The Full Shilling's Guide to Kerry

Summer holidays as a kid in Ireland can be a tense affair. Back when I was child our summer holidays were spent in the back seat of the car heading south or west, fighting for space in amongst everything our Mum packed (was there any need for the half of it?) while Dad swore he wasn't lost when we all knew he definitely was. Most summers would be wash-outs but I only seem to remember the good ones when the sun beat down and we spent what seemed like eternity outside - mostly in the nip if our childhood photos are anything to go by. One particular holiday that stands out is the trip to Co. Kerry. We made our way there by car of course, following the Atlantic coast through counties Mayo and Galway before stopping in Clare for a night in a B&B. We all kipped in the one room, all of us kids spread out on the floor at various angles while our parents got the bed. We didn't mind though because at that age it felt exciting to sleep on the ground despite the hundred or so crucifixes gazing down at us from the walls. When we finally reached Dingle it felt like we were a million miles away from our home in Co. Armagh. Tracing the map with our fingers over the pages (we had one of those maps which had a page for each county), we lost track of all the roads and coastline we took to get there. The mountains loomed ahead in the distance so we would make short trips to them, renting out ponies at the Gap of Dunloe and stuffing our faces with the freshest fish we ever tasted. I remember one particular day we were driving the Ring of Kerry when we pulled over to a lake which was catching the last bit of sunlight of the day. I stood on the edge of the road just drinking every bit of the view in and I started to well up with tears because I realised I'd never seen anything so beautiful. I was only about 9 (sensitive wee soul) but even then I knew how lucky I was to be from this island. To this day Kerry can still take my breath away. I've been numerous times since that holiday, all with people who are over visiting from overseas because it truly is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I have this deep need for foreigners to see it, nod with me and understand why I love Ireland so much, why I could never live anywhere else. When my cousin was visiting from Australia a few weeks ago I knew we had to take her to Kerry. She is hugely proud to be half-Irish but to understand all those old songs that she listens to about Ireland we wanted to show her the places that inspired the songwriters to begin with. For that there is nowhere better than the Kingdom of Ireland! While my knowledge of the whole county isn't the best, I've highlighted a few spots that have given me great joy and know for sure that you would love too.

Best Drives

While the Ring of Kerry is breathtaking, it's a route that can be very busy with tourists and can take a fair bit of time. Slea Head is a stunning drive out of Dingle with fantastic beaches and turquoise water. The last Star Wars movie was filmed in Ballyferriter, a village on the drive that is now bustling with a few more tourists than before. It's still peaceful though and we managed to get the most beautiful beach all to ourselves for an entire morning before the buses arrived. If you make it here then you can take the boat out to the Blasket Islands for an excursion that will really blow the socks off ye! Another drive is the Skellig Ring which takes you through Waterville, Portmagee and Glencar. You can even get to Valentia Island from here which is worth a day trip all on it's own. Skelling Michael alongside Little Skelling tower in the distance turning completely white in the summer as the gannets take over to nest. Ladies View is not far from Killarney and offers a glimpse of the Ring of Kerry without having to drive too far. The views here are one of my favourites in Kerry no matter the season but in the summer the drive there is incredible. Ferns grow ferociously, spilling on to the road and even through the windows of your car! There's a multitude of photo opportunities on this drive alone so take it slow and stop as much as you can.

Best Beaches

Clogher Strand, Ballyferriter My favourite beach in Kerry hands down. My cousin, sister and I spent nearly an entire day here with the beach mostly to ourselves save for the odd tourists coming and going. It's not a great swimming beach due to the rocks and rip currents but the view alone is enough to keep you there - we had to drag ourselves away! Derrynane Beach, Derrynane Just off the Ring of Kerry drive this stunning beach is worth dipping your toes in to and feeling the white sand to calm you down. Coumeenoole Beach, Slea Drive On the Slea Drive route this narrow beach is perfect for swimming in the shallows. Just mind the currents because they can be a bit strong if you go too far! Rossbeigh Beach This beach has class views out towards Dingle and turquoise waters to swim in. It's one of the best Blue Flag beaches in the region with a whole 8km so no worrying about feeling crowded!

Where to Eat

Out of the Blue, Dingle We tried to get a table here but they were fully booked so unfortunately I can't actually claim to have eaten here BUT I've been told by numerous locals that it's the best spot in town. If you're wise unlike me then make sure to book ahead! Reel Dingle Fish, Dingle A good spot if you fancy quick food and fish caught practically on the doorstep. Páidi Ó Sé's, Slea Drive If you're here in the winter this is a gem of a place to hole up in with great comfort to warm you up. O'Carroll's Cove Beach Bar, Ring of Kerry The perfect stop if you're tackling the Ring of Kerry drive and need to refuel. Pantrí, Dingle The perfect place for lunch and the most instagrammable too! The garden out the back even has a double seat swing where you can sip on your elderflower prosecco - yes, that is a real thing you can drink here. O'Neill's The Point Seafood Bar, Cahersiveen If you're on the Skelling Ring drive then be sure to call in here for delicious seafood and a spot to get cosy for an hour or two. Murphy's Ice Cream, Dingle & Killarney If you're still peckish after lunch or dinner then a cone from Murphy's can never go wrong. The ice cream is made in Dingle and the staff are super friendly too offering advice on what flavour to go for.

Where to Drink

J M Reidy's, Killarney This is my favourite pub in Ireland never mind Kerry! It's an absolute labyrinth of nooks and crannies to hide in with the most delicious cocktails you've ever tasted. It used to be one of those typical Irish establishments back in the day when the grocer was also the hardware shop, sweet shop and bakery all rolled in to one. They've kept the old till amongst heaps of other gems from the old days which are just fascinating to look at but mostly it's just a great place for music and a bit of craic. Dick Mack's, Dingle A bit like JM Reidy's with a huge range of whiskies that could do some damage. There's also a pizza place and brewery out the back and even a leather shop at the side just in case you dance tap too hard to the music. Before you nab a wee seat behind the saloon doors though make sure to have cash because they don't take card. The Shire Bar, Killarney Just for the sheet weirdness of it all this pub deserves a mention. They're very much committed to the theme here with low ceilings and even some Hobbit juice to sip on while you wonder what the hell is going on. Worth it for the 'gram if anything! Kate Kearney's Cottage, Gap of Dunloe If there was ever an award for beer garden with the best view then this place might take it. Grab a pint and sit outside if you're lucky before hiring a pony cart up the mountain. John B Keane, the famous Irish playwright had this to say about being from Kerry,

"Being a Kerryman, in my opinion, is the greatest gift that God can bestow on any man. When you belong to Kerry you know you have a head start on the other fellow. In belonging to Kerry you belong to the elements, to the spheres spinning in the Heavens. You belong to History and Language and Romance and Ancient Song. It is almost unbearable being a Kerryman and it is an awesome responsibility".

As a blow-in from the North I might not be able to experience the weight of being a native of Kerry but every now and again, just for a wee while, I can pretend that I do.