Kerry Holiday Homes, Attractions & Activities

When you rent self catering Holiday Homes in County Kerry, you are spoiled for choice as there is a wonderful selection of parks, tours, attractions, heritage and activities. Staying in a holiday home in Kerry is the perfect way to enjoy your holiday as you have all the comforts of home and all the wonders of Kerry in your doorstep.

Nature and Wildlife

Cool Wood Wildlife Park
This Wildlife Park and sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to see rare and exotic animals up close. Pets corner, playground and coffee shop on site.

Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours
8 fully licenced ferries operate a 1hr tour to the mouth of scenic Dingle harbour to meet this friendly bottlenosed dolphin called”” Fungie””. Enjoy the antics of this amazing dolphin and also take in the breath taking views of the cliffs and other sea life.

The Dingle dolphin is in Dingle for over two and a half decades. You do not pay for your tour until you have enjoyed seeing him. No dolphin, no charge guarantee. No holiday in Dingle would be complete without seeing its most famous resident.

Torc Waterfall
The Owengarriff River cascades through the wooded Friar’s Glen into Muckross Lake. A pretty path winds up to the top of this 18m high waterfall, revealing views of Torc Mountain.

Kerry Alternative Technology
Kerry Alternative Technology is located on a 40 acre farm with 10 acres of meadows and 3 acres of vegetables.

With 3 wind turbines, 3 water turbines, a solar panel array, batteries and inverters all electricity is made on site. Hydraulic ram’s pump 6000 litres of water a day to provide irrigation for two vegetable gardens and two polytunnels all run on strictly organic lines.

There’s a 5 pond reed bed system that deals with the grey water waste. There are chickens and goats at the centre, who help make compost.

Tours and courses are provided.

Puffin Island
Puffin Island is an Irish Wildbird Conservancy reserve on a small island to the south of Valentia Island and separated from the mainland by a narrow sound. It holds some thousands of pairs of Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels and Puffins and smaller numbersof other breeding seabirds.

The island may only be landed up on with the consent of IWC which tends to withhold permission from all except those carrying out bona fide research on the birds. Fishing boats can be chartered in Portmagee.

The island can be seen quite well from the sea by the visitor who takes a boat trip to the Skelligs from Portmagee.

The Lakes of Killarney
The three main lakes of Killarney occupy a broad valley stretching south between the mountains. The three lakes and the mountains that surround them are all within the Killarney National Park. Nearest the town is the Lower Lake (Lough Leane) studded with islands and having on its eastern shore the historic Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle. The wooded peninsula of Muckross separates the Lower from the Middle Lake sometimes called Muckross Lake.

At the tip of the Muckross Peninsula is the quaint Brickeen Bridge and Dinis Island further on with its sub-tropical vegetation and views of the ‘Meeting of the Waters’. A narrow straight called the Long Range leads to the island-studded Upper Lake. Around these islands are luxuriant woods of oak, arbutus, holly and mountain ash, while beneath grows a profusion of fern and other plants. Added to the beauty of the three main lakes are many other lakes in the folds of the mountains, and the numerous picturesque cascades such as Torc Waterfall.

Bird Watching on the Dingle Peninsula
The latest Dingle Peninsula Bird Report (2008 – 2010)
The West Kerry Branch of BirdWatch Ireland has published the fourth Dingle Peninsula Bird Report 2008-2010. Using all the data from surveys and roving records the report gives the status of all the bird species recorded on the peninsula. The author is Michael O’Clery whose wildlife art work and professional publications are well known. Top Irish and British photographers including Eric Dempsey, Anthony McGeehan, Ian Jones, Michael O’Keefe have contributed stunning illustrations. Articles describe the branch’s Barn Owl conservation programme, an off shore survey by Anthony Mc Geehan and an update on the White-tailed sea eagle project by Allan Mee.
The cost of printing was generously supported by MFG, Brian de Staic, Benners Hotel, The Skellig Hotel, Emlagh House, Dingle News and Bambury and Moriarty’s. The proceeds from sales all go to the support the branch Barn Owl and Kestrel conservation work and survey work.

Birds of interest on the Peninsula include the resident chough and summer seabird colonies. In autumn the main draws are seabird passages and American or continental Europe/Asia rarities. In winter rare gulls and wetland species are the attraction.

Churches, Abbey and Monasteries

Rattoo Round Tower
Found near the village of Ballyduff and about 25km north of Tralee, the Rattoo Round Tower stands on the grounds of an ancient monastery. It’s thought to have been founded by Bishop Lughach, one of the first Christian evangelists in County Kerry.

