Located in the southwest corner of the island is one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets: County Kerry. It’s not the biggest county in Ireland, and it’s far from the most populated, as it’s quite a distance from the capital Dublin and other major cities like Limerick and Cork. However, County Kerry has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that make it a special place.
County Kerry Origins
The name Kerry refers to the Ciar tribe, who were the first to establish a residence in the territory now known as County Kerry. This was even before the Fitzgerald dynasty, the Desmond Rebellion, the Nine Years’ War, and the Irish Rebellion of 1641, among the other events that would define this corner of the world over several centuries.
War and Famine
County Kerry was far from immune to the wars and famine that have defined Ireland in the last 200 years. The Great Irish Famine that began in 1845 hit County Kerry hard, making the area a common source of American immigration well into the 20th century. After all, Kerry’s location on the southwest coast of Ireland made it easier to leave by boat and seek a better life elsewhere.
Kerry’s location on the North Atlantic also made it a strategic location in the Land War of the 1870s and 80s, as well as the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War in the early 1920s. During this time, violence within County Kerry was a common occurrence, as towns like Tralee and Killarney were the site of key battles. In fact, County Kerry was one of the parts of Ireland most impacted by the Irish Civil War.
A Different Legacy
Fortunately, war and famine aren’t County Kerry’s only lasting claim to fame. While forts, famous burial sites, and various monuments share that side of Kerry’s history, there is more to this part of Ireland. Most notably, the annual Puck Fair in Killorglin can be traced back as far as 1613 and is considered the world’s oldest fair. Likewise, the town of Listowel is home to Ireland’s oldest literary festival. Since many of Ireland’s most accomplished writers hail from the county, Listowel and County Kerry are considered Ireland’s literary capital.
Modern Place for Fun and Games
Nowadays, County Kerry is a place for sport, entertainment, and fun. Between the mountains and the coastlines, there are an endless number of scenic areas in County Kerry. The area is also home to theaters, museums, castles, and even the County Kerry Cricket Club for sports fans.
Surprisingly, County Kerry is also an Irish hotbed for gambling. This includes horse-racing tracks like Killarney Races and dog-racing tracks like Kingdom Greyhound Stadium. Oceans Casino in the town of Tralee brings casino-style card games to County Kerry. Of course, anyone in Ireland can find a no-deposit bonus casino and start playing casino games. This makes it possible to play games on a mobile device while also being able to explore all that County Kerry has to offer.
Famous Names
Over the years, many famous people have either come from County Kerry or taken a liking to it. For example, the town of Waterville became a favorite holiday destination for legendary silent film star Charlie Chaplin, who has a statue honoring him in the town. Actor Michael Fassbender, despite being born in Germany, was raised in Killarney from age two until he was 19 and left to pursue acting. Likewise, Oscar-nominated actress Jessie Buckley was born in Killarney in the heart of County Kerry.