Touring County Kerry

Q. My family is visiting Ireland later this year. We will start off in Dublin, but would like to see some of the countryside. A friend has suggested we visit County Kerry. Is this a good idea? Could you suggest a rough itinerary? - Mike Sonderling
A: County Kerry is certainly one of the most scenic areas in Ireland and well worth visiting. It is home to the McGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. At the foot of the mountains nestle the world famous lakes of Killarney. Three attractions in the county are the Killarney National Park, the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry. You can drive from Dublin, but it is easier to fly to Kerry Airport on Ryanair. The nearby town of Killarney is worth a night, but then you should set off into the adjoining Killarney National Park, with its waterfalls, gardens and hiking trails. Check out the native oakwoods and yew woods, as well as the native red deer. You should take time to visit Muckross Hous, a late 19th century mansion with magnificent gardens. The next two or three days you can drive the Ring of Kerry, a route of more than 160kms of natural beauty and small towns along the outer edge of Iveragh Peninsula. From Portmagee, about mid-Ring, you can make a day trip out to the small and rugged Skellig Islands. The Dingle Peninsula is a shorter drive, but no less beautiful. The town of Tralee is a good place to spend an evening before or after the Dingle loop.