The round tower, which dates from about 1100, is very well preserved and features unique moulding with a curvilinear design. There is also a fascinating sheela-na-gig, an ugly, explicit carving used as a protective symbol. It is the only example found in an Irish round tower.

Additionally, the site boasts the ruins of a 15th-century church, whose structure includes stones from an earlier house of worship.

Ardfert Cathedral
In the 6th century, St Brendan The Navigator founded a monastery at this site near Tralee in County Kerry. Today, visitors can see three medieval churches, an ogham stone, and a number of early Christian and medieval grave slabs.

The oldest building is the cathedral, which dates from the 12th to the 17th centuries. It has a Romanesque west doorway, a magnificent 13th-century east window and a spectacular row of nine lancets in the south wall. One of the two smaller churches is a fine example of the late Romanesque style and the other is a plain 15th-century structure with interesting carvings.

Fahan Group
The Fahan Group comprises 19 souterrain and 18 standing clochans (beehive huts). There are also inscribed stones, sculptured crosses and earthen ring forts, all located on the Dingle Peninsula’s Slea Head Road in County Kerry.

The fascinating beehive huts are characteristic of the area and owe their shape to the ancient method of construction known as drystone corbelling.

Lislaughtin Franciscan Friary
In the village of Ballylongford in County Kerry, visitors can find the beautiful remains of Lislaughtin Franciscan Friary, established by John O’Connor in 1478. Among the remains, they will see the rectangular church and other buildings featuring lovely stonework. There are several windows and tomb niches.

It’s also thought that the friary was established on the site of an earlier monastery founded by St Lachtin.

St Mary’s Catholic Church Killarney
Killarney is home to St Mary’s, a beautiful Gothic-style building that serves as the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Kerry. Previously, St Brendan’s at Ardfert was the diocese’s cathedral.

English architect Augustus Pugin, who worked on the iconic Palace of Westminster, designed St Mary’s with a rugged exterior and smooth, light-filled interior.

The cathedral was consecrated in 1855 and renovated in the 1970s.

Museums and Attractions

The Blasket Centre/Ionad an Bhlascaoid
The Great Blasket Centre on the mainland in Dún Chaoin, on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, is an interpretative centre/museum detailing the unique community who once lived on the Great Blasket Island. The centre details their lives as subsistence fishermen and farmers, their traditional way of life and also the extraordinary amount of literature which the islanders produced.

The centre also includes displays on the flora and fauna of the islands and surrounding sea. The building overlooks the panorama of the Great Blasket and its family of surrounding islands. The Great Blasket Centre is the perfect stop at the halfway point of the Slea Head Drive.

Seanchaí – Kerry Literary and Cultural Centre
The Seanchaí – Kerry Literary and Cultural Centre is located in a beautifully restored 19th century Georgian Residence next to Listowel Castle, in Listowel’s magnificent Square.

The centre portrays the lives of North Kerry’s famous writers in a unique audio visual experience. Writers featured include John B Keane, Bryan MacMahon, Brendan Kennelly, George Fitzmaurice and Maurice Walsh.

Take a journey with the Kerry writers through historical and scenic north Kerry in a stunning audio visual presentation in the Landscapes Room. Learn about the places, people, traditions and customs that influenced the writers in their works. Listen to Ireland’s master ‘Seancha i’ Eamon Kelly tell of the great oral tradition that influences the writers and experience the memories of Writers’ Week Literary Festival that nurtures the talent of many great Irish Writers.

Gallarus Oratory Visitor Centre
Gallarus Oratory, in Ballydavid County Kerry, was built between the seventh and eighth century and is the best preserved early Christian church in Ireland. It represents the apogee of dry-stone corbelling, using techniques first developed by Neolithic tomb makers. The stones were laid at a slight angle, lower on the outside then the inside to allow water to run off.

According to local legend, if a person climbs out of the oratory via the window, their soul will be cleansed. This is, however, physically impossible, because the window is approximately 18cm in length and 12cm in width.

Gallarus Oratory Visitor Centre is located alongside Gallarus Oratory. The centre offers visitors the opportunity to explore Gallarus Oratory and also see a audio visual display of the surrounding area. There is a shop offering souvenirs and some refreshments located in the main centre.

Tralee Aqua Dome
The Aqua Dome is a large waterworld featuring waves, rapids, lazy rivers and the famous Flume slide for children. Adults too can enjoy the quiet retreat that is the Health & Sauna Suite. At a constant temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and a huge choice of activities and relaxation option, the entire family will have a splashing good time.

