Built in 1837 as a hunting lodge and estate, Kells Bay House & Gardens (kellsbay.ie; day ticket adult/child €9.50/7.50), 13km northeast of Cahersiveen, is now home to the largest collection of tree ferns in the northern hemisphere, a miniature primeval rainforest that thrives in the mild, humid microclimate of coastal Kerry. The exotic gardens sprawl over 17 hectares and incorporate a waterfall, a beach and varied walking trails decorated with dinosaurs carved from fallen trees. Ireland's longest rope bridge, the 33.5m Skywalk, sways 11m above the swirling River Delligeenagh.
Walled kitchen gardens provide ingredients for the gardens' unexpectedly authentic Sala Thai restaurant and cafe. There's also luxury B&B accommodation in Kells Bay House .
