Kells Coastguard Station - Surrounding Area

This is one of the most breathtaking parts of Kerry. The Irish name of the cottage, 'Ceol na Farraige', means 'Music of the Sea'... the sound of the waves breaking on the nearby beach will lull you to sleep at night. If your holiday plan is relaxation there's no better place to be, even in Kerry.

The beautiful blue-flag sandy beach of Kells Bay is only a minute's walk from the house. It's a haven for children, with rock pools, streams and a river to keep them happy for hours on end. They can paddle and swim on the beach with fine sand underfoot, and when the tide comes in they can jump and dive off the pier.

If in need of a cup of tea or a meal you can drop into the welcoming Seaview Guesthouse on the beach, or walk the mile and a half to the nearest shop-cum-restaurant. If a pint is required Caitin Beaters is a three mile journey. Or for the intrepid, a half-hour scramble up the mountain. An excellent taxi service is available if you plan to have more than just the one.

Kells is ideally situated between Cahersiveen and Glenbeigh, a mile from the Ring of Kerry. Cahersiveen is the unspoiled capital of South Kerry and has plenty of shops and pubs and little streets to explore. It's also the proud owner of a brand-new marina.

There is a huge range of activities such as hang-gliding, surfing and horse-riding available at Glenbeigh. And another pub or two of course.

Kells is an ideal base for touring the Ring of Kerry, Dingle and Killarney or for complete relaxation in beautiful and friendly surroundings. Boating, fishing, guided hill walking, diving and cycling are all available nearby. There are also many ancient archaeological sites, castles and monasteries in the vicinity.

For golfers, Championship courses are only 30 minutes drive away at Waterville and Killarney. Should you tire of these Kerry has 20 or so golf courses and links to choose from.

County Kerry is a rugged coastal county boasting Ireland's highest mountain - Carrauntoohill at 1,039m. The most mountainous part of the county is the South. Here Kells is situated on the Ring of Kerry, which circles the Iveragh Peninsula along the Atlantic coast. The wonderful route and the translucent quality of the light present the visitor with breathtaking sea and mountain views.

But there's no need to go far afield; there's so much beauty to be seen around Kells itself. If you leave the house and turn right, away from the beach, an hour's walk will bring you to the end of the road and a fabulous view of the Blaskets and Dingle Bay. The surrounding mountains just beg to be climbed. You can get up at dawn and follow the traditional Mass Path right over the mountain into the valley of Foilmore, where the local church is situated. Remember to arrange a lift home!