Outdoor facilities include an 18-hole miniature golf course to test your putting skills, plus a remote control truck and boat area. Weather-dependent activities include the Bungee Trampoline, Giant Slide and Bouncing Castle.

In the summer season the Aqua Dome offers a café, offering home baking, smoothies, hot chocolate and icecream daily.

Blennerville Windmill
Blennerville Windmill stands out as the dominant landmark in Tralee Bay, where the town of Tralee meets the Dingle Peninsula.

At the Blennerville Visitor Centre you will find the working windmill as well as an exhibition gallery, craft shop and restaurant. The exhibition includes an audio visual presentation, an emigration display and a bird watching platform with telescope overlooking ‘Slí na nÉan’ (‘the Way of the Birds’).

Visitors can get up close and appreciate the scale and complexity of the Windmill machinery and can climb to the top of the windmill.

Blennerville was the main port of emigration from County Kerry during the Great Famine (1845 to 1848) and was, during those years, the home port of the famous emigrant barque ‘Jeanie Johnston’. The visitor centre houses a fascinating display on Irish emigration including models of the infamous coffin ships.

Come and view Tralee Bay Nature Reserve, where migratory pale-bellied brent geese spend from October to April feeding on the eelgrass and green seaweeds on the mudflats and grazing in nearby fields and saltmarshes when this food is scarce. Birds of the bay include turnstone, ringed plover, dunlin, redshank, bar-tailed godwit, golden plover and curlew.

Kenmare Heritage Centre
Kenmare was designated a Heritage Town by Fáilte Ireland and the Kenmare Heritage Centre was offically opened in June 1994 by the then President of Ireland, Mrs Mary Robinson.

The Centre covers various themes including famous visitors to Kenmare, the nun of Kenmare, Kenmare’s history and historical sites, the effects of the Great Famine on Kenmare and the Landlords of Kenmare. It also houses an exhibition of Kenmare Lace and there is a model and explanation of the nearby stone circle, which is one of the largest stone circles in the south of Ireland.

An integral part of the experience of the Kenmare Story is to visit the Historical sites after visiting the Centre. The Heritage Trail map will show you at first hand some of the delights of Kenmare. All the sites are within walking distance from the Centre and the trail takes about 40 minutes to complete.

There is ample parking outside the Centre.

The Skellig Experience
In the Skellig Experience Centre you can experience many aspects of the offshore Skellig islands while remaining on the dry land, in a custom built, stone clad, grass roofed, prize winning building located right on the waterfront beside the Valentia Island bridge at Valentia, County Kerry.

This heritage centre tells the story of the Skellig rocks. There are four themes covered in the exhibition.

Firstly the history and archaeology of Skellig Michael’s Early Christian monastery. Secondly the sea birds who are such a part of the Skelligs, their habitat and their world wide travels. Then the lighthouses which have given 161 years of service to mariners. And finally the underwater Skellig, which has colour and magic equal to any sea in the world.

These themes are explored using graphics, models, exhibition items and lighthouse keeper ship-to-shore communication, accentuated by the sounds of sea birds.

Kilgarvan Motor Experience
The Kilgarvan Motor Museum is a great place for classic car lovers. At the museum, in Kilgarvan County Kerry, you can view vintage and classic cars, including such eminent models as Rolls Royce, Bentley, Alvis and Austin.

It is also home to a large collection of automobilia.

There is also a coffee bar at the museum.

The museum is a private collection, run by the Mitchell family.

Kenmare Stone Circle
The Kenmare Stone Circle is the only egg shaped stone circle in Munster, measuring 17.4 x 15.8m. It lies in the town of Kenmare not far from the Cromwell Bridge, in County Kerry.

Such shapes are unusual, their design could be a late geometrical development. Locally known as ‘the Shruberries’, the Kenmare stone circle is probably the largest one in south west Ireland and it is composed by 15 heavy boulders, with 13 standing and two prostrate at the north. At the centre there is an impressive boulder burial with a giant capstone some two metres long, 1.8m wide and 0.8m thick. The weight of this capstone must be almost seven tons and at least 30 labourers would have been needed to drag it into position.

Kerry Bog Village Museum
The Bog Village is situated half way between Killorglin and Glenbeigh on the main Ring of Kerry route.

It gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy a step back in time to the early 18th century to recapture the way life would have been at that time. Peat, or turf as it is usually called in Ireland, is harvested from bogs and is still used as domestic fuel.

