 RURAL
Dereen Gardens
Situated in Lauragh and known as the Rainforest of Kerry, the gardens are famed for the ferns, bamboo, magnolia and eucalyptus trees which grow here due to the mild temperatures experienced in this region.
Glencar
Around 8 miles (13 km) south of Killorglin town, and high above the Caragh Lake, is the scenic district of Glencar. This is a forested area of rugged beauty where the Caragh River flows down to enter the lake.
Gap of Dunloe, Beauford
This is a picturesque area surrounded by mountains and renowned worldwide for its beauty. The area has numerous lakes, streams and woodlands. Dunloe Castle is situated here, on the banks of the River Laune.
Ring of Kerry
This circle, which is 110 miles long , is an area of beautiful and diverse scenery located on County Kerry's central peninsula of Iveragh. It comprises Killorglin, Glenveigh, Cahirciveen, Waterville, Sneem, Kenmare, Killarney and back to Killorglin.
Forests and Woodlands
Ballaghisheen (20 km north-east of Waterville on 3rd class road to Glencar)
Ballygamboon (5 km north-east of Castlemaine on N70 to Tralee)
Derrycunnihy / Ladies View (17.5 km south of Killarney on N71 to Killarney)
Dooneen (3 km north of Castleisland on N21 to Limerick)
Dromore (9.5 km west of Kenmare on N70 to Sneem)
Gleensk (11 km west of Glenbeigh on N70 to Cahirciveen)
Gleann Tí an Easaigh (22 km west of Tralee on R559 to Castlegregory)
Kilderry (1.5 km west of Milltown on N70 to Killorglin)
Lickeen (17.5 km south-west of Killorglin on 3rd class roads to Ballaghisheen Pass)
Lough Inchiquin (12 km south-west of Kenmare on R571 to Lauragh)
Mangerton (5 km south of Killarney on N71 to Kenmare)
Muckross Wood (7 km south of Killarney on N71 to Kenmare)
Mastergeehy (8 km north-east of Waterville on 3rd class road to Glencar)
Parknasilla (24 km west of Kenmare on N70 to Sneem)
Pike Wood (3 km east of Killarney on N22 to Cork) Rossacrue (8 km north-east of Kilgarvan on R569 to Killarney)
Mountains
Ireland's six highest mountains are all in Kerry. Five of the six are in the Macgillycuddy Reeks (west of the Killarney lakes), with Carrantouhill being the highest at 3,414 feet. The other peak in this top six is Mount Brandon (in the Dingle Peninsula) which is 3,127 feet high. Other mountain ranges include the Caha Mountains (on the Kerry-Cork borders), the Slieve Mish Mountains (south of Tralee), the Stradbally Mountains (in the Dingle Peninsula), the Derrynasaggart Mountains (east of Killarney on the Cork border), the Stacks Mountains and the Glannaruddery Mountains (to the east of Tralee and to the south of Listowel). There are also many other hills and smaller mountains dotted around the Kerry landscape.
COASTAL
Inchiquin Lake and Waterfall
Approximately 6 miles south-west of the town of Kenmare. The lake is surrounded by forests of oakwoods and some beautiful and unusual wild flowers grow here. The four Cloonee Lakes are also nearby.
Glanmore Lake
Located in the very southern tip of County Kerry near the Caha Mountains.
Blasket Islands
Situated off the coast of Slea head, the landscape on the islands is spectacular but barren, with scattered rocks, steep cliffs and long strands.
Valentia Island
This island is joined by a bridge to the mainland. The stately Glanleam House is surrounded by fabulous gardens and there are striking views of Dingle Bay and the Blasket Islands from here. Knightstown is the main village on the island.
The Skellig Islands
Located off the south-Kerry coast, these rocky islands are renowned for their scenery, sea-bird colonies (puffins), Early Christian monastic architecture with beehive huts, and an old lighthouse.
Cromane
A beautiful fishing village with a pretty pebble beach and excellent views of the Slieve Mish Mountains and Dingle Bay.
Dooks
6 miles west of Killorglin town, there is a beautiful sandy beach here and magnificent views of mountains and sea.
Rossbeigh
3 miles of sandy beaches with sand dunes on the southern shores of Dingle Bay. There are also splendid views of the Dingle Mountains here.
White Strand
Castlecove Village
Inch Strand
Situated on the southern side of the Dingle Peninsula, this is a beautiful long sandy beach with large sand-dunes.
Torc Waterfall
Located at the Middle Lake in Killarney.
Sheen Falls
Located near Kenmare.
Viaduct, Kells
Approximately 8 miles (13 km) north of the town of Cahirciveen. This is a magnificent stone viaduct on a now disused railway line to Cahirciveen.
Slea Head
There are splendid views here of the Blasket islands.
Smerick Harbour
There is a magnificent stretch of strand here.
Banna Strand
Located approximately 10 miles north of Tralee, this is a magnificent strand with excellent views of Tralee Bay.
Ballyheigue Strand
A beautiful strand 12 miles north-west of Tralee.
