1. Get Outside
The weather is at its finest and the long evenings make the summer one of the best times to get out and explore what this beautiful county of Ireland has to offer. Kerry has some spectacular walking, hiking and cycling routes and even just in and around Killarney there are plenty of places to see and explore. There are also a number of outdoor activities that you can enjoy such as horse-riding and kayaking; there are options for everyone and every ability- just ask at reception for route maps and more information. What are you waiting for? Get outside!
2. Have a Beach Day
With 3 out of the 10 top Irish beaches found here in Kerry (Trip Advisor 2024) you will be spoilt for choice for beaches to visit during your stay. Be it paddling in the crystal clear waters of Ventry, surfing at Inch, enjoying a picnic on Ballinskelligs or strolling along the white sands of Derrynane the beaches in Kerry cannot be missed! Why not combine an invigorating dip in the wild atlantic waters with a relaxing session at one of the beach saunas that can now be found at Cromane, Cahersiveen and Ventry for a truly restorative beach experience!
3. Enjoy Some Summer Festival Fun
There are a number of arts, music and cultural festivals taking place throughout Kerry during the summer months. If you plan on doing the Ring of Kerry during July or August don’t miss the Sneem Summer Festival taking place from the 17th-21st July or the Cahersiveen Festival of Music and the Arts 4th-6th August. During the festivals the streets and pubs showcase the best local talent and there are a variety of activities for you to participate in that include yoga, pottery painting and guided hikes, to name a few. Ballybunion also hosts its annual bilingual arts festival from the 18th-21st July and to see Ireland’s oldest fair head to Killorglin for Puck Fair celebrated from the 10th-12th August.
4. Have an Island Adventure
Although the weather in Ireland is always unpredictable, the better weather during the summer months makes it the ideal time to venture further afield and even out to sea. Taking a tour to the Blaskett Islands and Skelllig Islands is a must if weather allows. Tours leave from Valentia Island or Portmagee to visit the Skelligs, and from Dingle or Dunquin Pier to visit the Blasketts. On the exhilirating boat trips you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of dolphins, seals and basking sharks as well an array of seabirds then, conditions permitting, you can disembark to explore the incredible island ranges steeped in nature, history and culture. Dursey Island is also well worth a visit; found just off the tip of the Beara peninsula the island is reached by Ireland’s only cable car. Once there, you can spend the day following the walking trail around the island or take a guided tour to learn more about the island’s history.