The village is here to preserve the past for your enjoyment. This is a most worthwhile and historic visit to see the real Kerry life as it was, in the heart of Kerry’s bogland.

The Bog Village is adjacent to the Red Fox Inn Bar and Restaurant which is open seven days a week.

Bonane Heritage Park
Bonane Heritage Park is located near Kenmare in south west Kerry on the Ring of Beara. The park is unique in that it has an abundance of well preserved multi – period archaeological sites from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age right up to pre-Famine times. Sites include a stone circle, a ringfort, standing stones and a fulacht fiadh.

Even for those with little interest in history and heritage the visual experience is stunning. It offers a vibrant and living link to the first settlers who colonised the Irish countryside.

Bonane Heritage Park is situated 10 km from Kenmare, Co Kerry, on the N71 and is open to visitors all year round.

Historic Houses and Castles

Listowel Castle
The construction date of the earliest castle at Listowel dates to the 13th century but the present castle was probably built in the 15th century by the FitzMaurices. The castle stands on an elevation on a steep bank, overlooking the river Feale, above the location of a strategic ford. A substantial part of the front of the castle survives consisting of two large, square towers of four storeys, standing almost to the original height of 15.3 metres, connected by a wall of the same height and linked together by an arch on one side. A major programme of conservation works has been undertaken at the castle including the provision of an external staircase to allow public access to the upper levels.

Muckross Friary
The Franciscan Friary was founded in the 15th century and is in a remarkable state of preservation. The tower was added after the church was built and is the only Franciscan tower in Ireland which is as wide as the church.

The cloister and its associated buildings are complete and an old Yew Tree stands in the centre. The monks were finally driven out by the Cromwellians in 1652.

There are guided tours available on request. There is a public car park close to the site. The average length of visitis 30 minutes.

Famine Cottage
This old cottage, built of stone and mud, is a relic of famine times in Ireland. See how a large Irish family lived during famine days, through this Dingle Peninsula dwelling.

Carrigafoyle Castle
Carrigafoyle Castle, a tower house built in 1490 by Conor Liath O Connor Kerry, is located just two miles from Ballylongford. It is built of thin pieces of limestone, used almost as bricks with some attractive windows. This is a very fine example of 15th century building. The illustration in Pacata Hiberna shows the unique features of this castle. The castle was strongly built and ingeniously situated. Standing on the edge of the Shannon estuary on what was originally an island, Carrigafoyle Castle rises to five storeys with vaults over the second and fourth storeys. An unusually wide spiral stairs ascends in one corner of the tower which has small rooms as well as the main living spaces opening off it. The stone bawn wall at the foot of the castle contained a boat dock. One of the turrets in this wall seems to have been used as a dovecot where pigeons were kept for food.

A wide spiral staircase of 104 steps leads to the battlements and in presentation and size it rivals Blarney Castle. It rises to 26.4 meters and gives an impression of great strength. In the forefront of the view from it, Carrig Island and Scattery Island can be seen across the broad estuary of the Shannon.

Carrigafoyle Castle was the main stronghold of the O Connor Kerry, the principal chieftain of this barony named after him. For 400 years they were an important part of the ever changing political and military jigsaw of those times. From here O Connor Kerry was able to intercept ships going up the Shannon to Limerick, board them and take a part of their cargo. This practice continued until the middle of the 16th century.

In the Desmond wars in 1580, the castle came under fire from naval artillery on land and sea, under the command of Sir William Pelham. Following a two day siege the castle was breached and taken on Palm Sunday 1580. All the occupants, comprising nineteen Spanish and fifty Irish were massacred. Opposite the castle is the medieval Church of Carrigafoyle which is built in the same style as the castle.

Gallarus Oratory
This historic Christian church is a perfect example of a dry stone building style. The oratory is in the shape of an inverted boat and it still retains its weatherproofing after more than 1,000 years.

Minard Castle
Minard Castle is said to have been built by the Knight of Kerry, and it is the largest fortress on the peninsula. It is one of the locations used in the film “”Ryans Daughter””, where Rosy met the English Captain.

Heed the warning signs on the castle.

The beach beside the castle is a storm beach, and has large sandstone boulders, which were used for ogham stones in the locality, and are of unique geological interest.

Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms
This magnificent Victorian mansion – one of Ireland’s leading stately homes – is situated amidst the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park in County Kerry. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement you can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House back in the day.

Muckross House is also home to a number of skilled craftworkers, who can be seen using skills in the crafts of weaving, pottery and bookbinding.
Many exotic trees and shrubs flourish in the mild climate and sheltered location of the Muckross gardens. Attractive features include a fine collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, an outstanding rock garden on a natural rock outcrop and beautiful tree-fringed lawns.

