KERRY’S Wild Atlantic Way

Kerry 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 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.

Coastlines steeped in history and culture, archaeology and wildlife. Or join one of the many Eco-Tours or cruises which include whale, dolphin and bird watching and provide insight into Kerry’s rich heritage and culture. Why not pack a picnic and take the short boat ride to Samphire Island to explore Fenit Lighthouse or for the more adventurous the island hermitage of Skellig Michael, an UNESCO World Heritage, off the south-west coast.

Macgillycuddy's Reeks

Kerry’s famous clean and clear lakes and rivers offer up a host of activities also – take a sunset kayak trip from Ross Castle past sleepy swans to the mystical 9th century Abbey on Innisfallen Island. Or for something a little more adventurous, try flat-water kayaking on Caragh Lake or even white-water kayaking on the River Laune.

For those less hardy souls not willing to brave the elements in a wetsuit, Kerry has some wonderful swimming pools and Leisure centres offering activities and fun for all. Kerry’s coastal waters, bathed by the warm Atlantic Drift, ensure a wide variety of fish species making it an ideal angling and fishing destination.

Kayaking at Torc Waterfall, killarney

Several charter boats based at locations all around the coastline offer sea angling trips and superb beach fishing locations including Caherdaniel, Waterville, Rossbeigh, Valentia, Derrymore and Fenit.

To enjoy Kerry from the air, experience the thrill of paragliding or see the stunning county from the comfort of a helicopter tour. Or feel like you’re on top of the world as you take in the amazing vistas while resting weary limbs after climbing Ireland’s highest peaks, Carrantuohill and Mount Brandon. Zip through the air and manoeuvre wobbly planks, rope swings and more at one of the adventure centres in Killarney and Dingle. If you have what it takes to step over the edge of a vertical rock face, then rock climbing, abseiling or rappelling might be for you. Trained instructors offer excursions to various locations around the county where they will teach you the techniques and safety measures. Falconry, archery, climbing walls, paintballing, mud skiing, orienteering..…..Kerry has something for everyone.

Indulging in your passion for adventure is easy in Kerry and limited only by your imagination.

The Gap of Dunloe

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