Kerry Bucket List: 15 Things You Really Need To Do In The Kingdom This Year

I recently paid a little visit to Kerry and, I have to say, it’s now officially my favourite county in the country.

The southwestern corner of our island is the very apotheosis of Ireland — it’s more green, more spectacular, more alive than the other 31 counties.

As we’re about to show you, Kerry is an actual dream destination for foodies, thrill seekers, sightseers, animal lovers and history buffs.

If everything you know about the Kingdom came from that Kerrymaid ad from the ’90s, we’re about to positively blow your mind…

Cycle through Killarney National Park

This park might have the most stunning collection of sights in Ireland, but at 10,236 hectares in size there’s a whole lot of ground to cover.

That’s why a bicycle tour is the best way to experience this area, with your guide filling you on local legends, allowing you to explore the ancient woodlands and bringing you to sights like Muckross Abbey and Torc Waterfall.

Click HERE for more info.

 

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Wine and dine at The Ross

This boutique hotel in Killarney is just the place to go when you’re in the mood for some fine winin’ and dinin’.

First descend into the Cellar One restaurant where you can enjoy dishes made from the best ingredients, such as the Escalope of Chicken (topped with confit of red pepper, prosciutto & goats cheese, bulgur wheat & chickpea salad & basil pesto) and Curried Cauliflower (with raisins, apple & pumpkin seeds in a curried coconut sauce and firecracker rice).

Wash down your meal with delectable (and wonderfully named) cocktails at the bar upstairs, like Espress Yourself (Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, sugar, single shot espresso) and Orange Is The New Craic (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Cointreau, fresh lemon, orange juice, sugar, egg white).

Click HERE for more info.

 

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Visit the Skellig Islands

These islands are unquestionably one of the most spectacular and otherworldly spots in Ireland — just ask the location scouts for Star Wars.

Centuries ago these rocky outcrops were refuges for monks seeking to escape the outside world by living in stone beehive cells, atop cliffs accessible only by dangerous steps and separated from the mainland by choppy waters.

Now it’s a massive tourist attraction and the only thing seeking refuge here are birds like puffins and gannets.

Click HERE for more info.

 

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Go on a jaunt through the Gap of Dunloe

Take in the breathtaking sights and sounds of this narrow mountain pass from the comfort of a horse drawn carriage.

Formed by glacier flows, the Gap of Dunloe contains a narrow road about 11km in length upon which hikers, cyclists, drivers and jaunting cars travel. Along the way, travellers see five lakes, the legendary ‘Wishing Bridge’ and sheep galore.

Click HERE for more info.

 

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Have coffee and a sambo at My Boy Blue

When the name of café is an Old School reference, you know you’re in for a treat.

Dingle’s My Boy Blue opened up late last year and it immediately caused a stir with its decadent grilled cheese sandwiches and funky coffee cups.

Bursting with colour, potted plants and funky art, a trip to this spot isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience.

Click HERE for more info.

 

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Journey through the rock tunnel at Caha Pass

Found between Glengarrif and Kenmare on the N71, this rock tunnel is striking to behold.

Created in early 1900s, this structure was hewn by hand and so retains a rough appearance that makes it almost look as if it’s a natural formation.

Click HERE for more info.

 

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Get a boat tour of the Lakes of Killarney

What better way to see the Lakes of Killarney than upon them?

As you take in the majesty around you, your guide will tell you about the history of the surrounding area and share some legendary tales… as well as the best spots to fish for salmon.

Click HERE for more info.

 

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Stop by Kennedy’s Pet Farm

Petting farms aren’t just for kids, y’know.

Here you’ll get to see, cuddle and feed a wide variety of animals roaming this farm just outside Killarney, including deer, pigs, piglets, horses, calves, sheep, lambs, goats, kids, donkeys, pot bellied pigs, rabbits, duck and ducklings, a peacock, geese and goslings.

Click HERE for more info.