The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Staycationing
IN THE WAKE OF COVID-19
THIS year, with COVID-19 ending any hope of heading abroad, most of us are now set to holiday at home and for some, this could be the very first time that they’ve sat down and thought - ‘where do I want to visit in Ireland and what is there to see?’ So if you’re finding yourself in this boat, read on and take the opportunity to become a tourist in your own country by visiting some of the many fantastic attractions we have right here on our door step.
MUCKROSS HOUSE
First off, staying here in Kerry, one attraction that needs little to no introduction is the beautiful Muckross House & Gardens; located approximately 6km (3.6 miles) from Killarney town centre, the area represents the focal point and nucleus of Killarney National Park.
The 19th century mansion – which stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake – is an iconic sight in Kerry and in some very good news for visitors, the Muckross Garden Restaurant and the Craft Centre have recently re-opened for business following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The Garden Restaurant at Muckross is an ideal venue for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing meal in the scenic surroundings of Killarney National Park. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Torc and Mangerton Mountains, the Garden Restaurant enjoys magnificent views across the old Victorian Walled Garden area.
This modern, 170-seat restaurant is the ideal location for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing meal in picturesque surroundings. Visitors can enjoy this magnificent scenery all year round, from our conservatory area, which complements the adjoining, newly restored, Victorian glasshouses.
And while the cottages, pet farms and playgrounds will remained closed for now due to COVID-19, this should not put you off paying a visit to this must-see location in Kerry.
THE BLASKET ISLANDS
After this, if you have time (and if the weather is on your side!) then a trip to the Great Blasket islands is a must! Located on the most western point of the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland and Europe, this stunning archipelago of islands are renowned for their magnificent beauty and rugged wildness; literary heritage of the Great Blasket, magical marine life – seals, whales and dolphins; puffins and array of sea birds and the famous ‘Sleeping Giant’, An Fear Marbh (Inis Tuaisceart).
The way of life on these remote Atlantic islands has been documented by the islanders who dictated or wrote their stories down, and from these came three great works: the autobiography of the story-teller Peig Sayers, which became a set text in Irish schools; The Islandman by Tomás Ó Criomhthain, whose elegant, dry memoir was a lament for a passing way of life; and Twenty Years A-Growing by Muiris Ó Súilleabháín, who wrote about what it was like to leave the island forever.
Ferries depart from Dunquin Pier, Ventry Pier and from Dingle daily (weather permitting) and passengers are transferred to a RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) once the ferry gets close to the island, as there are no adequate landing facilities for a larger vessel.
CARRIGAFOYLE CASTLE
Carrigafoyle Castle near the village of Ballylongford was built by Conor Liath O’Connor in the 1490’s. It was a large tower house which was fairly common in Munster at that time. During the Desmond rebellion in about 1580 the castle was defended by 50 Irish and 16 Spanish soldiers.
The castle was bombarded by the forces of Sir William Pelham and the ships’ cannons of of Sir William Winter over two days, for six hours each day. In the fi
nal assault, the tower cracked under the impact of the bombardment and the west wall collapsed crushing many of the defenders. The damage to Carrigafoyle Castle was so severe that it was never repaired although it was occupied for many centuries afterwards.
Most of the occupants were massacred although some may have escaped. Its ruins still stand, including the outer defences and moat, and the effect of the bombardment is clear to see.
LONGUEVILLE HOUSE, MALLOW
Located in Mallow, a trip to Longueville House is certainly one worth your time. It is a stunning 300 year old listed Georgian Country House hidden in the heart of a 450 acre wooded estate, in the Blackwater Valley, North Cork, situated at the gateway to the South West of Ireland.
Half an hour from Cork City and Airport, steeped in history and packed with character, this privately Owner-Occupied property is run as a four star country house with exquisite dining.
There is even a craft cider named after the estate, which is fermented on site from apples harvested in the 32 acre orchard. Some of the cider is distilled on in the calvados style, to become Longueville House Apple Brandy.
The 16 bedrooms all have ensuite bathrooms and there is free WiFi throughout the house. The delightful gardens are yours to amble, and tours of the distillery available for groups.
A variety of activities can be arranged from exclusive Fly fishing on the Blackwater to Medieval Archery, to Falconry plus an array of Team Building Activities.
GUINNESS STOREHOUSE
As one of the top thing to do in Ireland, a trip to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin has to be on any staycation list worth its salt.
Join the thousands of people who have enjoyed a fantastic day out at the Guinness Storehouse to experience the history, heart, and soul of Ireland’s most iconic beer. Explore the story of Guinness before taking in the views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar while enjoying your free drink.
TAYTO PARK
Heading further afield and up the country, another attraction to scratch off your ‘Staycation’ list is the one and only Tayto Park which is located in County Meath.
Opened in 2010, it is Ireland’s only Theme Park and offers a huge variety of things to see, do and experience! Get your adrenaline fix on one of the famous rides at Tayto Park. Fly through the air on the zipline or take a spin on Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster with an inversion. People of all ages enjoy the 5D cinema and circus performances while older kids and adults love the extreme climbing wall and high speed rides.
Tayto Park has attractions for all ages, from thrill-seekers looking for an adrenalin rush to younger guests who can enjoy fun and exciting activities including a factory tour and meeting Mr. Tayto himself. Be sure to head over to its website to find out all opening times and prices.