About Kerry
County Kerry, often called 'The Kingdom,' is Ireland's premier destination for dramatic landscapes and authentic Irish culture. Nestled in Ireland's southwest, Kerry captivates with the world-famous Ring of Kerry scenic drive—a 179-kilometer loop revealing pristine beaches, charming villages like Sneem and Kenmare, and breathtaking mountain passes through MacGillycuddy's Reeks, home to Ireland's highest peak, Carrauntoohil. The Dingle Peninsula offers equally stunning vistas and vibrant Gaelic culture, while Killarney National Park provides serene lakes, ancient woodlands, and historic Muckross House. Kerry's cultural heartbeat is palpable in traditional music sessions in Dingle's pubs, the lively Puck Fair in Killorglin, and its strong Irish-speaking communities. From the rugged Skellig Islands—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Star Wars filming location—to the gentle beauty of the Gap of Dunloe, Kerry delivers an unforgettable immersion in Ireland's wild beauty and warm hospitality.
Things to do in Kerry
Private Tour of Ring of Kerry & Valentia Island
Ring of Kerry, South West Ireland
From GHS 13,082
5.0 (83)
The Valentia Island Experience
Ring of Kerry, South West Ireland
From GHS 916
5.0 (44)
Full Day Private Cultural Tour in Dingle Peninsula
Ring of Kerry, South West Ireland
From GHS 7,195
5.0 (31)
Ring of Kerry and Kerry Cliffs Private Tour
Killarney, South West Ireland
From GHS 8,438
5.0 (18)
Dingle Peninsula Guided Walking Tour
Dingle, South West Ireland
Valentia Island Tours and sightseeing
Ring of Kerry, South West Ireland
From GHS 2,145
5.0 (5)
Dingle and Slea Head Private Scenic Tour
Killarney, South West Ireland
From GHS 8,438
5.0 (4)
Private Tour: Ring of Kerry from Sneem, Parknasilla, Kenmare etc.
Ring of Kerry, South West Ireland
From GHS 3,663
5.0 (3)
Historical Walking Tours in Valentia and the Skellig Region
Ring of Kerry, South West Ireland
From GHS 655
5.0 (2)
Skellig Micheal Ring
Ring of Kerry, South West Ireland
From GHS 5,543
5.0 (1)
Skellig Michael : Ultimate Skellig Coast Tour with AquaTerra
Ring of Kerry, South West Ireland
From GHS 1,047
5.0 (57)
Sneem Waterfall and Eagles Lake Guided Walk
Ring of Kerry, South West Ireland
From GHS 851
4.9 (15)
Private Tour: Ring of Kerry from Kerry. Dingle, Tralee etc.
Ring of Kerry, South West Ireland
Ring Of Kerry Tour
Killarney, South West Ireland
From GHS 641
4.8 (550)
Kerry airport Transfer: Kerry Airport to Killarney
Ring of Kerry, South West Ireland
Travel Tips for Kerry
Getting Around
The most flexible way to explore Kerry is by rental car, essential for reaching remote scenic spots and following the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula drives. Bus Éireann provides regional bus services connecting main towns like Killarney, Tralee, and Dingle. Local taxi services operate in towns. Train services are limited, with mainline rail connecting Killarney and Tralee to Cork and Dublin. In Killarney, horse-drawn jaunting cars are a traditional tourist transport within the national park. Popular navigation apps like Google Maps work well. For bus timetables, check the Transport for Ireland website or app.
Best Time To Visit
May to September offers the warmest and driest weather, with long daylight hours ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. July and August are peak tourist seasons with the most events (like festivals) but also the largest crowds. Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) provide a good balance of decent weather and fewer visitors. Winter (November-February) is quiet, wet, and windy but offers a stark, atmospheric beauty and lower prices.
Local Customs
Kerry has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Greet people with a friendly 'hello.' Pubs are social hubs; it's customary to buy a round of drinks if in a group. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: 10-15% in restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and tip tour guides. Casual dress is acceptable almost everywhere, but bring smart-casual attire for finer dining. Respect the Irish language (Gaeilge) seen on bilingual signage, especially in Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas like parts of the Dingle Peninsula. Always ask permission before taking photos of individuals.
Safety Information
Kerry is generally very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas or leaving valuables in parked cars. When driving, be extremely cautious on narrow, winding rural roads, especially the Ring of Kerry, and yield to oncoming traffic and livestock. Weather can change rapidly, creating hazardous conditions for hiking or driving; check forecasts and heed warnings. When walking in remote areas or mountains, inform someone of your route. There are no specific areas to avoid, but standard nighttime caution in urban areas applies. No prevalent tourist scams are reported.
Health Information
Kerry has good medical facilities, including University Hospital Kerry in Tralee and several smaller hospitals and medical centers in towns like Killarney and Dingle. Travelers from the EU should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its replacement, the GHIC. Non-EU visitors are strongly advised to have comprehensive travel health insurance. No specific vaccinations are required for Ireland. Tap water is safe to drink. Be prepared for changeable weather; waterproof clothing is essential to avoid chill. Midge bites can be a nuisance in summer, especially near water. Pharmacies are widely available for minor ailments.
Languages Spoken
EnglishIrish (Gaeilge)
Quick Facts
Currency
Euro (EUR)
€
€
Timezone
Europe/Dublin +00:00 (GMT) / +01:00 (GMT+1 during Irish Summer Time)
Calling Code
+353
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
155,000
Area
4807 km²
Government
County Council (Local Authority)
ISO Code
KY