1. Muckross House: the Irish manor house where Queen Victoria stayed
Situated near the shores of Lough Muckross, this Tudor-style manor house has 65 rooms. Built for Henry Arthur Herbert, Member of Parliament for County Kerry, the house was occupied for nearly 200 years by several generations of the Herbert family.
Today, the estate is open to the public and managed by a visitor centre. However, Muckross House has retained its original style and period furnishings. You can experience the house just as Queen Victoria did.
2. Ross Castle: a typical Irish castle
It would be unthinkable to visit the Emerald Isle without seeing one of its famous Irish castles. Among the gems of Killarney National Park, just 20 minutes from Kerry Airport, head off to explore Ross Castle.
The 15th-century building stands on the shores of Lough Leane. Its location was carefully chosen to ensure the fortress’s security; it was built by a powerful Irish clan chief. O’Donoghue Ross was a shrewd military strategist who ruled over the Killarney region.
The five-storey main tower and the fortified walls, with their corner turrets, bear witness to medieval architecture and the power of the Ross family. The castle has witnessed many battles and changed hands several times before being taken over by the Irish State. Ross Castle has been restored and thus offers a glimpse into Ireland’s history.
Inside, you can admire the living areas and bedrooms, furnished with 16th-century cabinetry.
3. The Kerry Bog Museum: a 19th-century Irish village
Halfway between Killorglin and Glenbeigh, on the Ring of Kerry route, this museum offers a real change of scenery. Here you’ll discover daily life in a traditional 19th-century Irish village.
The reconstructed village showcases the authentic activities involved in peat cutting, which is closely linked to Ireland’s history. The period thatched cottages bring the customs and living conditions of that era back to life.
This interactive museum is situated at the foot of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. Just a short walk away, after your visit to the Peat Cutters’ Village, pop into the Red Fox Inn, an old-fashioned pub specialising in Irish coffee.
4. Sneem: a small coastal village in Kerry and its sculpture park
The Ring of Kerry is a route along one of Ireland’s most beautiful roads. It will take you to the area around Sneem on the Iveragh Peninsula. In this typical little coastal village, you’ll discover the rhythm of life of the locals, lulled by the ocean. Fishing and tourism are the main activities in this village with its colourful façades.
After a stroll around the local shops and craft stalls, take a wander through the Sneem Sculpture Park. This walk through the public garden offers the chance to admire works of art from all over the world (China, Israel, Egypt, etc.).
Other statues and monuments can also be seen throughout the village, notably a memorial honouring Charles de Gaulle, who stayed in Sneem in 1969 following his resignation.
5. Falconry Kerry: a private falconry experience
To showcase birds of prey and their importance in the ecosystem, this traditional Irish farm offers you a truly unique experience. Falconry Kerry is situated a stone’s throw from the town of Killarney, set against the backdrop of the Carrauntoohil and Mangerton mountains.
This isn’t about watching a falconry display, but about practising this ancient art yourself. During a private walk, you’ll take on the role of a falconer, equipped with the traditional glove to guide the bird of prey, which will return to perch on you after a period of free flight.
After the falcons, you’ll have the chance to meet the farm’s other birds of prey, including owls.
6. Tom Crean Fish & Wine: from an Irish breakfast to discovering the explorer from Kerry
This restaurant blends fine dining with history. Tom Crean Fish & Wine, situated in Kenmare, is owned by the family of the Irish explorer Tom Crean. Traditional cuisine is combined with a veritable exhibition paying tribute to this adventurer, who is the pride of Ireland.
Tom Crean took part in three Antarctic expeditions alongside other great figures such as Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. The restaurant has retained the atmosphere of this heroic past and serves traditional dishes.
You can sit down to a traditional Irish breakfast made with eggs, bacon, sausages, potatoes, baked beans and black and white pudding.
If you’ve missed the Irish breakfast, don’t miss Tom Crean’s Lager. The beer, named after the explorer, is brewed by the Dingle Brewing Company.
7. Killarney Brewing & Distilling: a passion for traditional Irish drinks
This establishment, located in the south-west of Ireland, is both a brewery and a distillery. Killarney Brewing & Distilling offers craft beers and spirits that blend tradition with innovation.
The passionate team will be delighted to welcome you for an immersive guided tour. After watching the brewers at work, you can move on to tasting a nice cold beer, brewed with pure water sourced directly from Mangerton Mountain, which overlooks Killarney in County Kerry.