The Muckross traditional farms are an authentic outdoor interpretation of rural life in Kerry in the 1930s and 1940s, on a 70 acre elevated site. Traditional buildings and field systems are recreated and domestic farming and craft practices are carried out daily during the visitor season.

Ross Castle
Ross Castle is a 15th century towerhouse and is a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish chieftain in the Middle Ages. The castle and outer defences were built by the O’Donoghue Ross Chieftains. The Barrack alongside dates fro the mid 18th century. The castle is fully restored and furnished with period oak furniture.

The Old Barracks
The Old Barracks Heritage Centre exhibition is situated in a former Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks overlooking the river and Cahersiveen Marina. The exhibition features items of local history, archaeology, flora and fauna, the Fenian Rising and on local hero Daniel O’Connell.

Ballycarberry House
This is the ruin of what was once a magnificent 15th century Castle of MacCarty Mor. It was subsequently held by the O’Connells, ascendants of the Liberator, until it was taken by the Cromwellians in 1652.

It still retains some of its grand old features.

Fitzmaurice Castle
The striking 30 foot wall of this 16th century castle stands proudly in the enclosure of a promontory fort, the Castle Green and has prime location with magnificent views the main beach, cliffs and Atlantic Ocean in its home at Ballybunion. Some spectacular views can be had from the ruin as far as Loop Head and Dingle on a clear day.

Visitor Farms

Kennedy’s All-Weather Pet Farm and Playgrounds
This all weather pet farm and playgrounds offer private fishing and walks. There is the opportunity to see birds and there are animals to be cuddled and fed. Pony rides are available. A most relaxing and educational day out for all the family.

Adopt a Sheep Kissane Sheep Farm
Kissane Sheep Farm is a traditional working mountain farm with approx. 1000 sheep and their lambs. Visitors can experience the hard work on the farm:
– Sheepdog demonstrations – sheepdogs gather the sheep in the mountainous terrain of the farm and into a sheep yard
– Sheep shearing demonstrations (in shearing season) – try it yourself while John holds the sheep for you
– Bottle feedand cuddle the pet lambs
– Marked (mountain) walks with beautiful views on MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Black Valley.
– Puzzle Walk or Treasure Trail.

You can Adopt a Sheep and help preserve this Irish heritage of sheep in the mountains.

Islands

Beginish Island
Beginish Island is a treasure trove of archaeological remains.

Lying in Valentia Harbour, County Kerry Begninish Island has a ruined watch tower at its peak and some important archaeological remains.

A ruined monastery can be found on the eastern part of the island and circular stone huts and buildings on the island are remnants of a once vibrant maritime and religious community dating back to the Middle Ages. Beginish is protected from the Atlantic by Valentia Island and its magnificent sheltered beaches create ideal picnic and walking spots.

Nature and archaeology enthusiasts will savour Beginish’s maritime splendour, marine wildlife and legacy of historical artefacts.

The Blasket Islands – Na Blascaodaí
The Blasket Islands, or as they are known in Irish Na Blascaodaí, lie around 6 km beyond the most westerly tip of the Dingle Peninsula (Leithinis an Daingin) in County Kerry.

The largest of the nine islands, The Great Blasket or An Blascaod Mór, was finally abandoned in 1953 when the last twenty two people living on the island were moved to the mainland. The island’s population, which once boasted one hundred and seventy five residents, had steadily declined through emigration. No other island community of this size has yielded such a literary wealth, producing world renowned writers, such as Peig Sayers, who documented island life in their beloved Irish language and whose work has been translated into many languages.

The Great Blasket remains uninhabited today but the island is open to visitors. Explore this historic island on foot along its steep grassy paths and hilly tracks. Discover the pre-historic remains and extraordinary bird life as well as the large colony of seals who have made The Great Blasket their home. Visit the Blasket Islands centre in Dún Chaoin for an insight into the islands.

Valentia Island
Valentia, off the South West coast of Kerry, is an island of great beauty and contrast. It is joined to the mainland by bridge via the Portmagee Channel.

The western part of the island is dominated by the barren, dramatic cliffs of Bray Head which command spectacular views of the Kerry coastline while the mild effect of the Gulf Stream results in Valentia’s balmy climate and lush, colourful vegetation.

The island’s main village, Knightstown, associated with the Norman Fitzgerald family, is reminiscent of an Anglo-Irish Village with its many stately buildings and refined ambience.

