County Kerry Holidays

Get ready to fall head over hiking boots for Kerry – where lush green hills meet the wild Atlantic, and the Guinness tastes just that little bit better.

Highlights

• 🏞️ The Ring of Kerry – one of Europe’s most scenic drives with jaw-dropping coastal views, charming villages, and Insta-worthy pitstops every mile.

• 🏰 Killarney National Park – think shimmering lakes, a fairy-tale castle, and more red deer than you can count.

• 🏖️ Beach days, Irish style – Inch Beach and Derrynane offer dramatic shorelines and surfing for the brave.

• 🎻 Live trad music in cosy pubs – because nothing says “Ireland” like a fiddle, a pint, and someone belting out “Galway Girl” at midnight.

Getting around

County Kerry might look like a rugged, remote wilderness (and that’s its charm), but getting around is easier than catching sheep on a hillside. Fly into Kerry Airport or nearby Shannon if you fancy a road trip. Hire a car for the ultimate freedom to tackle the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula at your own pace – trust us, the views demand a lot of spontaneous stops. Public buses connect the big towns (like Tralee and Killarney), but rural routes are sparse, so if you're planning on straying off the beaten track (and you should), four wheels and a good playlist are your best mates.

Things to do for families in County Kerry

County Kerry is like one big playground with a rugged Irish twist. Start in Killarney National Park, where kids can run wild among woodlands, waterfalls and deer-filled meadows – or hop in a traditional jaunting car (horse and cart, basically) for a ride to Ross Castle. The Aqua Dome in Tralee is a rainy-day hero with water slides and wave machines, while Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium lets you say hi to otters, sharks and adorable penguins. Fancy the beach? Inch Beach is perfect for sandy toes and beginner surfing. And if you're all energy to burn, hike part of the Kerry Way – even just a short loop delivers stunning views and good old-fashioned family bonding (aka mild arguments about whose turn it is to carry the snacks).

Things to do for couples in County Kerry

Romantic breaks don’t get much dreamier than County Kerry. Wander hand-in-hand through the Gap of Dunloe, a glacial valley where the scenery is so stunning, it’ll make you forget about your emails (and your ex). Picnic by the lakes in Killarney National Park, or take a boat ride across Lough Leane to the ruins of Innisfallen Island – because nothing says “I fancy you” like a ruined monastery and a bit of solitude. The Skellig Islands are a must for couples who like their love stories with a side of Star Wars scenery – book a boat trip and spot puffins, dolphins, and one of Ireland’s most dramatic UNESCO sites. Round it off with a cosy pub dinner, where local seafood and candlelight do all the flirting for you.

Things to do for groups in County Kerry

Whether it’s a big birthday, a mates’ getaway, or a hen/stag party with a twist of Irish magic, Kerry is the place to get the gang together. Hire a minibus (or just a very good driver) and hit the Ring of Kerry – with pit stops in places like Kenmare, Sneem and Waterville, it’s basically a scenic bar crawl with mountains in between. Dingle is your city break nightlife go-to, with lively pubs like Dick Mack’s offering craft beer, music, and a seriously fun vibe. For daytime thrills, try coasteering, surfing, or sea kayaking – because nothing bonds a group like braving the wild Atlantic in a wetsuit. Or go slow with a whiskey tasting tour, a spa day in Killarney, or a lazy group hike with panoramic selfie spots. Cheers to that!

Things to do for foodies in County Kerry

Foodies, buckle up – Kerry’s culinary scene is having a moment. Start with seafood straight from the Atlantic – Dingle Bay prawns, fresh mussels, and creamy chowder served up with brown soda bread and ocean views. The Dingle Food Festival (usually in October) is like foodie Christmas – stalls, demos, tastings, and local flavours that’ll have you drooling. For a more refined bite, The Chart House in Dingle and Rozzers in Killarney are award-winning and wildly tasty. But even casual eats here are next level – think fish and chips on the beach, traditional Irish stews in pubs, and artisan treats from local farmers' markets. Don’t miss a slab of Kerry Gold butter on warm bread or a tub of Murphy’s Ice Cream (Dingle Sea Salt is chef’s kiss). And yes, the Guinness really does taste better here.