This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

In the southwest corner of the Emerald Isle lies the Kingdom County of Kerry. It is a place of great history, enchanting stories, warm greeting, and out of this world scenery.   Just a one hour drive from Shannon International Airport, this wonderful haven is the perfect post-wedding destination for a honeymoon couple enjoying a honeymoon in Ireland.

Come with us on a little trip, let us give you a taste of some of the sights and sounds that are ready to greet you when you arrive on this heavenly island. We travel south from Ballybunion around the coast to the Ring of Kerry – a journey through ancient and beautiful lands along part of the Wild Atlantic Way this place is sure to make you fall in love all over again.

Key Stops for your Honeymoon in Ireland

Beautiful Ballybunion

The first stop along the coast is Ballybunion, home to two internationally renowned links courses, attracting golf enthusiasts from all over the world. Follow in former US President Bill Clinton’s footsteps to play a round in this spectacular setting.

The village offers honeymooners cute cafés, bars, and restaurants perfect for that post-flight decompress and relaxation. Best of all there’s a stunning cliff walk, four miles of golden sandy beach and if you’re feeling adventurous, some of the best surf in the region.

The Festival Of The Roses – Tralee

Moving on southwards to the home of the world-renowned Rose of Tralee International Festival. Every year during the month of August, Tralee is thronged for this week-long festival filled with days and nights of entertainment.

Live music concerts feature throughout the town. There are parades, fireworks, exhibitions, day trips, fashion shows. and more.  All of these events are peripheral to the live televised Rose of Tralee Pageant and Ball. There are a limited number of tickets available to the public if you are so inclined.

Considered the “capital” of Kerry, the town itself has a wide variety of hospitality to enjoy and there are museums, caves, and venture sports to investigate.

Escape To Castlegregory

National Geographic described the location of Castlegregory as “the most beautiful place on earth.” The breathtaking seaside town boasts an enthralling mix of woodland walks, astonishing seascapes, and beautiful beaches.

Nestled in a sheltered bay on the Dingle peninsula, Castlegregory is the perfect place for nature lovers to explore the nearby mountains and landscape. If you do nothing else, walk hand in hand along the beach to experience this piece of paradise.

Dramatic Dingle

Further out along the Dingle Peninsula is a unique wonderland of wild Atlantic coastline, sandy beaches, stone walls, and winding roads.  A place where the locals speak the Irish language (Gaeltacht), this little headland is certainly not to be missed.  For the wannabe Jedi amongst you, Ballyferriter is at the heart of the Star Wars experience, where the cast and crew of The Last Jedi were hosted during the making of the movie. It’s even possible to take a trip out to Skellig Michael, the iconic islet, where Rey found Luke.

Drive on to Dingle town (An Daingean), famous for its pubs and music, where artists and storytellers from all over the world gravitate towards.  Boat trips can take you out to meet the resident dolphin, Funghi, and explore the coastline from the sea.

Culture in Cahersiveen

Heading south from Dingle you will join the Ring of Kerry, so be sure to stop off at Cahersiveen.  This picture-perfect town is sheltered away from the Atlantic on an inlet and enveloped by a magnificent landscape. The town has many curiosities to explore and activities to excite. A landmark old barracks, Ballycarbery Castle, and two ancient ring forts are some of the sights to capture the imagination.  There’s plenty to explore in the surrounding area, and activities such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting, and a profusion of walking trails to choose from.

On the first weekend of August, each year, Cahersiveen hosts a Festival of Music & the Arts. Taking place on the Friday, Saturday & Sunday of the bank holiday weekend, the festival celebrates music and art with open-air live concerts in the square.

Hideaway in Kenmare

In ancient times Kenmare was known as “An Neidin” meaning “The Little Nest”. It is the southerly gateway to the Ring of Kerry and the northerly portal to the Ring of Beara peninsula.  If you’re serious walkers or cyclists, you’ll be spoiled for choice on routes from here.

Steeped in heritage, you could easily spend a leisurely day exploring the town with your loved one, and cozy up in one of the many bars and restaurants.

Killarney and the Lakes

Back at the most easterly point of the Ring of Kerry lies a vibrant town, bathed in history with much to explore. Warm welcomes will greet you at the myriad restaurants, cafes and bars in Killarney.  Music is available most nights and the streets are bustling with visitors and locals.

Set at the heart of the breathtaking National Killarney Park, you can set out in a  romantic horse-drawn carriage, to take in the lakes, forests and the magical Torc Waterfall.

For more experienced hikers, the National Park sits at the foot of Ireland’s highest Mountain Range, McGillycuddy Reeks. There is ample opportunity for biking, horseback riding, kayaking and more.

It would be difficult to relay the full glory of the Kingdom County in a few short lines, but we hope you got a taste of what Kerry has to offer. It’s hard to think about Weddings and Honeymoons in a post COVID-19 world, but we can certainly dream.  As the great Irish poet Seamus Heaney wrote: “If we can winter this out, we can summer anywhere”.

Maybe you will summer in Kerry?

If you’re thinking of getting married in Ireland, check out Ireland’s most romantic venues using WeddingDates.

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Bio: Ciarra Crossan from WeddingDates.ie shared with our readers an amazing blog post full of insights on how to arrange getting married in Ireland! You can check on their site a lot of other ideas for destination weddings!ey.