Beal Strand
Situated at the very north of the county, approximately 4 miles (7 km) west of the town of Tarbert.
Waterville Beach
A beautiful beach with palm trees and other wild plants.
Anascaul Lake
Dingle Peninsula . Com Dubh Mountain is a backdrop to the lake.
Caragh Lake
5 miles long and 1 mile wide. This lake is situated approximately 5 miles (8 km) south-west of Killorglin town, and has the Macgillycuddy Reeks as a scenic backdrop
The Killarney Lakes
Lough Leane (Lower Lake), Muckross Lake, Upper Lake. This is one of the most famous places of beauty in Ireland. The scenery is magnificent, and fishing boats are visible everywhere around the lakes.
HISTORICAL
Ballymalis Castle
Magnificent ruins of a 16th century tower house, 5 miles (8 km ) outside Killorglin, and situated on the banks of the River Laune.
Dunloe Castle and Motte
Built on the River Laune, Killarney.
Parkvonear Castle, Aghadoe, Killarney
13th century castle - 2 storeys now remain.
Castlelough Castle
Situated on a small peninsula on Lough Leane.
Castle Sybil
Located at Dún an Oir, at the northern side of the Dingle Peninsula.
Ballyheigue Castle
A 19th century neo-gothic castle situated in Ballyheigue Bay, approximately 10 miles north of Tralee.
Dunkerrott Castle
On the banks of the Kenmare River outside the town of Kenmare.
Beal Castle
Ballybunion
Carrigafoyle Castle , Ballylongford
Situated 8 miles north of Listowel. This 1490's castle is still in very good condition and is located on the Mouth of the Shannon.
Listowel Castle
15th century Listowel Castle, Listowel, North Kerry.
Dromore Castle and Forest
Situated on the banks of the Kenmare River, outside the town of Kenmare.
Barrow Castle
Located at Fenit, 8 miles outside Tralee.
Loch a Dúin
6 miles (10 km) north of Dingle Town. This is a spectacular valley rich in Bronze Age archaeological monuments including wedge tombs, cist graves, standing stones, ancient eating places etc. The valley includes several kilometres of blanket bog.
Rattoo Round Tower
This 10th century round tower is located at Ballyduff 3 miles south of Ballybunion in North Kerry.
Derrynane House
Impressive 19th century manor house situated in Derrynane, near Caherdaniel.
Knockreer House & Estate
Located just outside the town of Killarney.
Ogham Stones
Fascinating ogham stones are scattered around the county, notably at Ballintaggart, Keelcoolagh and Dunloe.
Muckross House
Situated on the shores of Muckross Lake, and set amidst the splendid and spectacular landscapes of the Killarney National Park. The house, an Elizabethan-styled mansion was built in 1843.
Muckross Friary
Impressive remains of a 15th century Irish monastery located in Killarney.
Abbeydorney Cistercian Monastery ruins
Located approximately 8 miles (13 km) south-west of Listowel.
Leacanbuile Fort, Cahirciveen
9th century fort with three stone beehive houses and a square house in the middle.
Staigue Fort, Sneem
One of the best preserved of all ancient Irish structures, dating from 1,000 BC.
Inisfallen Island
Situated in Lough Leane, this is a small island with the ruins of a small 11th century church and 12th century priory.
Monastery ruins
Located at Ballinskelligs, a small village , south of Valentia Island.
Dun Beg
An iron age promontory fort.
Gallarus Stone Oratory
A spectacular 8th century monastic structure. Located near the village of Ballydavid, at the northern side of the Dingle Peninsula.
Ardfert Cathedral & Ardfert Friary
Dating from the 13th century and 15th century respectively, both are located in the town of Ardfert, 8 miles north of Tralee.
Carrigafoyle Castle
15th century Carrigafoyle Castle, Ballylongford The waters of the Shannon estuary rise around it at high tide.
Minard Castle (ruins)
Approximately 6 miles (10 km) east of Dingle town. The castle stands on a hill overlooking a boulder beach, where a small river flows down to the sea.
Ballycarbery Castle (ruins)
14th century Castle situated at the mouth of Cahirciveen Harbour.
Ross Castle, Killarney
This 15th century castle is picturesquely situated on the shores of the Lower Lake.
INTERIORS
Muckross House, Killarney
Beautifully furnished rooms containing many items of historic interest including carved furniture and paintings.
17th century Tarbert House
Situated in Tarbert town, a seaport on the River Shannon. This house is genuine Irish Georgian, with a large entrance hall which still has the original gunracks and trestles built into the side of the wall. The house contains Georgian furniture, and old family portraits.
URBAN
Listowel
Situated on the River Feale, 27 km north of Tralee, Listowel is a thriving town, well known for its literary tradition. The main street has many colourful shop-fronts, as well as ornamental plasterwork executed in the 19th century by a local stonemason. The town has a central square with two striking Gothic-style Churches and the ruins of a 15th century castle.
