History of Kerry

The Celtic Legacy

Kerry offers a rare opportunity to encounter the legacy of one of Europe´s great pre-Christian cultures. The Celts were a people originally from southeast Europe. They travelled across the continent before finally settling on its western periphery. By the first century BC an extensive and powerful group, the Eoghanacht, had established themselves around Loch Léin, Killarney´s biggest lake. A wonderful piece of their cultural legacy is found at Aghadoe. Aghadoe refers to ´The Field of two Yews´, a ritual site commanding wonderful views over lakes and mountains. Most importantly, it was in a direct eye-line with The Paps of Anu, two mountain peaks named after a female god of great significance. Her name is found across Europe - for example, the Danube is named after her.

Early Christians in Ireland built churches on Celtic religious sites. This was a typical way for the new religion to establish itself. Examples of this can be seen on the Dingle Peninsula, in south Kerry, and up through North Kerry. Ogham stones, inscribed in a Celtic language but with an alphabet based probably on Roman numerals, are found throughout the county. Also numerous are stone circles and stone alignments, used by the Celtic druids during religious ceremonies. Much of our rich culture we owe to the Celts. Our language, literature, and music all derive from them. Read more about the People of Ireland.

The History of Kerry

The story of Kerry makes for a long and fascinating story. One of the best ways to experience it is at the Ashe Memorial Hall in Tralee town centre. This is Ireland&acutes largest indoor heritage attraction in Ireland. This ideal family outing is comprised of three parts.

Visitors are first greeted by a unique audio visual show on Kerry. Once you have got a ´bird´s eye´ view of the county you are then ready for Kerry the Kingdom museum. It is strange to enter a room to the sound of the sea, but stranger still to meet a man with flowing black hair dressed in animal pelts, working with a piece of flint. The first Kerryman?

Indeed he is only one of many stunning recreations that make this museum exciting and alive. Be prepared to meet Norman warriors, the court of Queen Elizabeth and even the great man himself, Daniel O´ Connell. Throughout the museum are priceless artefacts of gold and bronze, many returned here from the National Museum in Dublin.

Lastly, the highlight of a visit to the Ashe Memorial Building must surely be a ride on the time car through Medieval Tralee. As you move through the streets, the town is a hive of activity. The blacksmith, the butcher and shoe maker are all busy at their crafts. These lifelike characters go about their daily business as if you were invisible. You are surrounded by smells and sounds of people, animals and poultry. A voice calls and you look up to see a lady at a window. Passing the abbey, the monks can be heard at evening prayer.

As you leave there is a final view of Tralee from the battlements of the old town - a vivid memory.

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