|
County Kerry
Kerry, commonly known as "The Kingdom", is
located in South West of Ireland in the province
of Munster. With an area of 1,815 sq. miles it
is the fifth largest of Ireland's thirty-two
Counties. The population of the County as
recorded in the 1991 Census is 121,894.
The County contains some of Ireland's most
magnificent scenery, a combination of high
mountain, low rolling hills, lakes, rivers, bog
land, rugged coastline and off-shore islands.
The country's highest mountains are to be found
in Kerry. It contains all but two of the
country's dozen peaks in excess of 3,000 ft.
including Ireland's highest, Carrantuohill
(3,414 ft.). The rugged hills and mountains are
generally found in the south and west of the
County, with the central area and northern part
comprising relatively fertile pasture land.
The County's location in the South-West of the
country, where it is influenced by the North
Atlantic Gulf Stream gives it a very mild
climate with a high level of rainfall - average
66 ins. per year. The mountainous nature of the
County contributes to this, while the rainfall
level, in turn contributes to the spectacular
nature of the changing landscapes. We have the
longest coastline of any Irish County,
principally because of the three large
peninsulas.
Kerry has
traditionally been Ireland's premier tourist
County, chiefly because of its spectacular
physical features. Killarney and its hinterland
is probably one of the best known tourist
destinations in Europe. The whole South Kerry
area, together with the Dingle Peninsula are
also very prominent tourist destinations. Many
new visitor attractions have been developed in
recent years, particularly in the Tralee area,
such as The Geraldine Centre, Kerry County
Museum, Blennerville Windmill, Tralee/Blennerville
Steam Train and Tralee Aqua Dome.
|
