Introduction to Kerry
Kerry is known as ³The Kingdom² and for a good reason it is quite simply is a kingdom on the Island of Ireland. There are many amenities, places of interest, sporting and leisure activities, festivals and other special events to experience.
Kerry is also a walker's and climber's paradise with its many long distance walking routes, national parks and great mountain ranges, for those interested in history and archaeology there are many outstanding items of interest to be seen, and there are a number of heritage and interpretative centres, open farms, museums, castles, houses and gardens open to the public.
Kerry is a striking panorama of deep blue lakes, wild mountainous landscapes, miles of rugged coastline and sub-tropical flora. It's hospitable citizens will warmly greet you as you explore its country lanes, bustling shops and legendary pubs.
The county is rich in archaeological treasures and embraces the writers, artists and musicians who are dedicated to keeping it's myths, legends and lyricism alive and vital.
Kerry is often referred to as the Kingdom, as it is believed to be the closest thing to heaven on earth. It will be an endless source of pleasant surprises and entertainment for you, surely providing glimpses of Paradise.
A Brief History of Kerry
Palaeolithic, or early stone age, man, creator of the great cave paintings of France and Spain, did not reach Ireland. Mesolithic, or middle stone age, man came to Ireland after the ice departed some 10,000 years ago. He was once believed to have stayed in the north-east of the country, but his traces have now been found over a much wider area; nothing definite has yet been found in Kerry , although traces of the survival of a Mesolithic culture are found in the sand hills sites of Inch Strand and Castlegregory, in the Dingle Peninsula and at Ballyeagh near Ballybunion. The Neolithic, or later stone age, culture - that of Newgrange and the other great passage graves of the Boyne valley - begins in Ireland some 6,500 years ago. There are a number of dolmens in Kerry that seem to be related to the passage graves, so they seem to be Neolithic; but this is not generally accepted. The remains of the bronze age, dating from some 4,500 years ago, are extraordinary plentiful in Kerry and West Cork. Sailing up the bays between the mountains came prospectors and miners from Spain and Portugal. On the mountains are still to be seen their mine workings, traces of their houses and fields, their , their smelting works, their stone signposts, their great wedge tombs. Occasionally have been found hoards of their copper and bronze tools and weapons. It is curious to think of these now empty mountains and bays the centre of an armament industry, the products of which have been found all over Europe. Some gold was also mined and a few beautiful examples of this gold work have been found in Kerry. From the later bronze age and early iron age can be seen many old roads, field systems, stone and promontory forts and ring (or earthen) forts, as well as an extraordinary body of legends - fanciful, tragic, romantic and comic - that , for the next 2,000 years were to be the basis of much of early Irish literature. Kerry was a major focus for these legends of invasion s , voyages, battles and the rest. Christianity came to Kerry in the 5thcentury AD, and much of the remains of the past now to be seen dates from the following centuries - monasteries, hermitage, inscribed crosses, tomb shrines and much beside. During the 6thand 7thcenturies there was an astonishing growth of these religious settlements mainly along the coast and on the islands, some 100 in all. The most spectacular is , of course, the almost perfectly preserved monastery on the Great Skellig. History deriving from contemporary written sources begins in Ireland with the coming of Christianity. During the iron age there had been various waves of Celtic invaders, but at the dawn of Irish history the predominant groups were Gaelic families, the Goidels. About that time, they established, at Cashel in county Tipperary, a strong kingdom over the southern half of Ireland. Beneath this were Gaelic sub - kingdoms, including that of west Munster; this had a focus at Killarney, with some sort of hegemony over pre Gaelic groups - principally the ciarraighe ( who gave their name to the county) in the north, the people of the goddess Duben on the both sides of Dingle Bay, and the people of the goddess Baoi in the Beara peninsula. In the struggles of the 11thand 12thcenturies to establish a single native kingdom of Ireland, three of the Gaelic ruling families established themselves in Kerry: MacCarthy south of Killarney, O' Donoghue around Killarney and O'Sullivan around the Kenmare river - surnames still dominant in the county.
Early in the 13thcentury the Anglo - Norman Fitzgearlds who became palatine earls of Desmond - established major strongholds in the rich limestone areas of Castleisland and Tralee. They planted their territory with tentants from abroad - hence such names as Brown, Landers, Ashe, Ferriter. Until the end of the 16thcentury they maintained a feudal independence. Then a combination of the centralising government of Queen Elizabeth and land - hungry adventures from England goaded the last palatine earl into rebellion and he lost his life and his lands. The county, as we know it, was finally defined in 1606 when, as part of the general post - Elizabethan settlement, the northern and southern parts of the present county were joined together. The wars of the 17thcentury saw the end of the political and economic power of the great Gaelic families and the establishment of the protestant ascendancy of the 18thcentury. However already by the end of the 17thcentury an old Gaelic and catholic family, the O'Connells, had, in the remote fastness of the Iveragh Peninsula, begun the long journey back, by way of trade with the continent, poetry and politics, to affluence and fame. These culminated in the great Daniel O' Connell, the main founder of Christian democracy not only in Ireland but in Europe, who in 1829 achieved for Irish Catholics the freedom from the last of the penal restraints.
