Molly Gallivans Visitor Centre

What was once Molly Gallivans cottage and farm over 200 years ago is now a renowned visitor centre that many tourists enjoy attending every year in Kenmare.

If you are looking to get a true taste of both Irish life, as well as its traditions and culture, then you absolutely must visit this hidden gem.

Explore The Traditional Farm

Molly Gallivan’s cottage & traditional farm is made up of 14 separate attractions that would have functioned as a working farm over 200 years ago.

Such attractions include Molly’s cottage, the farmland, Poitin Still, Famine Ruin, and the Neolithic Stone Row (which dates back to between 2000 and 3000 BC).

Of course, there are smaller attractions such as the duck pond, the garden, and the well. The first of these smaller attractions are very popular with younger guests at Molly Gallivans.

For those interested in the potato famine, you will be able to find out more when you visit the Famine Ruin.

Join One Of The Guided Tours and Demonstrations

Depending on your interests and age, there are a variety of different tours and demonstrations that you can attend whilst you visit this enchanting cottage.

For older visitors, why not join the ‘Whiskey Making and Tasting’ demonstration, which is incredibly popular?

If you are visiting with younger children, then perhaps they will enjoy meeting the large variety of farm animals on site or they could try baking Molly’s famous soda bread on the Molly’s Cottage tour.

And my final key recommendation would be to join the ‘Ancient Relics and Ruins’ tour, as you can learn about the County Kerry of the past.

A Druid statue stands in the car park and looks across a valley to the resting place of an ancient Chieftain.

Attend One Of Their Traditional Irish Evenings

If you are traveling to beautiful Ireland for the first time, and wish to fully experience the culture and customs of those that live here, then you absolutely must go to one of Molly Gallivan’s traditional Irish evenings.

These famous evenings are full of music, storytelling, laughter, and dancing.

You get to sample traditional Irish food and drink while you sit back and enjoy listening to the fascinating stories told by those around you.

Organizers invite actors, singers, musicians, and dancers, to help provide a wide variety of entertainment that will last the whole evening.

Two of the most important parts of the evening schedule are the “American Wake” and “The Home Coming” presentations.

Visit The Molly Gallivan’s Craft Shop & Old Tea Room

After a long day of exploring everything that Molly Gallivans has to offer, why not settle down in the Old Tea Rooms?

Here you will be able to sample a variety of traditional Irish dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients. You cannot beat one of these home-cooked traditional meals.

Please remember to keep in mind that if you are hoping to eat at Molly’s 200-year-old cottage for an evening meal, booking is essential.

You cannot leave this incredible attraction without visiting The Craft Shop and purchasing a keep-sake. Originally, Molly Gallivan sold her famous moonshine and hand-spun woolens.

Now you can purchase a wide variety of locally made products in this lovely gift shop. From Aran sweaters, locally made pottery, hats & scarves.

Explore The Local Area On A Hike

Whilst you are in the stunning County Kerry, you should take as many opportunities as possible to get outside in the great outdoors and explore the beautiful landscapes.

During your time at Molly Gallivan’s, there are a variety of hiking trails that you can take. There are three main loops in this area which are known as Druids Loop, Fionn MacCool Loop, and Cailleach Beara Loop.

The shortest of the three is Druids Loop. This will take you through traditional Irish farmlands and across the magnificent iron bridge over Esk Stream. There are plenty of surfaced pathways on this trail, making it perfect for beginners.

If you are looking for a route slightly bigger than the first one, but do not want to dedicate an entire day to hiking. Then the Fionn MacCool Loop will be perfect for you.

This route covers most of the area you will discover during the Druid’s Loop, but you will adventure down to Crows Nest. You will, however, still get to cross the beautiful Esk Stream, but at a different part before making your way back to the start point.

The final loop you can take is by far the longest. Cailleach Beara Loop. It encompasses the majority of the previously mentioned loops, as well as brand-new areas.

In total, the Cailleach Beara Loop is 12km long and will take you approximately 4 to 5 hours to complete.

You will explore hillsides, go cross-country, visit copper mines, and take woodland trails when you take on this adventure. If you are looking to truly explore the local area, this trail is perfect for you.

If you want to go on these fabulous trails with a storytelling guide you will have to pre-book.

Check out my web pages on the Ring of Kerry Drive, The Skellig Ring and Slea Head Drive.