Cottages in County Kerry for self-catering holidays and long weekend breaks

Kerry is an ancient land where tranquil green plains, set with sparkling lakes and rivers, rise up to Ireland's highest mountains, the MacGillycuddy Reeks. The area is known for its natural beauty, a place of mystery with ancient stone circles, enchanting monasteries and romantic castles. The Atlantic coastline is equally spectacular with rugged precipitous cliffs interrupted by sweeping bays of golden sand.

As you might expect, such a spectacular and varied natural landscape is perfect for outdoor activities such as salmon and trout fishing; walking in the MacGillycuddy Reeks; horse riding; golf; cycling and watersports such as windsurfing, sailing, boating, canoeing and scuba diving.

Kerry is also perfect for birdwatching as the area provides a great range of habitats and is home to a large number of interesting species. Book a holiday cottage in Kerry as a base for your outdoor activities and have somewhere comfortable to return to in the evenings.

• Holiday cottages in Ireland, Pets welcome self-catering in Ireland

Kenmare is an attractive 17th century town set between the coast and the MacGillycuddy Reeks. The essence and atmosphere of the 17th century has been preserved in the original limestone buildings and the town is now popular with visitors and well supplied with excellent restaurants. It is an ideal base for exploring the scenic Ring of Kerry (photograph on right).

Kerry is such an ancient land and there are plenty of heritage sites to discover. One of the most haunting is Skellig Michael. Here the ruins of an old monastic settlement perch on a cliff edge some 600 feet above the fury of the Atlantic ocean. The view is spectacular but life on this exposed cliff top must have been harsh. Bog Village may be unpleasantly named but it is a heritage site which captures the spirit of traditional Irish life. The site consists of 6 traditional Irish thatched houses and allows the visitor to experience historical Irish rural life.

Holiday cottages, houses and apartments to rent for self-catering holidays in County Kerry:

Kerry	FISHERMANS LODGE
	Ideal for a quiet getaway, Fishermans Lodge is situated on the beautiful headland of Lambs Head, Caherdaniel. Perfect for sea angling, rock fishing or beach casting. Fishing trips arranged from Lambs Head pier.    +44 (0) 877 657 102,0877657102    Click here to email about cottage holiday
Kerry	Lios Dana Lodge
	Large self catering holiday house, sleeps up to 16, for families, groups, re-unions or business retreats, beside beach and sea at Inch near Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland. Availability for Easter overlooking a wide sandy beach, walks on the beach after lunch, evenings in a real Irish pub. Also availability for New Year.    +353-66-9158189,+353-87-9475256    Click here to email about cottage holiday
Kerry	895 Heather Lodge
	This is a beautiful spacious 4 bedroom pet-friendly self catering cottage in County Kerry Ireland with good sea views. Sleeps 8. Go dolphin watching, bathing, surfing and sea angling. Currently available for Christmas & New Year bookings.    01756 70 77 21,    Click here to email about cottage holiday
Kerry	St. Anthonys
	St. Anthony's is a very comfortable pet-friendly 3 bedroom cottage, ideally suited for up to 4 people. It is attached to the owner's residence near the small village of Lauragh, and set in a peaceful location on the road to Glanmore Lake on the Beara Peninsula. All necessary household items are supplied including microwave, washing machine and tumble dryer. There are 3 small bedrooms, 2 doubles and a single. Cot available on request. Bed linen is supplied. Bathroom with shower. There is oil- fired central heating and an open fire. Electricity by coin meter. A self-catering cottage holiday at St. Anthony's would be quiet and peaceful. Shingle beach and small harbour nearby. The village of Lauragh is half a mile away, where you will find shops, a post office, a church and pub. There is often traditional music to enjoy in the local pubs and friendly locals to chat to. The cottage owners would be happy to provide further information about outings, travel, and restaurants.    0035 3646683150,    Click here to email about cottage holiday