Blogger: Lauren Lucy Crowley
As you are probably well aware by now… South Kerry is one of my favourite places to escape to! There is something very special about being surrounded by such beautiful scenery, spending time by the seaside… and getting lost in your own thoughts! If you’re planning a trip to South Kerry this Summer, highly recommend you visit some of these fabulous spots!
Ballinskelligs Beach: Although most beaches in Ireland are beautiful, there are some beaches that just capture your heart as soon as your toes touch the sand. Ballinskelligs beach is definitely one of them! A wide open strand makes it the perfect location for an evening walk with your dog! There are also numerous rock pools to keep the children entertained while they look for sea creatures, along with McCarthy’s castle which stands proudly on the west end of the beach! We had great fun climbing to the top and looking to sea!
Ballinskelligs Country Market: The adorable market runs every Sunday through the Summer from 11am to 4pm. Offering a wide selection of homebaking, speciality bread, local cheese, homegrown fruit & veg, plants for sale, handmade soaps, jewellery, crafts, photography, artwork, books and much much more, it is definitely one not to be missed! You will be sure to find a bargain – my sister and I purchased 7 hard cover books for €3.00! With plenty outdoor seating, it is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning coffee with some friends!
Portmagee: A beautiful seaside town, and a hive of activity and laughter during the summer, Portmagee is located on the Iveragh Penninsula south of Valentia Island. Although you can access the island by ferry if you wish to – you can also access Valentia via a bridge from Portmagee – (which is great fun to drive over!) Successfully capturing everything that is beautiful about rural Ireland in one village – it is a definite hidden gem you must visit this Summer! Beautiful cafes, a book store brimming with novels, fantastic 99s, a port with several pretty sailing boats, gorgeous walks… it really has it all!
Derrynane: A beautiful seaside village, Derrynane is not one to be missed. In the summer months you’ll find it to be brimming with laughter, sunshine, BBQs and friendly faces outside the pub in the middle of the town – one could not but have a good time whilst there! The drive along the coastal road from Waterville is absolutely stunning… I can’t actually quite remember how many times we stopped and got out of the car to capture the scenery. If it ever slips you rmind what a beautiful country Ireland is… I recommend doing this drive so you fall in love with Ireland again! With a gorgeous beach, and Derrynane house, (which was the home of Daniel O’ Connell and now is a National Monument and part of a 320-acre (1.3 km²) National Park) – you’ll always find something wonderful to do in this beautiful part of South Kerry.
If you have any stories or adventures you would like to share with us from time you have spent in South Kerry, be sure to let us know – simply e-mail ontheqt.ie@gmail.com! We love to hear from our followers! I have no doubt I will be taking plenty more trips to South Kerry this Summer, I will be sure to share some more of my favourite places with you when I do!
