The Kingdom Awaits.. Staycation Season #Kerry #Ireland

“Any Kerryman will tell you that there are only two Kingdoms: the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Kerry – “One is not of this world, and the other is out of this world.” - unknown

Kerry awaits!

The Kingdom has always been one of my favorite staycation destinations in Ireland, and this trip surely did not disappoint.

Staying at the beautiful, scenic Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee courtesy of Pigsback.com, it gave me the perfect middle ground for all of the activities that were planned for the midweek break.

https://www.ballyroe.com/

The hotel boasted beautiful sunset worthy views from the deck and rooms so it really could not be faulted.

The list is endless when you search “What to do in Kerry…” it can be quite overwhelming based on what kind of trip you are looking for. But if you want a mix of relaxing sunset beach walks, good food and a little bit of adventure then read on for my recommendations!

Fenit Beach & Harbour

Only a short drive from Tralee, (less than 20 mins), Fenit offers a lovely introduction to Kerry’s waterways and fine scenic viewpoints. A stoney beach walk, and monitored waters gives you peace of mind as you take in the evening sun and watch the local fishermen hard at work.

2. Torc Mountain, Killarney Forest Trails & Torc Waterfall

Killarney national Park is…gargantuan. It is very distinctive and its trails are well recorded throughout the tourist books and hikers guides. Everyone you meet will tell you a different hike to take and you could spend weeks just working your way through each of them if you were so inclined. Thankfully Killarney also offers circular walks of moderate-strenuous ability for those view searchers. Torc mountain sits alongside many of those circular national park walks and offer beautiful early morning viewing points. The trails laid out via the tourist board visible at the carpark for Torc mountain are yellow, blue and red and are of various distance. (see below) If you wish to attempt Torc mountain itself and go eagle chasing then continue onto Torc waterfall carpark, and use the steps to left of the waterfall to start your hike. Make sure you have a good map as phone coverage is spotty at best in these heavy wooded areas and don’t forget to take 10 minutes to appreciate the beautiful Torc waterfall.

Some other well known hikes that are recommended include:

Library Point – Ross Island. keanehaslam. Ross Castle.

Muckross Lake Loop Walk.

Old Kenmare Road.

Gap of Dunloe.

Tomies Wood Walk – O'Sullivan's Cascade

Hiking Tips & Recommendations (personally bought items)

If you need help like I do when climbing these trails, - then these are for you! I cannot climb a mountain without them!!!

I bought these Regatta hiking shoes in 2019 and they are still like new! They have gotten me through the Camino in Spain, Irish hiking in all weathers, and now Benbulben, - so a fantastic investment

I suffer with my feet, - high heels are a thing of the past and those red toes are just a huge NO NO when hiking in misty, sweaty, muggy Irish weather..so..invest in your feet. I have definitely learned!

Staying hydrated and well equipped on these mountain hikes is a must… unfortunately you tend to learn from your mistakes so be prepared, not sorry!!

Being sensible is sensible!

3. Ballybunion (my favourite beaches in Ireland)

Ballybunion. Not my first time scribing appreciative words of this town, (see previous blog posts). This town is perfect for a relaxing day of non strenuous cliff walks, good coffee, and a perfect sandy beaches. The cliff walk in the morning time followed by a stroll down the Nuns strand and a refreshing Atlantic swim will soon make you take that little hike up the hill for a coffee & waffle to be that little bit extra while on holidays! If you don’t visit the Seaside Ballybunion beachfront café while there, you will regret it.

https://www.facebook.com/Seaside.Beachcafe?comment_id=Y29tbWVudDoyNTIxNDEyNDg5NjAwNjBfMjU3ODEwNjMxNzI2NDU1

4. Killarney Town & Killarney Falconry

Even though I have visited Killarney before and all of its shopping and bistro glory, I wanted to do something a little bit different and special to remember this trip, so I looked into falconry. This is such a fun activity if you have any interest in birds of prey as you get right up close and personal on your private hawk & owl walk. The centre is only a short 10 minute drive outside of the town, with private parking, and a personal meet & greet. They were absolutely fantastic and it was well worth it.

http://www.killarneyfalconry.com/

5. Where to Eat in Tralee? - Kirby’s Brogue Inn

This place knows how to share a good portion! Well recommended for its food, drinks and cocktail menu. The queue was out the door every night so it is definitely a popular spot in the area.

https://www.facebook.com/kirbysbrogueinn/

I could write about the Kingdom all day long, you could spend 6 months exploring every inch of it., but check out the Discover Kerry website for more inspo!

https://www.discoverkerry.com/en/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/?gclid=CjwKCAjwybyJBhBwEiwAvz4G77cBdRxNdm9Notf6NKI109hR2OgtSbUs_PnYl7DYtJaKMoUqoK3nVxoC29EQAvD_BwE

Until next time,

S x