Lonely Planet names Kerry as one of best places in Europe for family holidays

Wed, 17 Jun, 2015 - 12:08

Kerry has been named as one of the Europe’s 10 best places for family holidays by travel guide experts.

Compilers of Lonely Planet’s Best in Europe 2015 described The Kingdom as a destination which “appeals to the imagination of travellers of all ages”.

The Ring of Kerry road trip around the country offers “attractions every few miles”, while Killarney National Park also gets a mention.

Kerry finished in second place behind the county of Kent in England.

Describing Kerry, Lonely Planet says: "Mysterious islands off a craggy coastline; mist-wreathed mountains and lakes; castles, abbeys and other ruins to explore… no wonder County Kerry appeals to the imagination of travellers of all ages.

"Better still, the popular Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry – part of the Wild Atlantic Way – have roadside attractions every few miles to keep those with short attention spans engaged.

"This wild part of Ireland is perfect for children (and adults) with a sense of adventure. If you're visiting during the summer months, test their sea legs on the short ferry to Great Blasket Island or, for older would-be sailors, take the boat to the Skelligs; admire the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean during a horse ride along Rossbeigh Beach or let your water babes sign up for surf school; take an epic journey through Killarney National Park, where the Gap of Dunloe trip combines a boat trip with walking, cycling or a pony and trap.

"Oh, and while you're there, don’t forget a child-pleasing side trip to see Fungie, the wild bottlenose dolphin that has been visiting Dingle Harbour regularly for more than 30 years."

Welcoming the news, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: "The inclusion of Kerry at number two in Europe for family holidays in the influential Lonely Planet list is really good news and will surely help to inspire travellers everywhere to put Kerry and Ireland on their holiday wish-list.

"It also gives Tourism Ireland another wonderful hook to continue to promote Kerry and the island of Ireland around the world as a ‘must visit’ destination."

Lonely Planet also compiled the 10 best beaches in Europe, with two UK beaches making it into the list.

Top European beach was Jaz Beach in Budva, Montenegro, with Peniche Beach in Portugal third.

Lonely Planet editorial director Tom Hall, said: “The destinations have been chosen by our team of European experts. Some may be surprising, some are definitely under the radar, but all of them are great places to visit right now.”

These were Europe’s 10 best places for family holidays

1. Kent, England

2. County Kerry, Ireland

3. Black Forest, Germany

4. Budapest

5. Vorarlberg, Austria

6. Aland Archipelago, Finland

7. Ibiza

8. Normandy, France

9. Skomer and Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire, Wales

10. Bohinj, Slovenia

These were Europe’s 10 best beaches: