Whether you are an avid scenery spotter, a festival fiend, a beach enthusiast, a hill hiker or a gourmet guru, there are plenty reasons to visit County Kerry for the perfect weekend break or for a longer trip.

Killarney is a world renowned spot for picturesque scenery from the Lakes of Killarney to the historic Muckross House, Farm and Gardens. Torc waterfall, Mangerton mountain, Ross Castle and the Molls Gap drive are among the many scenic spots. ‘Jarvey’s who drive a horse and trap around the centre of the town and Muckross are the perfect way to explore.

Kerry hosts a variety of annual and unique festivals throughout the year. These include both Puck Fair in Killorglin, held on the 10th to the 12th of August which encourages a wild mountain goat to be ‘king’ of the town while the town celebrates below, to the Rose of Tralee which encourages women of Irish descent from all over the world to compete for the title to represent their Irish heritage. The Literary Festival in the North Kerry town of Listowel, home to playwright John B. Keane, attracts numerous literati and the Dingle Food Festival celebrates all of Ireland’s indigenous artisan food producers.

County Kerry along with County Mayo has the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the country including the 6km Rossbeigh Beach near Glenbeigh village which includes several sand dunes, a children’s playground and camping facilities. The peaceful and remote Derrynane beach close to Daniel O’Connell’s historic family home in Caherdaniel is one of the most beautiful for walking and Inch beach, outside Milltown on the way to Dingle, includes a beach restaurant, surfing and plenty of water sports.

Kerry is home to Ireland’s highest mountain range, the Macgillicuddy’s Reeks. It is the ideal destination for mountain climbers, hikers and hill walkers. Carrauntoohil is the highest followed by Beenkeragh and Caher. The longest signposted walking trail in the country is the Kerry Way which loops around the Iveragh Peninsula.

Kenmare is the often referred to as the gourmet capital of Kerry with several award winning restaurants. Long established award winning restaurants of note include The Limetree, Mulcahy’s, and Packies. One of the newest editions to the town’s event calendar includes the Kenmare Food Carnival featuring chef demonstrations, mystery tasting trails, afternoon tea sessions, nature foraging and pig-on-a-spit buffets.

Are you planning a trip to County Kerry? For the finest accommodation in Kerry, book a stay at the Ard na Sidhe Country House Hotel.