Comhairle Contae Chiarraí Kerry County Council
K
erry is the perfect destination to enjoy activities and adventure on land, in the water and even in the air. Kerry’s stunning and varied landscape of hills, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and dramatic coastline, offer a natural playground for young and old. Its position on the very edge of Europe, surrounded to the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean, offers hundreds of kilometres of breath-taking beaches and boasts the longest section of the Wild Atlantic Way touring route. Little wonder then why visitors to Kerry are advised not to use the word ‘bored’ – it doesn’t exist here! In October 2014 the Adventure Travel Trade Association chose County Kerry for its World Summit. Over 600 international adventure tour specialists and media, who were based in Killarney, experienced the delights of this majestic county which providence designed with the activity tourist in mind! Kerry is the ideal getaway for the first-timer who wants to dip a toe into a world of adventure or for the seasoned thrill-seeker looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Kerry has the landscape, the people and a host of activities that make for an unforgettable and exceptional adventure experience. Stunning scenery and diverse local attractions compete for your attention as you explore Kerry’s cycle and walking trails and paths. The Kerry Way, The North Kerry Way, The Dingle Way and
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IMAGE: FÁILTE IRELAND
82 Go Wild October 2015
KERRY’S Wild Atlantic Way 02
IMAGE:RAYMOND FOGARTY
The Beara Way are some of Ireland’s longest signposted walking trails, and traverse through a variety of different landscapes and experiences, giving the walker a greater appreciation of this beautiful county. Greenways are currently being developed and there are hundreds of other walking trails and routes suitable for all ability levels, from a leisurely stroll along Ballybunion’s dramatic sea cliffs, or in Killarney National Park where you might encounter the famous Red Deer, to climbing Carrauntwohill, Ireland highest mountain, or Caherconree to take in stunning views of West and South Kerry from its stone ringfort steeped in mythology. We have a number of marked cycling trails, or why not do a little sightseeing on two wheels while meandering along Kerry’s coastal roads and discover its many mountain, woodland and valley treks? Bike rental is available in most of the towns and some operators provide guided cycling holidays and mountain biking. Horse riding treks and lessons are available
throughout the county from the many equestrian centres, with many offering riders the opportunity to gallop along one of the beautiful beaches or take lesser known trails and tracks. Kerry’s diverse coastline provides many surfing hot-spots from beach to reef point and offers a range of surfing experiences from gentle beach breaks for the novice to world class breaks for experienced surfers in search of the big one. There are high quality activity centres and water sport companies operating all along the Wild Atlantic Way from Ballybunion and Banna in the north, to The Maharees and Ventry in the west, to Derrynane and Ballinskelligs in the South to Kenmare and Sneem to the east. They provide expert advice and training on a wide range of sea-based activities including: sailing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, SUP, waterskiing, zorbing, snorkelling and diving. Treat yourself to locally prepared scrumptious food après surf in Kerry’s superb restaurants and traditional pubs.
