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Holidays to County Kerry
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County Kerry Holiday Guide
The Hub of Kerry
Set in the heart of one of Ireland’s finest national parks, Killarney has been plying its tourist trade for more than 250 years. It’s full of quality restaurants, pubs and accommodation, all on the doorstep of beautiful lakes, woodland, waterfalls and moors lying in the shadow of the country’s highest mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks.
The town’s history dates back to the Neolithic period and, based on the copper ore mined on Ross Island, was home to some important Bronze Age settlements. Over the centuries, expert stonemasons crafted forts and devised Ogham script before, eventually, Viscount Kenmare developed the town as the Irish answer to England’s Lake District.
Exploring Kerry
The majority of the one million visitors who descend on the county every year tend to stick to Killarney and its attractions and the famous Ring of Kerry, a scenic drive around the neighbouring Iveragh Peninsula.
Stretching for more than 110 miles, the longest of Ireland’s renowned circular routes combines incredible coastal scenery with picturesque countryside and fascinating villages providing perfect stop-off points for refreshments. Although the ring can be completed in a day, you could take your time and stay overnight in somewhere like Killorglin or Kenmare.
The coastal scenery is at its best between Waterville and Caherdaniel, with the UNESCO World Heritage site of Skellig Michael, a jagged 217m high chunk of rock, providing a fascinating diversion. Despite its appearance and isolation, from the 6th to the 13th centuries it was home to Christian monks looking for ultimate solitude.
The more compact Dingle Peninsula, the most western point in Europe at its tip, can also be explored using another circular drive. Its breathtaking natural beauty, mixed with rings forts, ancient ruins and charming towns like Dingle, make it an experience to remember.
See and Do
Some of County Kerry’s most popular attractions are based around Killarney. As well as the natural wonders of its national park, there is 15th century Ross Castle, Knockreer House and Gardens, the Muckross Estate, with a wonderfully restored 19th century mansion at its heart, and Inisfallen Island, home to a monastery believed to have been founded by St Finian the Leper in the 7th century.
Kerry County Museum, in Tralee, has some excellent interpretive displays, including a Medieval Experience that recreates life in the town, smells and all, in 1450.
The Skellig Experience on Valentia Island chronicles the history of the Skellig Michael monks as well as the island’s lighthouses and wildlife, while the atmospheric ruins of Ballycarbery Castle, and two ring forts nearby, can be found in Caherciveen.
Guide to Exploring Kerry
Top Hotel Deals
Hotel Killarney
Cork Road, KillarneyThis family-friendly Killarney hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Killarney House Gardens, Knockreer Estate and Killarney Methodist Church. Ross Golf Club and Lissyvigeen Circle are also within 2 miles (3 km).
The Europe Hotel & Resort
Fossa, KillarneyThis family-friendly Fossa hotel is located near the airport, within 2 mi (3 km) of Aghadoe, Killarney Golf Club and Parkavonear Castle. Killarney Riding Stables and Dunloe Golf Course are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Innisfallen Hotel
Fossa, KillarneySituated in a national park, this hotel is within 2 miles (3 km) of Aghadoe, Parkavonear Castle and Killarney Golf Club. Killarney Riding Stables and Dunloe Golf Course are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Ballyseede Castle
Ballyseede, TraleeSituated in Tralee, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Ballymacelligott Church and Ballyseedy Memorial. Chute Hall Ogham Stones and Tralee Workhouse are also within 3 miles (5 km).
The Heights Hotel Killarney
Cork Road, KillarneySituated in the suburbs, this hotel is within 2 miles (3 km) of Lissyvigeen Circle, Killarney House Gardens and Knockreer Estate. Killarney Methodist Church and Fitzgerald Stadium are also within 2 miles (3 km).
The Brehon
Muckross Road, KillarneySituated in the historical district, this spa hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of INEC Killarney, Killarney Methodist Church and Killarney House Gardens. Knockreer Estate and Ross Golf Club are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Randles Hotel
Muckross Road, KillarneySituated near the airport, this spa hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Killarney Methodist Church, Killarney House Gardens, and Knockreer Estate. INEC Killarney and Ross Golf Club are also within 15 minutes.
Scotts Hotel Killarney
Scotts Street, KillarneySituated in Killarney, this hotel is steps away from Killarney House Gardens and Knockreer Estate. Killarney Methodist Church and St. Mary's Cathedral are also within 15 minutes.
Top Flight + Hotel Deals
Cashel House Hotel
4.0 out of 5.0Tue, 26 Jun - Sat, 30 Jun
Manchester - Shannon
£525
per person
Clayton Hotel Galway
4.0 out of 5.0Tue, 26 Jun - Sat, 30 Jun
Manchester - Shannon
£443
per person
Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway
4.0 out of 5.0Tue, 26 Jun - Sat, 30 Jun
Manchester - Shannon
£458
per person
Connemara Coast Hotel
4.0 out of 5.0Tue, 26 Jun - Sat, 30 Jun
Manchester - Shannon
£557
per person
Flannery's Hotel Galway
3.0 out of 5.0Tue, 26 Jun - Sat, 30 Jun
Manchester - Shannon
£407
per person
Claregalway Hotel
3.0 out of 5.0Tue, 26 Jun - Sat, 30 Jun
Manchester - Shannon
£401
per person
The Inn to the West
3.0 out of 5.0Tue, 26 Jun - Sat, 30 Jun
Manchester - Shannon
£450
per person
Oranmore Lodge Hotel, Conference and Leisure Centre
4.0 out of 5.0Tue, 26 Jun - Sat, 30 Jun
Manchester - Shannon
£416
per person
O'Neill Holiday Homes
4.0 out of 5.0Tue, 26 Jun - Sat, 30 Jun
Manchester - Shannon
£450
per person
No. 1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa
4.0 out of 5.0Fri, 13 Jul - Tue, 17 Jul
Heathrow - Shannon
£442
per person
Apartment - Heart of Limerick City
3.0 out of 5.0Fri, 13 Jul - Tue, 17 Jul
Heathrow - Shannon
£366
per person
Quay Apartment Limerick
3.0 out of 5.0Fri, 13 Jul - Tue, 17 Jul
Heathrow - Shannon
£366
per person
Top Deals on Flights
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