Kerry Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Kerry

Kerry, in the extreme south-west of Ireland, has two contrasting types of terrain-the mountainous southern part with its three large hilly peninsulas of Beara, Iveragh and Dingle, and the smaller area of undulating plain in the north that stretches as far as the Shannon estuary.

Along the coast, sandy bays alternate with cliffs and rocky headlands; inland too are regions of outstanding scenic beauty - including Killarney's perfect blend of mountain and island-studded lake, wooded shore and glen. But scenery is by no means Kerry's only attraction; there are many coastal resorts, excellent angling waters, climbing that includes Ireland's highest mountain, good golf courses and wealth of ancient monuments.

The Cork Kerry region of South-West Ireland is one of the most attractive holiday areas in Ireland. This area has a spectacular coastline of over 1,000 km and has Ireland's highest mountain Carrauntoohil at 1,039 m. This Region also has Ireland's most southerly point and the most westerly point.

The Cork Kerry Region is a region of scenic contrasts. The long indented coastline blends with spectacular mountains, and the many rivers and lakes combine with these mountains to give a landscape that offers much to the visitor.

This is a region where activity holidays play a large role in holiday plans, and County Cork has hosted the Irish Open Golf Championships on a number of occasions in recent years. Long distance walking is very popular in the region, as are the many cycle routes. In all about 1,000 kms of developed walking routes are available and about the same distance of developed or planned cycling routes await the visitor.

With such a long coastline sea and shore fishing is widely available as is excellent game angling. Good Coarse angling facilities are available in County Cork.

Visitors have been enjoying this Region for about 250 years and many of these early travellers visited Killarney in County Kerry and Blarney in County Cork. The Cork Kerry region is also a special part of Ireland that has hosted many international festivals and events including a Stage finish of The Tour de France cycle race and the Eurovision Song Contest. Cork City was designated European Capital of Culture for 2005.

Population: 4.015.700
Languages: English, Irish (Gaelic) (both official)
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Ireland - Dublin

Country Dialling Code: +353
Voltage: 220 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
3 large flat prongs

Ireland is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. Ireland occupies the entire island except for the six counties that make up Northern Ireland. The Irish landscape has a mythic resonance, the country's history is almost tangible. And while it may be small, Ireland packs a big holiday punch. There are windswept, deserted beaches to discover, a rugged coastline, mountains and lochs, the stark landscape of the Burren and lush countryside that dazzles the eye with so many shades of green you understand at once why the tourist brochures call this the Emerald Isle.

Ireland's main cities include:

Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath) - the capital and the country's largest city. With excellent pubs, fine architecture and good shopping, Dublin is a very popular tourist destination and is the fourth most visited European capital.
Cork (Corcaigh) - second largest city in the Republic of Ireland - located on the banks of the River Lee. Founded c.600 by St. Finbarre and known for good food, pubs, shopping and festivals.
Galway (Gaillimh) - a city on the river Corrib on the west coast of Ireland. Famous for its festivals and its location on Galway Bay. Known as the City of Tribes, Galway's summer is filled with festivals of music, food, Gaelic language and culture. Galway hosts over fifty festivals a year, including the Galway Oyster Festival. The locals seem to give off a positive Bohemian vibe. Galway is split between two types of beautiful landscape: the gorgeous mountains to the west, and the east's farming valleys.
Killarney - Possibly (at least until recently) the most popular tourist destination in Ireland. A pleasant town in its own right, it is also the start of most Ring of Kerry trips.
Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) - attractive medieval town, known as the Marble City - home to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, held annually in early June.
Letterkenny - Main town in County Donegal, designated gateway status and reputed to be the fastest growing town in Europe. Good base for traveling in Donegal.
Limerick (Luimneach) - a city on the river Shannon in the south-west of the country.
Sligo (Sligeach)- Home to W.B. Yeats, internationally renowned poet. Mountains and beaches, scenery in general are the best points of Sligo.
Waterford (Port Láirge) - Ireland's oldest city. In the south-east and close to the ferry port at Rosslare. Waterford is a popular visit for those who want to learn more about the most ancient history of Ireland. It is quite possibly one of the best cities in the country as it is not too large and is full of history. Many festivals take place throughout the year including ((Spraoi)). The food is good and the Granary Museum is the best for ancient Irish history in the country. Don't forget to try a blaa before you leave. (A floury bread bun peculiar to this area of Ireland).

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Kerry Travel Guide

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