Exploring Kerry
With more mountains than anywhere in Ireland, miles of rugged coastline, dazzling lakes, sandy beaches, glacial valleys, historic houses, pretty towns and sensational views, Kerry is a thrill for the weary traveller.
Dramatically beautiful, arrestingly wild and famously unspoilt, there’s a tranquil corner of Kerry here for everyone who seeks it out.
Base yourself at Sheen Falls Lodge and you’ll find a wonderland to explore. At the south-eastern end of the Iveragh Peninsula, we’re nestled at the intersection between two world-class tourist routes – the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara. A perfect location from which to tour both rings, we’re at the foot of the Caha Mountains, the banks of the River Sheen, the mouth of Kenmare Bay and the base of the Beara Peninsula. You want to be impressed? We’ve got you covered.
Come with high expectations and you won’t be disappointed. Kerry is an outdoor playground with thrills around every bend and valley, every inlet and lake, every village and island.
Highlights, all accessible from Sheen Falls Lodge, include:
The Ring of Kerry
One of the world’s great scenic drives and highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way, this scenic route runs around the edge of the rocky Iveragh peninsula. Expect stunning mountain and coastal views around every turn.
The Ring of Beara
A beautiful driving route, along the Beara Peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way, this quieter route rewards visitors with wild scenery, rugged peaks and unspoilt seascapes. Expect deep lakes, atmospheric woods, pretty inlets and magical gardens on a hidden island.
Gleninchaquin Park
A hidden gem, and easy drive from the lodge, this private park offers visitors breath-taking landscapes and wild scenery. Mountain paths with carved steps, a famine cottage, rock passages, lakes and waterfalls are dazzling, while the view from the top of the waterfall will leave you speechless.
The Gap of Dunloe
A narrow mountain pass running between the highest mountains in Ireland, this iconic beauty spot is surrounded by rugged mountain scenery, dramatic cliffs and deep blue lakes. Come to walk, hike, travel by pony and trap (traditional cart), or indulge in some high octane rock climbing.
Killarney National Park
10,000 hectares of wilderness, encompassing the three Lakes of Killarney and the mountains and woods which surround them. The park is wonderful for day trips, hiking, strolling and picnics.
Muckross House
A handsome historic house and country estate on the shores of Muckross Lake within the dramatic surroundings of Killarney National Park. The house and grounds are just a few kilometres from Killarney town in County Kerry.
Ross Castle
A 15th century tower house located in Killarney, this fully restored and furnished medieval stronghold was once home to a powerful Irish chieftain.
Derrynane House
The ancestral home to Daniel O’Connell, this imposing building is now a public museum commemorating one of Ireland’s most important and influential pre-independence politicians.
Derrynane Beach
A sweeping curve of bay, close to Derrynane House, Derrynane Beach is a sheltered and beautiful sandy beach with a natural harbour. It’s safe for swimming and popular with locals and day trippers.
The Dingle Peninsula
With rugged mountains, cliffs, sweeping valleys and deep lakes, Dingle Peninsula is a visual treat. Stop along the way to enjoy long, sandy beaches, patchwork fields with ancient stone walls and historic sites. Stop off in Dingle town, to enjoy excellent seafood and perhaps a boat trip to meet Fungi, the friendly wild bottlenose dolphin, who greets boats daily.
Garnish Island
Tucked into Glengarriff Harbour, this magnificent island garden is a leafy and historic haven planted with trees and shrubs from all around the world.
Derreen Garden
Full of rare and exotic plants, woods and tiny houses, garden enthusiasts will love this harbourside 19th-century garden. Over 60-acres on the Beara Peninsula, it’s a haven for wildlife, with magical views of the sea and Caha Mountains.
