Kerry, a perfect Irish holiday destination

Ladies View County Kerry (Credit: Wikicommons)

With Summer just around the corner and foreign holidays reaching new lows during the economic slump, more and more people are looking closer to home for their Summer getaway. One of this country’s finest homegrown destinations has always been Kerry. Kerry caters for all kinds of tourists, culture and arts, sightseeing, golf breaks or just family fun.

For the thrill-seekers, Kerry is home to one of the busiest surf seasons in Ireland and the South west coast beaches of Kerry near Inch and Banna have been growing in popularity. Brandon Bay’s Castlegregory beach lays claim to being Ireland’s longest beach, and with almost 20km of sand and waves, it provides for all surfers from novice to wave riders.

Places to stay near these surf destinations vary in price dramatically. Four star guest houses such as the Greenmount guest house can cost up to €100 a night. However the standard single room of €65 will also provide its occupant with a level of luxury which may just be needed after a day of battling waves.

The three star Victoria House hotel comes in at €170 for two nights B&B for a family of four (Two adults and two children). The Victoria House is a perfect option for a family weekend break this summer, with the Killarney national park on its doorstep, along with being in close proximity to Kennedy’s pet farm and beside the famous INEC.

For those who really want to get back to nature and getaway from it all, Wave Crest Caravan and Camping site has all the amenities needed. The tariffs will only add up to around €30 a night for the whole family. Wave Crest does exactly what it says on the tin and is located on the shoreline, no more than 200 yards from the bulk of the activities such as Surfing, Horse Riding and also is a stone’s throw away from some of Kerry’s finest golf courses.

Kerry is also renowned for the “craic” , and the nightlife will not disappoint. Kerry has many towns full of pubs and restaurants ready to cater for the need of every tourist or holiday maker. Music lovers will enjoy the many traditional music festivals held in Kerry every summer, while food lovers will feast in any of Kerry’s many fresh seafood restaurants.

Kerry plays host to many music festivals over the summer months. The Fleadh Ceoil Ciarrai will be held in Ballybunion from the 18th to the 23rd of June this year . The Fleadh is a celebration of Irish music and dance and welcomes visitors of all interests. Workshops and street performances will be accompanied by evening concerts. While on the weekend of the 12th of July to the 14th, Dingle will be taken over by its very own “Global Rhythm’s Festival”. The festival will be in its second year after a successful run last year which saw visitors participate in bodhrán classes, Rumba dancing and a capoeira exhibition.

Kerry even offers a chance at true love to any eligible bachelors in the form of the Ballybunion Bachelor festival, held once a year on the 1st of August. The festival is in its 40th year this year and is not just for the single men. With street fairs, french markets and live music, the festival is more than just a matchmaker, but fun for all the family. However, many a romance has blossomed in the Kerry town, and this summer promises to be no different.

Image:  Lutz Fischer – Lamprecht on Wikicommons. CC-BY-SA-3.0