Kells Bay House and Gardens

4.5 (1,432)

See all

See all

About

A Victorian manor on the Ring of Kerry whose sub-tropical gardens hold the northern hemisphere's largest tree-fern forest, a rope-bridge skywalk and a Thai restaurant.

Things to Do

The Ladies' Walled Garden

A three-level Victorian walled garden built in the 1870s, with paths branching under monster tree ferns including the original 'Mother' fern. Rich in rare southern-hemisphere plants such as the Chilean lantern tree.

The Primeval Forest

Hundreds of mature tree ferns, all descended from spores of the walled garden's 'Mother' fern, now form the largest tree-fern forest in the northern hemisphere.

Skywalk and River Ramble

Follow the fast-flowing river on the River Ramble, then cross it high above on the Skywalk, billed as Ireland's longest rope bridge.

The Cliff Walk

Breathtaking views of the mountains as Dingle Bay opens up, with surprise wood sculptures along the path.

Waterfall Way

A loop over the waterfall and down on a boardwalk across the bog and beneath the falls, taking in plants from Australia and New Zealand.

The Bamboo Glade

Bamboos from the Americas and Asia line the river here; sit in the Wishing Chair carved from a fallen tree and listen to the breeze.

The Gunnera Pool

Giant rhubarb-like leaves, peaty black water, dragonflies and water lilies make this a quiet oasis.

Sala Thai Restaurant and Café

Chef-owner Penn Alexander cooks regional and modern classic Thai dishes for dinner (6pm and 8pm sittings) and lunch at Sala Café. The café by the ticket desk serves scones, cakes, coffee and sandwiches all day.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Daily 9:30am–6:00pm, last garden entry 5:00pm. Closed for part of January for plant maintenance; open late on summer evenings in June, July and August.
Admission: Adults €9.50, children €7.50, family (2 adults + up to 3 under-16s) €30
Parking: Yes — visitor parking on site, plus private parking for staying guests.
Food: The Garden Room Café at the ticket desk (teas, scones, coffee, sandwiches) is open the same hours as the gardens. Sala Café serves Thai food daily 1:00pm–4:00pm, no booking needed; Sala Thai Restaurant has dinner sittings at 6:00pm and 8:00pm, booking required. Thai takeaway available.