Five things to see and do in County Kerry, Ireland
1. Ring of Kerry tour
Kerry is Ireland's premium tourist destination with scenery ranging from dramatic mountains dotted with lakes to breathtaking peninsulas and beaches. On this day trip you get a taste of it all. We took the Deros tour (20 euro, or about $14, each) including a stop at the Kells Sheep Centre (extra 5 euro each) to watch an entertaining and informative demonstration of dogs working sheep up a steep hillside (see derostours.com).
2. Killarney Lodge B&B
A stay here is a must. It looks old-world but rooms (all with en suites) are spacious, comfortable and relaxing, and the owner's hospitality is second to none. The home-cooked breakfasts are superb and it's only a two-minute walk to the town centre. Book well ahead as it's very popular. Doubles cost about 100 euro a night (killarneylodge.bnb-net.com).
3. Play a round at a world-class golf club
Kerry boasts three: Ballybunion (two courses), Killarney (three courses) and Waterville, so it's no surprise that golfing tours of the county are high on the agenda for many. A round will cost anywhere from 55 to 180 euro, depending on the course and the time a year.
4. Take in the traditional (and other) music in an Irish pub
Kerry boasts many authentic pubs to listen to local acts. Our favourite is the Dunloe Lodge in Killarney. Go after dinner as the top acts start late and the only food available is crisps and nuts.
5. Hike through the Gap of Dunloe
The scenery seems almost prehistoric as you trek the 6.4km between McGillycuddy's Reeks (Ireland's highest mountain range) and the Purple Mountain. If the rough terrain makes walking difficult you can go by pony trap. Day tours to the Gap include a boat ride through the three Killarney lakes and a visit to Ross Castle. Adults fare 30 euro (see oconnorautotours.ie).
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