Ireland.com

County Kerry - The Kingdom

Listowel, the beach on Blasket Mor, the largest of the Blaskets and the Ring of Kerry

Kerry or 'The Kingdom' as it is known locally, is one of Ireland's most visited counties, and for good reason.

The breathtaking wilderness spread over three peninsulas includes a Unesco world heritage sits, spectacular mountain and coastal drives, mountain lakes, heart-stopping mountain walks with awesome views and great beaches.

In good weather, parts of Kerry are seventh heaven - the drive around Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula at sunset is like nothing else on earth, especially as the jagged Blasket Islands hove into view with nothing beyond except the silvery Atlantic and America.

Until 1953 a small community lived on the Blaskets and the hardship of island life is captured in one of Ireland's most famous books, Peig – a book whose reputation suffered because it was forced upon generations of bored schoolchildren.

But island life and the Blaskets are so captivating that Ireland’s former Taoiseach, Charlie Haughey, bought one – Inishvickillane – as a retreat, accessible by helicopter.

A boat trip from Dingle to the Blaskets or to see Fungie the resident dolphin, does the area true justice. Not only do you get to see the sea cliffs and unusual rock formations, but you can hang out on one of the most remote beaches in the world and indulge in its tranquil beauty.

Dingle Peninsula, Beara Peninsula and Iveragh probably vie with the Ring of Kerry for the number one drive to do on any holiday in the region.

Iveragh includes some beautiful coastal towns including Waterville and Kenmare but its special international significance is Skellig Michael off Valentia Island, the harshest site for a monastic settlement in the world.

But there are plenty more gems to discover.

Kerry people are proud people and take Irish life very seriously. They have spearheaded some of the country's most significant independence movements including the struggle for Catholic Emancipation led by Daniel O’Connell in the 18th century. More recently, pockets of the county would be known for their Republicanism.