County Kerry

In the southwest corner of the island, Kerry is Ireland's fifth-largest county. Rivaling its famous Ring of Kerry for scenic beauty is the Dingle Peninsula, which stretches 35 miles west from Tralee. Inch Strand, which lies below the lovely Slieve Mish Mountains, is a magnificent sandy beach, four miles long and backed by dunes. The charming town of Dingle is known for its music pubs and is one of the best places in Ireland to hear traditional music. Dunbeg Fort dates back to the Iron Age, its atmospheric ruins clinging to the cliff above Dingle Bay. Nearby are the curious beehive huts at Fahan, inhabited in early Christian times. Like the ...

In the southwest corner of the island, Kerry is Ireland's fifth-largest county. Rivaling its famous Ring of Kerry for scenic beauty is the Dingle Peninsula, which stretches 35 miles west from Tralee. Inch Strand, which lies below the lovely Slieve Mish Mountains, is a magnificent sandy beach, four miles long and backed by dunes. The charming town of Dingle is known for its music pubs and is one of the best places in Ireland to hear traditional music. Dunbeg Fort dates back to the Iron Age, its atmospheric ruins clinging to the cliff above Dingle Bay. Nearby are the curious beehive huts at Fahan, inhabited in early Christian times. Like the unusual Gallarus Oratory, they are built of unmortared stones. The Slea Head promontory looks out over the Blasket Islands, while Dunmore Head is the mainland's most westerly point. The holy Mount Brandon lies to the north. The county town, Tralee, is home to the National Folk Theatre of Ireland and has several family attractions. The River Shannon forms Kerry's northern boundary, with fine golf courses and beach resorts such as Ballybunion.

About the Expert

Donna Dailey is the author of Thomas Cook’s Ireland driving guide, coauthor of DK’s Back Roads Ireland and several other titles, as well as the author of Thomas Cook’s HotSpots Costa Blanca and a contributor to AA Publishing’s Key Guide Spain.