Hi everyone. I hope I find you all safe and well this week. I’m delighted to be on the virtual road with you all once more as we arrive in the stunning Kingdom of Kerry. County Kerry is one of Ireland’s favorite tourist destinations with its awe-inspiring coastline, beautiful lakes and majestic mountain ranges which includes Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. Ready for some hidden gems? Well buckle up and let’s get on the road!
County Kerry’s Hidden Gems
1. Great Blasket Island
Great Blasket Island is the largest of the Blasket Islands located 3 miles west of the Dingle Peninsula. It has been uninhabited since 1953 and its former inhabitants of note include the writer Peig Sayers, famed for her autobiography Peig. Today you can visit the island by ferry and enjoy guided tours of this magical Irish island with it’s wealth of incredible flora and fauna.
2. Gallarus Oratory
We’re staying in the Dingle area for a visit to Gallarus Oratory. A place of worship for early Christian farmers of the area. Shaped like an upside-down boat, the simple dry-stone structure has remained waterproof to the present day. The building stands in perfect condition. A beautiful structure surrounded by the rural and picturesque beauty of Dingle.
3. Ross Castle
So next up on our County Kerry hidden gem list we have a classic Irish castle. We certainly have our fair share of castles in Ireland and this one is a real beauty. Sitting majestically on the edge of the lower lake in Killarney National Park, it dates back to the 15th century. In true Irish fashion, Ross Castle comes with a mythical tale. The castle was originally the ancestral home of the O’Donoghue clan. Legend has it that the ghost of O’Donoghue Mór rises from the depths of Lough Leane every 7 years on the first morning of May and rides around the lake on his white horse. Anyone who witnesses the apparition is said to be guaranteed good luck for life!
4. Nun’s Beach Ballybunion
I think its time for a trip to the beach and we’re certainly spoilt for choice in County Kerry! This perfect horse-shoe shaped cove in Ballybunion is situated under an old convent and was a private beach for the nuns in times gone by. Hence the name. It forms part of gorgeous cliff walk and its seclusion is only heightened by the fact that it can only be reached by boat, or if you’re feeling daring you can reach the golden sands by taking the cliff face with the aid of a rope rail. Think abseiling!!
5. Kells Bay Gardens
As usual our last stop on the tour is a garden. I hope those of you who are lucky enough to have one are enjoying it at the moment. With Dingle Bay creating spectacular backdrop, these stunning gardens are also known as ” The Jewel On The Ring”. The gardens cover over 42 acres and contain an incredible collection of sub-tropical plants including Ireland’s tallest palm tree!
Time for me to sign off now. As always, its been so great to have your company on the road.
Take care of yourselves and each other,
Slán go fóill!
Lulu
15 comments
Very nice thank you so much.
Hi Lewis,
You’re very welcome Lewis. So glad you enjoyed it.
Stay safe and well,
Lulu.
Love all things Irish ?. I will order to sample service and shipping time since I am way south Texas Love everything in your store
Hi Sonia,
Thanks so much for your lovely comments. We look forward to welcoming your very valued custom.
Take care,
Lulu.
Great pictures. Thank you for sharing them.
You’re very welcome Sue. Thank you so much for joining me on the tour!
Hope all is well with you and yours,
Best wishes,
Lulu.
Lulu,
this was a wonderful look at Ireland as I remember it and places I have not seen yet……but plan to OXOXOX!!!!!
Thanks Marilyn! So lovely to receive your kind comments. So glad you’re enjoying the tour.
Hope you’re keeping safe and well,
Lulu.
I love the journey’s you post! Thank you!
Hi Denise,
Thank you for your company on the tour! So glad you’re enjoying it.
Take good care,
Lulu.
Lulu,
I thoroughly enjoyed that! We (my boyfriend and I) have come to Ireland 3 years in a row, unfortunately I am not sure if we will make our 4th trip come fall. Thank you for bring a bit of Ireland to me and I (we) will have to visit County Kerry just because of your tour!
Sláinte chugat (I hope that is the correct phrase to wish you good health or in America we say “Best Wishes!”
Christie
Best wishes to you too Christianna and go raibh maith agat (thank you!). It means so much to receive your kind comments and I hope you get to visit County Kerry someday soon!
So wonderful to have your company on the tour!
Stay safe and well,
Lulu.
Thanks for sharing your virtual tour. I visited Ireland a few years ago and would certainly love to come back to spend more time exploring. I have ordered the book, Peig, on your recommendation. Can’t wait to read it. This was a bright spot in my day.
Thanks so much JoAnn for your very kind comments. It means so much to me that you’re enjoying the tour and it’s great to have your company.
We’ll be waiting to welcome you when you return to Ireland. Sooner rather than later I hope!
Take good care,
Stay safe and well,
Lulu.
Thank you so much for these tours. The pictures and information are wonderful. I went on a tour to Ireland and plan to come again and spend more time. Are any of your photos available to purchase? They are so lovely. I received as a gift a set of glasses and decanter purchased from you and they are priceless.