from what looks like an oversized country estate. Despite its look, it hides complex weather equipment, and offers tours.
Valentia Rd, Garranebane, Cahersiveen, County Kerry, Ireland.
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