Tralee
The capital of Kerry, Tralee has a racecourse, greyhound track, and a good golf course, and conducts the largest festival in Ireland, the Rose of Tralee Festival, at the end of September each year. Barna Strand, near Tralee, is a beautiful beach which was chosen by David Lean for his film Ryan's Daughter. The town itself has some impressive 18th century buildings on Denny Street and Day Place, and 19th century architecture such as St. John's Catholic Church off Castle St., and also the Courthouse. From the mountains above the town, there is a spectacular view of the flat limestone plains with a line of castles stretching between Killorglin and Dingle in the distance. The Caherconree Mountain, to the left of Tralee, has steep cliffs on three sides and is the location of an early Christian mountain-top fortress. A major attraction in Tralee is the Tralee to Blennerville steam train.
Ballybunion
Situated in North Kerry, Ballybunion is one of Ireland's premier seaside resorts. Ballybunion is located at the mouth of the River Shannon, and has extensive beaches and spectacular cliff scenery in the vicinity. Knockanore mountain, just outside Ballybunion, offers some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Glenbeigh
A small holiday and fishing resort situated approximately 10 miles south-west of the town of Killorglin. At the end of this small village are the ruins of the Glenbeigh Towers, built in the 1860's. From this site, there is a stunning view of the seven beautiful fishing lakes in the nearby mountains.
Kenmare
A coastal town, built on the River Finnihy. The scenic coast road offers striking views of the rugged coast and the mountains of Dunkerron. Eight miles south-west from Kenmare is one of the most enchanting valleys in all of the county. Here, the Clonee Loughs are scattered with small islands, and the nearby slopes of the Knockreagh Mountains are wooded and dotted with corrie lakes. Further south on the Cork-Kerry borders are the Caha Mountains - one of the largest roadless tracts of wild country in Ireland. To the north are the Macgillycuddy Reeks, and to the east the Derrynasaggart Mountains. Kenmare is a Bórd Fáilte designated ' Heritage Town', and the oldest monument in the town is an impressive stone-circle. Much of the filming of the film "The Purple Taxi", took place in the Kenmare area.
Killorglin
This town is situated on the main bridging point of the River Laune. The Slieve Mish Mountains are to the north, and the spectacular MacGillycuddy Reeks to the south. Killorglin occupies a central position in County Kerry - in close proximity to the Dingle Peninsula, Killarney and the renowned Ring of Kerry. Five miles away is the fishing village of Cromane, and four miles further south the sandy beaches at Rossbeigh. There are some very impressive old buildings in the town and surrounding vicinity such as the Church of Ireland, built in 1816, and situated halfway up the hill of the main street; St. James' Roman Catholic Church, a good example of gothic architecture built in 1887; the Town Stone Bridge, an eight-arched bridge erected in 1885; Ballymalis Castle, on the banks of the River Laune outside the town.
Dingle
The Dingle Peninsula, a Gaeltacht or Irish-speaking area, is the most westerly point in Europe and a spectacular landmass of land jutting out into the sea. The scenery is beautiful here - majestic rolling mountains, golden sandy beaches, lakes and woodlands. Dingle Town has a large harbour, and an attractive main street with interesting buildings such as the red sandstone Church and Convent, and an 18th century stately home. The nearby village of Ventry also has a small harbour. Fahan, an area south of Ventry, and approximately 8 miles (13 km) from Dingle, has an old road which is lined by stone beehive huts, cave dwellings, standing stones and crosses, forts and the ruins of an ancient Church.
Killarney
Famous for its lakes and mountain ranges, Killarney offers spectacular scenery to the film-maker. Inisfalen Island in Lough Léin has ruins of an old Church and Ross Castle is situated on the shores of the lake. The Rivers Laune and Flesk flow into Lough Leane. Muckross House and Muckross Abbey are located on the shores of Muckross Lake. The grounds of Muckross House contain a number of old thatched farmhouse-cottages. The Torc Waterfall flows down into this lake, and also in the nearby mountains are many other smaller lakes. Other notable sites in the vicinity of Killarney are the Lissivigeen Stone Circle, St. Mary's Cathedral, the Beaufort Ogham Stones, the ruins of Kate Kearney's Cottage and the ruins of Dunloe Castle.
Waterville
Situated on the Ring of Kerry, and surrounded by mountains, rivers and lakes. One of the most panoramic views in the area is at Coomacista Pass, 3 km south of the town. Ballinaskelligs Bay stretches out to the sea , and the two islands offshore are Scarriff and Deenish. Scarriff, the bigger of the two has Bronze Age and early Christian remains. Below is Derrynane Harbour with its sailing boats and beautiful beaches. Lough Currane is located outside the town, and a great dolmen is located nearby.
Cahirciveen
A market town built on the tidal estuary of the River Ferta. There are vast boglands to the south and east. A unique feature is the long main street. Just outside the town are the ring forts of Cathair Geal and Leacanbuile.
Sneem
A beautiful village on the Ring of Kerry. The Sneem River flows through the town. There are some very colourful shopfronts on the main street. Parknasilla is a charming scenic area a few minutes drive from Sneem. The seascape here is studded with islands, notably Garinish and Rossdohan. The land around this area is extensively wooded.
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