From its rolling green countryside,
sandy beaches, spectacular
golf courses, relaxing rural long and short distance
walks, to engaging historical monuments and a life on
stage that combines songs and tales of Ireland’s rural past, North Kerry is the hidden treasure of the beautiful South West. Genius in literature, poetry, music, art and theatre, it is not a wonder that its towns and villages are home to a dazzling array of
visitor attractions,
festivals and vibrant performances.
North Kerry has reserved also a warm place in its heart for children and boasts some of the most engaging, entertaining events and attractions in Ireland - from annual events such as street carnivals like the
Tír na nÓg Festival and the
Rose of Tralee to the beach for festivals filled with fun and games at the Ballyheigue Beach Races and a
family fun charter specialising in catering for the young at heart.
Rain or sunshine outside, the younger visitor has a broad variety of all weather attractions they can enjoy, like exploring the underground in
Crag Cave, riding in the indoor rapids at the
Aqua Dome, experiencing times past at the
Kerry County Museum and discovering a unique form of travel aboard the
Lartigue Monorail.
Due to the strong agricultural background, North Kerry has had a long standing tradition of being a supplier of foods to neighbouring counties, and in more modern times the world at large, and is the home of the Kerry Group and Denny’s Meats. The
Listowel Food Fair celebrates the gourmet range of food available in
Kerry via a weekend long packed schedule of seminars, workshops and delectable recipes.
Turning to literature, North Kerry is the birthplace of some of the most famous of Irish writer’s such as John B. Keane, Brendan Kennelly, Bryan Mac Mahon, Brendan Kennelly, Maurice Walsh and George Fitzmaurice. Locals and literary fans young and old acknowledge and celebrate this at literary workshops held throughout the year at
Seanchaí, Kerry Literary Centre, Listowel and at the
Listowel Writer’s Week held each June.
Music and theatre lovers are also spoiled for choice. Relax at an evening at
Siamsa Tíre in
Tralee, the proud base of Ireland’s National Folk Theatre or attend one of the varied musical and theatrical performances of local, national and international distinction, staged at smaller venues like the Abbeydorney Drama Society theatre and
St. John’s Theatre in
Listowel, to the new, world-class
Tinteán Theatre in
Ballybunion. Or sing along and dance first hand at some of the local festivals, in traditional musical Mecca’s like the
Dan Paddy Andy Festival in
Lyracrumpane,
Seán McCarthy Festival in
Finuge or the
Patrick O’Keeffe Festival in
Castleisland. Join in a local sing song with traditional performers, rambling house style or visit Teach Siamsa in Finuge.
Uncover North Kerry and feel at home amongst the people, as every visitor has a special role to play – all you have to do is cheer, laugh, whistle and tap your shoe in keeping with the tune to the heart of rural Ireland’s beat!