Top 5 Hidden Gems - Kerry
Welcome back again to Ireland’s Hidden Gems. Today we’re going to have a look at Kerry, and discover what the county has been keeping a secret!
Kerry’s hustle and bustle has attracted many people to visit the county and have a look around. From the Ring of Kerry to Dingle, it’s no wonder the place is a popular destination. But there’s much more to see and do that the people of Kerry have been keeping quiet about. So, let's have a look at what we think the top 5 hidden gems that Kerry are!
(Website links have been added so you can look at the information and check out opening times!)
No.1 Maharee, Castlegregory
Maharees is a 3-mile long sandy spit jutting out into Tralee Bay, located in Castlegregory.
Castlegregory itself is a wonderful little village which was once voted the most beautiful place on Earth by the National Geographic. Surrounded by the sea on 3 sides, Maharee is a natural environment of sand dunes, sea, surf and even has its own Islands called the Seven Hogs. The largest island is Oileán tSeannaig and it contains remnants of an Early Christian monastic settlement founded by St. Senach in the 7th century. Many Christian artefacts remain such as the Chi Rho Cross at Kilshannig graveyard out at the tip of the Maharees. A haven for watersport enthusiasts, the Maherees is just a few minutes outside Castlegregory. And for the serious surfers, the good waves lie a few minutes up the road towards Spillane’s pub.
Website link: https://castlegregory.ie/Castlegregory/maharees/
No.2 Ballybunion’s Three Beaches Â
Ballybunion is a haven for everyone’s holiday no matter what age you are. With excellent scenic views, this is a gorgeous spot for romantics and families to enjoy. Most visitors don’t know that Ballybunion is made up of three beaches - Ladies' beach, Men’s beach and Nun’s beach. The main and central beach is Ladies' beach, the beach left of that is Men’s beach and Nun’s beach is located on the town’s cliff walk, to the right of Ladies' beach.  The beaches are divided by the cliff on which stands the ruined castle. A history lies on the beach, with the names still standing for the gender separation on the Ladies’ and Men’s beach. The aptly named Nun’s beach is overlooked by an old convent. A part of the Wild Atlantic Way, this is a must visit!
Website link: https://www.ballybunion.ie/index.html
No.3 Valentia Island
Although spatially a part of the area, Valentia Island is technically not considered one of the islands that make up the Ring of Kerry. That’s why this is being kept hidden. Tourists are passing it by – what a waste! This beautiful island boasts views from the Geokaun Mountains. This is a spot that is just not to be missed! You can get a 360-degree view of the wonderful Ring of Kerry (a great photo spot if I do say so myself) and a perfect place to look out over the area and get a real view of the whole area. Very easy to miss but worth the extra minute to find, this is a fantastic area to bring everyone – including the dog!
No.4 Skellig Chocolate Factory
Forget Star Wars, Skellig has more to offer than lightsabers and Darthvader! This secret chocolate factory is nestled in the Ballinskelligs mountains which the locals like to keep to themselves because of just how great it is. From outside it boasts wonderful views of the ever popular St. Finian’s Bay, and from the inside – well, that’s magical! From free entry to free chocolate tasting – yes I said FREE – this is a hidden treasure trove. If you’re impressed by how it’s made and how yummy it is, you can also buy their delicious chocolate in their shop to take home! As they say themselves, this is a rare gem in probably one of the most unusual and beautiful locations for a chocolate factory.
Website link: https://skelligschocolate.com/welcome/our-history/
No.5 Aughacasla, Glanteenassig Wood, Castlegregory
While travelling from Dingle to Tralee along the N86, a small pit stop is worth the diversion for the beautiful scenes at Aughacasla, Glanteensassig Wood. Far from the overshot big attractions, the incredible Owencashla river lies between the entrance and a bridge. The views along the way are great but once you get there – its spectacular! The big forest is stunning.
Website link:Â https://www.coillte.ie/site/glanteenassig/
