Road Trip Time! Five Reasons We Really Want To Visit Kerry This Summer

Recently voted as the second best place in Europe for a holiday by Lonely Planet, we're putting Kerry at the top of our roadtrip wishlist this summer.  With its breathtaking scenery, rich culture and music scene, and winding sandy beaches, it's not hard to see why The Kingdom is so widely regarded as Ireland's most beautiful county. Here are five reasons we really want to visit Kerry this summer. 1. The fantastic festival season If you're looking for a seriously good festival, Kerry is the place to be this summer. From the Folkfest Killarney and the Puck Fair to the Rose of Tralee and the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival, there are so many to choose from. 2. Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park Sitting at the base of Torc Mountain about five miles from Killarney, this gorgeous landmark is the perfect place for a stop off on the epic 200 kilometre Kerry Way walking tour. You'll enjoy a short stroll through a beautiful green woodland before reaching the waterfall - and you'll hear it before you see it. Make sure to take a few snaps as well as a video - you'll want to capture the sight and the sounds so that you can relive the experience long after you've left the Kingdom. 3. The pubs in Dingle Known around the world for their great character - and great characters - the pubs in Dingle are packed full of the best kind of ceoil agus craic. A visit to Paídi Ó Sé's is a must for anyone heading down for the weekend. There's nothing better than settling into a cosy pub with friends after a long day spent exploring the sights and sounds of Kerry. 4. The beaches in Ballybunion Ballybunion in north Kerry is home to two of Ireland's most spectacular beaches - the perfect spot for a weekend surfing trip. Accessed by steep concrete pavements and divided by the cliff atop which stands castle ruins, the views alone are incredible. Follow the scenic walking path along the cliffs over the beaches and take in the vista, before reaching "Nun's Beach," Ballybunion's third beach. 5. Boat trips to Valentia Island A place so otherworldly it acted as one of the filming location for Star Wars: Episode VII last summer. One of Ireland's most westerly points, Valentia Island is a place of contrasting landscape. The western part of the island is characterised by the dramatic cliffs of Bray Head, while the mild effects of the Gulf Stream makes Valentia's climate balmy and the vegetation lush and colourful. Although accessible by road bridge from Portmagee, a much more authentic way to travel from the mainland is to set sail on the five minute ferry from Renard Point in Cahersiveen. All aboard! Take us to Kerry, now! Head to Killarney from July 24th - 26th to catch the FolkFest Killarney. With performances from Moving Hearts & Special Guests, Tinariwen, Kila, Sharon Shannon, Lost Brothers, Mícheál O Súilleabháin and a whole lot more, it promises to be a folk-tastic weekend. Click here to get yourself some tickets.