Farranfore brings together an early Victorian railway station, a distinctive transport heritage and two Slí-na-Sláinte routes of different lengths. Kerry Airport is also located in Farranfore. If you’re looking for accommodation in the town, you can plan your trip around railway history, route distances and other destinations in the wider destination of County Kerry.
Railway history and Railway Park
Farranfore railway station is an early Victorian station dating from 1859 and is still in use. The water tower at Farranfore Junction is the centrepiece of Farranfore Railway Park. The old platform and turntable are beside the current Farranfore Railway Station. Here, historic railway features stand alongside a station that remains operational.
Farranfore has a long history as a transport hub. The Farranfore–Valentia line is also mentioned in connection with transport history. A 2023 annual report describes Farranfore Transport History & Amenity Park as a public green space that highlights the area’s transport history. Facilities and displays may change.
Comparing the two Slí-na-Sláinte routes
The green Farranfore Slí-na-Sláinte route covers 2.3 km, or 4.6 km there and back. At 1.2 km, or 2.4 km there and back, the red route is the shorter option. You can compare the two routes by their stated distances. Signage and route conditions may change; check them before setting out.
Getting there and finding your way
Kerry Airport is located in Farranfore and offers good connections to Killarney, Tralee and Dingle. Farranfore railway station is the rail connection for Kerry Airport listed in national rail services. Flight schedules, operators and travel arrangements may change, so check current flight and rail connections before travelling.
The car park by the railway water tower is directly off the N22. Parking arrangements may change; check the current parking situation before travelling.
Outdoor activities based in Farranfore
Roam Wild is a family-run outdoor adventure and training company based in Farranfore. In County Kerry, it offers guided mountain hikes, outdoor climbing and training courses. Advance booking is required for these activities; they may change.
County Kerry: Landscape and heritage
The wider destination of County Kerry offers a distinct perspective on landscape and culture. Killarney National Park covers 10,000 hectares of lakes, mountains and forests. Killarney’s three main lakes lie in a broad valley within the national park. The Ring of Kerry is a scenic circular drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. It is the largest of Kerry’s Atlantic peninsulas, extending 60 kilometres from the mainland into the ocean and measuring 32 kilometres across. Check road conditions and seasonal traffic before setting out.
The Blasket Centre in Dunquin is a heritage centre and museum that tells the story of the Blasket Islands and the Irish-speaking community that lived there until the mid-20th century. Refurbished interactive exhibitions and a fully accessible cliff-top viewing platform add to this cultural offering. Another heritage site, Gallarus Oratory, is a state-owned National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works. Access via a public path is free; check before travelling whether access arrangements have changed.
Discover more destinations: Killorglin, Mastergeehy, Fybagh, Glencar, Tralee, Kenmare, Feohanagh, Castleisland
For the wider travel overview: County Kerry.
