About Kerry

Geography

County Kerry covers an area of 1,815 square miles and is the fifth largest of Ireland's thirty two counties. Due to three large peninsulas (Dingle, Iveragh, and Beara), Kerry has the longest coastline of any Irish county. Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntoohil (1039m / 3,414 ft), is located in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range in County Kerry. The MacGillycuddy's Reeks includes the second (Beenkeragh at 1010m) and third (Caher at 1001m) highest peaks in Ireland.Tearacht Island, which is one of the Blasket Islands , is Europe's most westerly point at 10 deg 40' West (excluding the uninhabited island of Rockall) .

Key Facts

The population of county Kerry is 139,616 (from the 2006 census of Ireland). Tralee is the county capital of Kerry. Other large towns include Killarney, Listowel, Killorglin, Castleisland, and Dingle. Kerry Airport, located at Farranfore, offers flight connections to Dublin, London Stanstead, Manchester, and Frankfurt Hahn. The county is also served by a comprehensive rail and bus service.

Tourist attractions

Kerry is world famous for its beautiful scenery. The Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens, the Dingle peninsula, the Gap of Dunloe, and Skellig Michael are just some of the counties many tourist attractions. During the summer months the county is alive with festivals. The Rose of Tralee and Puck Fair are two of the better known festivals held during the month of August.

World Heritage Site

Skellig Michael is the second Irish heritage site to attain UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1996.The famous Irish writer, George Bernard Shaw, captures the essence of Skellig Michael when he wrote about 'the magic that takes you out, far out, of this time and this world'.