County Kerry and County Cork in southern Ireland are often called the most beautiful parts of a country famous for magnificent scenery. There’s great produce too, from delicious raw milk cheese to great fruit and veg and special craft beers.
The highlight of southern Ireland is the five southern peninsulas: beautiful Dingle, Iveragh with the popular Ring of Kerry, haunting Beara, and the smaller Sheep’s Head and Mizen. Heading northeast from Mizen there’s a very different landscape of peaceful bays called the Haven Coast, until you reach Old Head of Kinsale and the eastern starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way. The whole of southern Ireland is a beautiful remote but accessible area of winding roads, high mountain passes, moss-covered fairy forests, stone circles and stunning coastal views. It’s perfect for a weeklong road trip. Here are some of my favourite parts of County Cork and County Kerry.
Stay Sheen Falls Lodge (Co. Kerry)
The corner suite of elegant Sheen Falls Lodge, ideally located between the Ring of Kerry & Beara Peninsula, has gorgeous views of a rustic stone bridge, tumbling little falls and the River Sheen. Indulge in a great bottle of wine and something classic from room service to make the most of it.
Eat Artisanal Cheese (Co. Cork)
Famous for green pastures and generous rainfall, Ireland has more cattle than people; and lush West Cork is home to the renaissance of Irish artisan cheesemaking. Look out for names like Milleens, Gubbeen and Durrus on local menus and visit Durrus for a tasting and to see the cheese being made.
Coastal Drive Slea Head Loop (Co. Kerry)
Drive the 52km Slea Head Loop at the end of Dingle Peninsula to see the wonderful patchwork of stonewall-enclosed green fields clinging to rugged cliffs, spectacular views to the Blaskett Islands and striking roadside crucifixes. Tea and scones beside the fire at the tiny Teac Couminole teahouse is a treat.
Passes Conor and Healy (Co. Kerry & Cork)
The interior of southern Ireland’s peninsulas are as impressive as their coastlines. Dramatic Conor Pass crosses Dingle’s mountainous spine with views all the way to Galway on a clear day. The building of Healy Pass across Beara’s wild interior joined County Cork to County Kerry and provided much-needed work during the 19th century famine.
Monastic History Timoleague Friary (Co. Cork)
Wander through the extensive remains of this 14th century Franciscan friary, ponder the lives of Ireland’s early monastic communities and enjoy the views over Courtmacsherry Bay. Monk’s Lane in the nearby village is a good spot for a Guinness and a bite to eat afterwards, like a traditional fisherman’s pie (see video below).
Updated 03 Apr 2025
