History of County Kerry, Ireland

1580 - County Kerry - In 1580, during the Second Desmond Rebellion, one of the most infamous massacres of the Sixteenth century, the Siege of Smerwick, took place at Dún an Óir near Ard na Caithne (Smerwick) at the tip of the Dingle Peninsula.
The 600-strong Italian, Spanish and Irish papal invasion force of James Fitzmaurice Fitzgerald was besieged by the English forces and massacred.
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1588 - County Kerry - In 1588, when the fleet of the Spanish Armada in Ireland were returning to Spain during stormy weather, many of its ships sought shelter at the Blasket Islands and some were wrecked.

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1602 - County Kerry - During the Nine Years' War, Kerry was again the scene of conflict, as the O'Sullivan Beare clan joined the rebellion. In 1602 their castle at Dunboy was besieged and taken by English troops.

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In the 1640s Kerry was engulfed by the Irish Rebellion of 1641, an attempt by Irish Catholics to take power in the Protestant Kingdom of Ireland. The rebellion in Kerry was led by Donagh McCarthy, 1st Viscount Muskerry.

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1837 - County Kerry
KERRY, a maritime county of the province of MUNSTER, bounded on the east by the counties of Limerick and Cork, on the north by the estuary of the Shannon (which separates it from Clare), on the west by the Atlantic, and on the south by the same ocean and the county of Cork. It extends from 51° 40' to 52° 37' (North Lat.), and from 9° 8' to 10° 27' (West Lon.); and comprises an area, according to the Ordnance survey, of 1,148,720 acres, of which 581,189 acres are cultivated land, 552,862 are unprofitable bog and mountain, and 14,669 are under water. The population, in 1821, amounted to 216,185; and in 1831, to 263,126.

The inhabitants of this tract, according to Ptolemy's chart, were in his time designated Velabri or Vellibori; "Hibernicè," says Dr. O'Connor, "Siol Ebiru
i, obviously meaning Illiberi Iberiae." They are supposed to have been descended from the Iberi of Spain, to which their country lies opposite; but Camden derives their... Read MORE...

Kerry was very hard hit by the Great Irish Famine of 1845–49.

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1895 - County Kerry
Ker'ry, a maritime county in the S.W. part of Ireland, in Munster, having N. the estuary of the Shannon. Are", 1852 square miles. Pop. 201,039, a large proportion of whom speak only the Irish tongue. Surface extremely wild, rugged, and mountainous. MacGillicuddy Rocks, the loftiest mountains in Ireland, are in this county. Coast. line deeply indented with bays, of which Tralee, Dingle, and Koninare are the chief. Dunmore Head, between the two former, is the most westerly land in Ireland. Principal rivers, the Feale, Maine, Laune or Lane, and Roughty Lakes comprise those of Killarney, Carra, and Currane. Soil mostly inferior, except in the central lowlands. where it is a rich loam, resting on limestone. Agriculture is 'y backward. Chief crops, potatoes, wheat, and barley. Numerous goats and small cattle are pastured in the mountains. Chief towns, Tralee (the capital), Killarney, Dingle, and Kenmare. The county sends two members to the House of Commons, and the borough of Traice one... Read MORE...

Kerry was one of the counties most affected by the Irish War of Independence (1919–21) and Irish Civil War (1922–23).

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2023 - From breathtaking natural landscapes to historical sites and vibrant towns, County Kerry has something for everyone. Here are some of the must-visit places and activities to consider when exploring this beautiful region:
1. The Ring of Kerry:
The Ring of Kerry is one of the most famous scenic drives in Ireland, offering breathtaking views of rugged coastline, mountains, and lakes. The 179-kilometer circular route takes you through charming villages like Killarney, Kenmare, and Cahersiveen. Along the way, make sure to stop at Ladies View, Molls Gap, and the Kerry Cliffs for some of the most stunning vistas.

2. Killarney National Park:
Killarney National Park is a gem of natural beauty and is home to rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests. You can explore the park by hiking, cycling, or taking a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Muckross House and Gardens, a historic mansion set amidst beautiful surroundings.

3. Dingle Peninsula:
The Dingle Peninsula is another stunning drive known for its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and charming villages like Dingle town. Along the way, you can visit the Gallarus Oratory, a well-preserved early... Read MORE...