The island’s historical lineage, however, goes back much further than that. Tetra pod footprints were found on the northern part of the island. These magnificent imprints of history are thought to date from Devonian times between some 350 to 370 million years ago.

An important quarry on the northern part of the island which opened in 1816 still flourishes today. The famous Valentia Slate has been used in many prominent buildings including the British House of Commons in London.

The Skellig Islands – Na Scealga
The Skellig Islands, Skellig Michael and Small Skellig, stand aloof in the Atlantic Ocean some 13km southwest of Valentia Island, County Kerry. From any angle, or from any vantage point on the nearby Ring of Kerry, they are spectacular pinnacles, which have magnetised viewers for generations.

The Skelligs are world famous, each in its own right. Skellig Michael is known throughout the world of archaeology as the site of a well preserved monastic outpost of the early Christian period, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Small Skellig is equally renowned in matters of ornithology as the home of some 27,000 pairs of gannets, the second largest colony of such sea birds in the world.

The monastic site on Skellig Micheal is reached by climbing over five hundred steps on up a 1000 year old stone stairway. Stone beehive huts where monks lived and prayed centuries ago cling to cliff edges alongside oratories, a cemetery, stone crosses, holy wells and the Church of St Michael. These isolated archaeological remains show the dramatically spartan conditions in which this early Christian community lived. Enduring several Viking raids, the monks eventually left the island in the thirteenth century and it subsequently became a place of pilgrimage.

A boat trip to The Skelligs allows one to experience these magnificent natural monuments first hand, but if you want to stay on dry land visit the Skellig Experience Centre on the waterfront beside the Valentia Island bridge.

Zoos and Aquariums

Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium
A trip to Dingle in County Kerry is not complete without a visit to Dingle Oceanworld. One of the main attractions is the shark tank where you will come face to face with the most feared creatures of the sea – only a wall of glass stands between you and sandtiger sharks. The Amazing Amazon displays include pacu, catfish, deadly piranha and more.

Meanwhile it’s a hands-on experience at the Touch Tank: get the chance to hold a starfish and stroke the friendly rays. The Freshwater Native tank includes species from Irish rivers. You can walk through a 9m underwater tunnel tank and see a multitude of fish swim overhead: seahorses, Molly the turtle, Nemo the clownfish and loads of others. And last but not least, the Polar Penguin Display is home to Antarctic Gentoo Penguins, where cooled air and ice mimic the penguins’ natural habitat. A great, dry way to experience the enchanted, underwater world!

Beaches

Derrynane Blue Flag Beach
The beach at Derrynane, on the Ring of Kerry, is a European Blue Flag Beach.

Rossbeigh Blue Flag Beach
A Blue Flag Beach is located in Rossbeigh, Glenbeigh, County Kerry.

Ventry Blue Flag Beach
The beautiful crescent shaped beach at Ventry is a European Blue Flag Beach. This was the scene, according to folklore, where a great battle took place between Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the King of the World. Fionn had visited France, and abducted two Frenchwomen, the daughter and wife of the King. The French King assembled a huge army, which included the King of the World, and headed for Ireland to reclaim his women. The battle raged for a year and a day, after which no soldier from either side was left standing. This was the battle that ended the great Irish army of warriors, Na Fianna.

Derrymore Beach
Derrymore lies between the Slieve Mish mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is popular with locals and tourists alike, especially during the summer months.

Castlegregory Beach
Castlegregory hosts the longest beach in Ireland, which stretches from the Maharees westwards through Castlegregory to Cloghane Village. The beach has a total length of 12 miles.

Ballybunion
There is a European Blue Flag Beach located at Ballybunion.

Inch Blue Flag Beach
3 miles of sandy beach, for bathing, surfing, sea angling. Inch Strand was chosen by David Lean as the beach location for “Ryan’s Daughter”, while the film “Playboy of the Western World” was shot entirely at Inch. Excellent bass fishing at Inch Strand, Bunaneer Strand and Minard Strand, all in the Inch – Annascaul area. Sea Otters and Seals lie on the rocks rearing their young. Dolphins clown about in the bay. A heron lands by the rivers and gannets fly like arrows into the clear water.

Ballinskelligs Blue Flag Beach
A Blue Flag Beach is located in Ballinskelligs, County Kerry.

Ballyheigue Blue Flag Beach
A blue flag beach located in Ballyheigue, County Kerry

White Strand Blue Flag Beach Cahersiveen
A Blue Flag Beach is located in White Strand, Cahersiveen, County Kerry.