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NAVIGATION The Voyage Report > Reporter's Notebook > Sunday’s Travel Column: Seals, Sheepdogs & Moonshine in County Kerry, Ireland

Sunday’s Travel Column: Seals, Sheepdogs & Moonshine in County Kerry, Ireland

November 19, 2017by Terry Anzur
Famine Cottage, County Kerry, Ireland
Ruins of a famine cottage in County Kerry, Ireland; photos courtesy: Terry Anzur

County Kerry, Ireland

Nature, luxury and history can make for a memorable trip.

I experienced them all in one day, on an Ireland adventure.

But you don’t have to be at a travel blogging conference to enjoy the the attractions of the Bay of Kenmare and the surrounding area in County Kerry, Ireland.

Here’s how:

All Aboard the Seafari

From my home base in Killarney, it was a 45-minute drive along part of the famed Ring of Kerry to the pier in the charming town of Kenmare.

That’s where Captain Mike was waiting to welcome our group of 20 travel bloggers — and one service dog — aboard the Seafari.

County Kerry Ireland

Kenmare Bay

It was one of the few sunny days of my Ireland trip, and the light made for some lovely views of Kenmare Bay, the coastline and the wildlife.

Seafari Seals County Kerry IrelandThe basking seals enjoyed it, too.

We remained as quiet and motionless as possible in the boat so as not to disturb their sunbathing.

Extra layers — and a wee bit of rum-fortified Irish coffee — kept us warm.

Sheen Falls Luxury

Next stop was the elegant Sheen Falls Lodge, where we were treated to a tour and an elegant light lunch of finger sandwiches and champagne.

The suites and cottages come with stunning views and a luxury price tag (read Terry’s review of this dreamy Irish getaway).

After a glimpse of the high-life, we moved on to a humble cottage at the opposite end of the economic scale for a close-up look at local history.

Sheen Falls Lodge County Kerry Ireland

Time Travel at Molly Gallivan’s Farm

Molly Gallivan's, Ireland county kerryFrom the moment Stephen and Frances O’Sullivan welcomed us into Molly Gallivan’s cottage, I felt like a time traveler.

Frances pounded a lump of soda bread dough and prepared to bake it over a fire of smelly peat.

Then Steven led us around the farm, with cute livestock competing for photo ops with ancient Druid calendar stones.

Molly Gallivan's 2, Ireland County KerryMost sobering were the ruins of a “famine cottage” where a family of 12 children perished during Ireland’s potato famine between 1845 and 1852.

A similar tour of the property can be arranged for groups, and a self-guided visit is also available.

By making and selling moonshine, the widowed Molly kept her seven children alive. We tasted the authentic poitin (pronounced po-cheen) from the still.

Famine Ship

Terry anzur county kerry irelandThis eyewitness look at the hardships endured in the countryside haunted me as I traveled onward to Dublin and toured a replica of a famine ship that transported people from this part of the world to new lives in America.

Fortunately for our group of bloggers, Kerry Coaches was waiting to whisk us back to reality with wifi on the bus!

Falconry and Sheepdogs

There’s plenty more to do in this area of County Kerry.

While I was on the TBEX tour, my family enjoyed Killarney Falconry and the Kissane Sheep Farm.

Check out this video:

Terry’s Travel Tips

Also in Kenmare, an atmospheric stone circle that I visited on a rainy day. You’re on the honor system to pay an entry fee of €2 per person.

The colorful towns of Kenmare and Killarney also make for a pleasant evening stroll.

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Before You Go

Tourism Ireland

Ireland Hotels

Tours and Activities in Ireland

Thank you for using our referral (“affiliate”) links to support our journalism.

The State Department has issued a travel alert for Americans visiting Europe.

–>TIPS: 10 Ways to Protect Checked Gadgets

For more in-depth advice on visiting the Irish, check out LONELY PLANET’S IRELAND guide from Amazon.com.

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What did you do on your visit to Ireland? Did you visit the County Kerry? Share your favorite tips in the comments section below! 

TRANSPARENCY NOTICE: No free or discounted travel, gifts, or services or the promise of any compensation were accepted from any of the places, merchants, or products included in this article at the time they were reviewed. The decision to travel somewhere or review something is made by The Voyage Report alone with no input from advertisers. We believe in credibility and integrity and cannot be bought.

Some of the links in this article may be referral (“affiliate”) links. This site receives compensation when users make a purchase using that link, which helps fund our unbiased coverage of the travel industry and produce more original content about more destinations for you, our users. Thank you for your support.

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Terry Anzur
Terry Anzur is a journalist, author and former college professor. She has hosted a national TV talk show and anchored the news in major U.S. markets. She now travels the world as a blogger and media trainer, teaching journalism and coaching on-camera presentation skills for news and public relations. Read more about Terry’s travels at Strangers in the Living Room.
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