The great famine of 1847 and the heavy emigration that followed reduced the county's population over the next century by almost two-thirds. The mountainous, beautiful Iveragh and Beara peninsulas lost, over the same period, about three- quarters of their population. Notwithstanding the political destruction of the 17thcentury, Kerry during that time remained a centre of Gaelic culture, largely in poetry and music. This continued through the 18thand 19thcenturies, to the present revival; but the Gaelic language itself remains as a vernacular only along the tip of the Dingle peninsula and in isolated parts of the Iveragh peninsula.
Areas of Interest in Kerry
Tarbert Jail
Ireland in the 1830's: These were hard years for the Irish people. In these difficult and unsettled times, punishment was handed out often and harshly. One poor soul to suffer under this system was Thomas Dillon. As you experience the Bridewell Courthouse and Jail you will follow the horror of the judicial regime of the 1830's and the fate of Thomas Dillon. This is an experience of the past, the scenes, the sounds, the character expressions. These all add to the authentic atmosphere of that time.
Dingle Peninsula
Peace and tranquility are synonymous with the Dingle Peninsula. Life moves at an unhurried pace, but the local people are quick to offer you the opportunity to share their unique culture and heritage.
An Daingean (Dingle), a beautiful and charming fishing port, is the most westerly town in Europe and a most memorable destination. Gaily painted houses and busy streets lead you to the harbour, where you can meet Fungi, a playful bottle-nosed dolphin who cavorts for the enjoyment of everyone.
The Dingle Peninsula has the greatest concentration of archaeological sites in Ireland. Step back in time as you visit such treasures as the Kilmalkedar Church, The Dún an Óir Fort or Fort of Gold, and the Gallarus Oratory. Shaped like an up turned boat, the Oratory is the most perfectly preserved example of early Irish architecture. The Fahan Group is a community of clocháns or beehive huts, souterrains, standing and inscribed stones, sculptured crosses, and earthen ring-forts. The beehive huts owe their name to the 5,000 year-old method of construction in which the dry stonewalls curve gradually inward.
It was from this area that St. Brendan the Navigator set out for America in the 5th Century, long before Columbus discovered it, centuries later. Nearby, the traditional fishing boats, known as Naomhógs or Currachs, are still made in the ancient manner of St. Brendan.
If you find yourself driven to explore, then begin with the Conor Pass, the highest pass in Ireland, which provides spectacular views of Dingle Harbour to the south and Mount Brandon to the north. Continue your adventure onto the Slea Head Drive as it twists and turns through some of the most ruggedly beautiful landscape in Ireland, offering dramatic views of the Three Sisters and the Blasket Islands.
The land west of An Daingean (Dingle) is a Gaeltacht, or Irish Speaking area, where the traditional language, folk customs, crafts and lore are very much alive today. The Blaskets are the most westerly islands in Europe located off the coast. Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir - The wonderful heritage centre at Dún Chaoin celebrates the lives of the Islanders and the Irish language and culture.
On the northern side of the peninsula, there are many lakes, rivers and unique flora and fauna due to the marsh valley floor. Visit Loch a'Dúin, one of the most important ancient sites in the region, which contains a remarkable series of monuments from the Bronze Age. Visit the charming village of An Clochán (Cloghane) and the communities of Bréannainn (Brendan).
Valentia Island
The Island of the oak forest. Valentia, one of the largest islands off the South West coast of Kerry, is joined to the mainland by bridge via the Portmagee Channel. The island is one of great beauty and contrast. The western part of the island is dominated by the barren, dramatic cliffs of Bray Head which command spectacular views of the Kerry coastline while the mild effect of the Gulf Stream results in Valentia's balmy climate and lush, colourful vegetation.
The island's main village, Knightstown, associated with the Norman Fitzgerald family, is reminiscent of an Anglo-Irish Village with its many stately buildings and refined ambience.
But the island's historical lineage goes back much further than that. Tetra pod footprints were found on the northern part of the island. These magnificent imprints of history are thought to date from Devonian times between some 350 to 370 million years ago.
An important quarry on the northern part of the island which opened in 1816 still flourishes today. The famous Valentia Slate has been used in many prominent buildings including the British House of Commons in London.
Kerry Poets Monument An Speir Bhean
Facing the Franciscan Friary is the statue of the "Speir Bhean", the Beautiful Woman. A personification of Ireland sculptured by Seamus Murphy and erected in 1940 to commemorate Kerry's four best known Gaelic poets, Pierce Ferriter, Aogan O Rahilly, Geoffrey O DOnoghue and Eoghan Rua O Sullivan.
Kenmare Heritage Centre
Kenmare was designated a Heritage Town by Fáilte Ireland. The town was designated under the theme a "Planned Estate Town". The Centre was offically opened in June 1994 by the then President of Ireland, Ms. Mary Robinson.
There is ample parking outside the Centre.
The Centre covers various themes including Famous Visitors to Kenmare, The Nun of Kenmare, Kenmares history and historical sites, Effects of the Famine on Kenmare and the Landlords of Kenmare. The Centre also has a Kenmare Lace Exhibition.
An integral part of the Experience of the Kenmare Story is to visit the Historical sites after visiting the Centre. The Heritage Trail map will show you at first hand some of the delights of Kenmare. All the sites are within walking distance from the Centre and the trail takes about 40 minutes to complete.
Kilmalkedar Church
This is a fine 12th century Hiberno-Romanesque church with an Alphabet Stone (close to the Chancel door), Ogham stone, Sundial stone, and 7th or 8th century stone cross. Nearby is Saint Brendan's house dating from the 14th or 15th century.
Kerry Alternative Technology
Kerry Alternative Technology is located on a 40 acre farm with 10 acres of meadows and 3 acres of vegetables.
With 3 wind turbines, 3 water turbines, a solar panel array, batteries and inverters all electricity is made on site. Hydraulic ram's pump 6000 litres of water a day to provide irrigation for two vegetable gardens and two polytunnels all run on strictly organic lines.
There's a 5 pond reed bed system that deals with the grey water waste. There are chickens and goats at the centre, who help make compost.
Annagh Church
A medieval parish church, possibly 15th century, with doorways in the north and south walls. A plaque with a damaged representation of a rather ghoulish horseman has been inserted into the inside wall beside the south doorway.
Rattoo Round Tower
Said to have been founded by the Bishop Lughach, one of the first Christian Evangelists in Kerry. The Round Tower, built around 1100, is exceptionally well-preserved, although its roof has been restored. Its doorway has a round arch, and is surrounded by a plain, flat carved moulding capped with an unusual curvilinear design.
A sheela-na-gig is carved on the north window, facing into the inside of the tower. These were ugly, explicit carvings of females which were often placed on the walls of churches and castles as protective symbols. This is the only example of a sheela-na-gig to be found in an Irish Round Tower.
The small ruined church in the cemetery may date to the 15th century and is partly built with stones from a more ancient church.
Great Southern Hotel
The grandfather of poet Robert Graves rented the original house at Parknasilla as a summer residence. It was bought by Southern Hotels, who in 1890 erected a new hotel nearby, designed by the architect of the Park Hotel and Ashford Castle. Southern Railways, who found themselves in the curious position of owning a winter resort hotel nowhere near a rail station. Their passengers had to be conveyed by horse and carriage the not inconsiderable fifteen miles from Kenmare. The view is magnificent: the bay is spread out before the hotel and is scattered with small islands - the hotel owns two, and you can walk to them over a footbridge and picnic there if you wish. There is also a little private rocky cove, hidden beside the indoor pool, where sailing boats and a motor boat for water skiing await your pleasure. There are large, well-tended grounds with palm trees, horses if you wish to ride, and a prize winning village to explore a few miles down the road. The staff are particularly delightful. The hotel has been entirely refurbished and a new wing added since its Victorian heyday. Bedrooms have good modern bathrooms and are close capeted. Furnishings are in pleasant plain shades, in no way frilly or country-house, but everywhere is spotless. A large sun-lounge sitting room provides promptly served freshly-prepared snacks; a more formal drawing room has chandeliers and a large fireplace, where a fire is lit each evening; the dining room has sea views and pleasant peach-coloured decor. The food is tasty, the service impeccable. The Ring of Kerry on which the hotel stands is one of Ireland's most noted beauty spots. Great bushes of crimson fuchsias and clusters of orange day-lilies line the narrow road which circles the Kerry Peninsula. Parknasilla does not have designer-chic, but it does have a finer setting and far better service and food than many places with far greater pretentions.
Traditional Music and Craic in Kerry
Kerry has a tradition of Traditional music which is second to none and you can always catch a session in ³The Kingdom². This is just a very tiny sample of where to catch Ceoil agus Craic ( music and fun) in Kerry
O'Flaherty's Dingle
Lively and informal, this traditional pub with its flagstoned floor and high ceiling is itself a notable part of Dingle's tradition. irish is spoken here and walls are decorated with pictures which illustrate the culture and history of the area. It has long attracted a strong local and visitor followinging for its regular music sessions, at which the owner is one of the principal performers.
Mc Carthy's Pub
Described in tour books as "a gem". This Pub is situated between the church and the presentation convent. This is the oldest family run pub in Dingle, a happening place. Beehive Theater Company work from here. Musicians describe it as an ideal place for a session. In McCarthys' they are very envolved in local cultural and sporting events and work hard at promoting and supporting them.
An Droichead Beag
Started with traditional music sessions on weekends due to the owners & patrons love for traditional music. It grew from two nights a week to every night of the year, sometimes two sessions per night. We were always looking for some excuse to get our local and our famous Irish traditional musicians in, just to listen to them making music and lift our hearts and emotions. We have had such mighty sessions in the Music Corner of our pub that we decided to put it on CD and called it Mighty Session which has got fantastic reviews from different Music Magazines and Music Critics in Ireland. To us Traditional Irish Music is food for the Soul and Irish Set Dancing is food for the Heart !