Visiting the Kingdom of Kerry

As a young child my father often told me: Tóg go bog é agus bogfaidh sé chugat. The essence of my father’s message was that if we say ‘Yes’ to life and not resist or fight it, then life will come freely, gently and fully.

Sister Stanislaus Kennedy

As we get closer to Easter, in any normal year I’d be planning to go and see my dad for a few days. I missed it last year for obvious reasons and this year it’s just not going to work. I only got to see him in the flesh once last year and whilst he can be a pain in the arse sometimes, I’ve really, really missed him. This morning I woke up and, I don’t know why, I just felt really optimistic, the sun was out, granted, I’m taking a few days annual leave, okay, and there was a smell of toast coming from the kitchen all lovely but didn’t really explain the feelings of optimism.

I started thinking about the summer ahead, barbeques in the garden, running in the park in the warm sunshine, days out with friends, thought after thought of sheer joy. Perhaps I’m being overly optimistic given the problems we still have but, you know what, I don’t care, nothing is going to break the spell today!

I’m not the only one thinking about travel and holidays a few friends in both real and second life have been talking about where they’re going in the summer and many of you talking about going to Ireland. I’ve had several people ask me for advice as to where to go and what to see. I’ve shared my thoughts and suggested the obvious things like Grafton Street, Trinity college, The Guinness factory and of course, Temple bar, I’ve suggested a few places outside Dublin such as the Cliffs of Moher and The Rock of Cashel but, the reality is, I don’t know Ireland that well, I left when I was ten and trips to Ireland after that where, Manchester to Holyhead, Ferry to Dun Laoghaire then the epic tractor dodging drive down to Tralee.

So, with many years of Kerry under my belt, I can help with suggestions on where to go and what to do in the Kingdom of Ciarraí!

The Ring of Kerry

One of the most famous and beautiful drives, (or if you’re feeling super enthusiastic, you can walk it in around nine to eleven days!), in the world. It’s about 120 miles in length so a great place to start is Killarney, get there early morning and wander around the quaint little shops maybe grab lunch in one of the pretty bars or cafés before setting out. The ring is stunningly beautiful, every corner you turn greets you with another fabulous vista, every building you see, quintessentially Irish and the clarity and purity of the air, wow, it takes your breath away! From Killarney you’ll pass through Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Portmagee, (Where my dad lives!), Waterville, Sneem, (the traditional start of the ring), Kenmare and finally skirting the beautiful lakes before dropping back into Killarney. Make sure you pick a sunny day, make sure you have the Dubliners greatest hits playing in the car, make sure you stop lots to take in the scenery and do NOT forget your camera!

Killarney

Whilst we’re on the subject of Killarney, it’s well worth a visit, on its own. If you have the time, book yourself a couple of nights, there’s tons to see and do, explore the Killarney National Park, walk the Gap of Dunloe, take in the opulence of Muckross House and Gardens, admire the spender of Torc waterfall, marvel at the historic Ross Castle and take in some Irish dancing or a snack at Kate Kearney's Cottage. And the nightlife in Killarney, let me put it this way, you’ll be glad you stayed a couple of nights!

Siamsa Tíre

A bit of self-indulgence here as I have family that have been involved with Siamsa for many years! Celebrating over 50 years of performances, Siamsa Tire is Home of the National Folk Theatre - Ireland's premier cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy a celebration of Irish Culture through the traditional arts - Irish Music, Song and Dance by Ireland's leading traditional performers. There are five different productions to choose from throughout the Festival of Folk which runs from May to September every year. Founded 1957 in Tralee, County Kerry, Siamsa Tíre is based in Ireland's National Folk Theatre situated in the town’s park.

Ballybunion

One of my favourite places in Kerry, I spent may a childhood day playing on the beach and paddling in the (Freezing cold!!), water. This little seaside resort is a little tired now however, it’s bound to make you weak at the knees with its relentless beauty. Crystal blue waters hug white sands as ancient Irish cliffs tower above, making it one of the most dramatic beach scenes you’re likely to see!

Walk Bana Strand

Sticking with the beach theme, Bana Strand, situated in Ballyheigue Bay, is one of the most beautiful beaches you will ever see and it seems to go on forever, it features stunning sand dunes along its entire length which rise up to 12 metres (40 ft). The mountains of the Dingle Peninsula can be seen on the south west horizon and make for the most dramatic backdrop! Historically, Banna Strand is associated with Roger Casement who was captured on 21 April 1916, having landed from a German U-boat. Casement was involved in an attempt to land arms for Irish Republicans from the German vessel the Aud. One word of caution, if you happen to be there for the one or two hot days we get a year in Kerry, the entire population of Tralee decamps to Banna!

Visit Valentia Island

Now I’ve written about Valentia before, if you want to know more, click here

Visit Dingle Peninsula

Everyone thinks Dingle is on the Ring of Kerry, it isn’t, it’s on the Dingle Peninsula. It would be easy to arrive on the Dingle Peninsula and not leave the town of Dingle itself. Bohemian, artistic, and genuinely friendly, Dingle is famed for its hardware pubs (where you can buy a pint a box of screws and some wellies!!), but push out beyond the town and you’re faced with an incredible 6,000 years of history and the Kerry coastline with its pounding waves, salty winds, dramatic cliffs and wide racing skies. There’s Gallarus Oratory, an Early Christian church overlooking the rippling blue waters of Smerwick Harbour; there’s Coumeenoole Beach, with its haunting views of the Basket Islands; and there’s the Conor Pass, the highest mountain road in Ireland.

There’s tons more to see and do but that should get you started! I’m going to stick with the Kerry Theme next week where we’ll uncover some fascinating and interesting facts about Kerry, not least, why locals refer to it as the Kingdom!

What’s on this week?