From waterfalls to sharks to the memory of a famous dolphin, there’s heaps for families to do around Kerry. Not to mention stunning beaches, fantastic scenery, great food. Enjoy your stay!

What hasn’t already been said about this gem of a park situated just outside of Killarney. It consists of over 26,000 acres offering some of the most scenic views in the county and you can easily spend a whole day walking or cycling in the Park. Or take a boat ride or a ride out in one of the traditional jaunting cars (horse and trap). There are many places to picnic, and enjoy nature and the beautiful surroundings.

At Muckross House and Gardens you’ll find an arboretum, large glasshouse and if you visit in May and June you will find the rhododendrons and azaleas in bloom. Muckross Traditional Farm gives an idea of what life was like in the Irish countryside during the 1930s and 1940s. You can see a labourer’s cottage, carpenter’s workshop, blacksmith’s forge and a schoolhouse. Meet the farm animals and watch fresh bread and butter making.

The Great Blasket Island situated to the West of the Dingle Peninsula is a very special place indeed. Boat trips leave Dunquin pier daily. Packed full of history and culture (Peig!) and probably Ireland’s best kept secret beach – Trá Bán, it is a must see with beautiful white sand.

The Blasket Centre tells the story of island life, subsistence fishing and farming, traditional life including how people worked, transport, home life, housing and entertainment, language and culture. Small admission fee, there is a bookshop and cafe at the Centre.

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©Failte Ireland, photo courtesy of Valerie O’Sullivan

Oceanworld Aquarium in Dingle, County Kerry, is where the ocean comes to life. Boasting Ireland’s largest collection of sharks, a polar penguin display featuring Gentoo Penguins, Amazonian displays, a touch tank and a nine-metre underwater tunnel.

They also hold daily talks, feeds and encounters.

Sadly Fungie the Dolphin is no longer, boat trips to see the friendly dolphin used to be a huge draw for visitors to Dingle. But you can still say hello to him at the bronze statue dedicated to his memory, located at the Marina in front of the Tourist Information Office.

The 18 metre high Torc Waterfall is located off the main Killarney to Kenmare road. There are some beautiful trails all around the waterfall that give stunning views of the surrounding area. The main car park on the N71 road is just a few hundred metres from the famed waterfall.

Or for the more energetic with older kids, park at Muckross House and take a 2 hour looped walk following the Old Boathouse Trail past mountains and meadows, limestone cliffs of Dundag Point , beautiful views of the Middle Lake. After a steady climb through the trees, a series of stone steps leads you back down through the woods to the best viewing point of the Waterfall. Continuing back down the hill to rejoin the Lake Loop and return to the car park.

Valentia Island lies off the Iveragh Peninsula in the southwest of County Kerry. It is linked to the mainland by a bridge at Portmagee so you can drive over easily. There’s plenty to see and do on the Island:

• Valentia Island Lighthouse where you can find out what life as a lighthouse keeper was like
• Valentia Transatlantic Cable Station where the first successful transatlantic cable was laid between Ireland and Canada. Enjoy the immersive visitor experience, try to send your own morse code message and try to break the code, learn about the underwater cables of today and how communications technology has changed.
• The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre bringing the magic and mystery of the Skellig Islands to you through graphics, film presentation, models, exhibition items, reconstruction and the sound of sea birds and lighthouse keeper ship to shore communication
• Valentia Island Farmhouse Dairy for some delicious ice cream
• Tetrapod Footprints – see prehistoric tetrapod footprints predating dinosaurs at the Tetrapod Trackway. Here you will find one of only 4 sets of prehistoric footprints in the world! The footprints give an invaluable view of the transition of life from water onto land.

Kerry County Museum in Tralee houses various exhibits from Antarctic explorer Tom Crean to the Medieval Experience.

Kids will enjoy the Pangur Bán trail where you have to locate Pangur Bán’s ‘Discover More’ displays and learn about all sorts of interesting things from Stone Age survival kits to St Brendan’s travels.

They also run family events throughout the year so check before you visit. Small admission fee.

8km outside the town of Killarney you will find Kennedy’s All-Weather Pet Farm & Playgrounds offering the opportunity to see birds and many animals to be cuddled and fed.

You can also do fishing, pony rides and enjoy their indoor and outdoor playgrounds.

The Aqua Dome in Tralee features plenty of water-filled fun with waves, rapids, rivers and slides in tropical temperatures. Kept at a constant temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and with a huge choice of activities, there’s plenty for all ages.

Other activities at the Aqua Dome include mini golf, Bungee Trampoline, Giant Slide and Bouncing Castle.

Tralee Bay Wetlands Eco & Activity Park located on the canal and on the estuary of Tralee Bay is a nature sanctuary offering walks around its lakeside and wild gardens for everyone to enjoy.

Meet ecologists and guides who will introduce you to the wildlife around you, whilst hearing about the natural history and folklore of Kerry. Learn about herbs, natural gardens, flora and fauna, trees, pond life and bird life.

Enjoy activities such as pond dipping, learning to climb, pedal boating, enjoy refreshments at the Lakeside Café.