Anybody who has ever visited Co. Kerry understands why Kerry people are some of the proudest you’ll ever meet.

Rolling hills with spectacular views and countless magical beaches waiting to be explored, all right next to the mighty Atlantic Ocean, make every local and visitor alike fall in love with the place. Indeed, Kerry has even lured mega-movie "Star Wars" to its shores.

So great is the Kingdom that Lonely Planet has ranked the county as the second best place in Europe to go on a family holiday, losing out only to Kent in England.

In their Best in Europe 2015, Lonely Planet describes this mystical part of Ireland as “mysterious islands off a craggy coastline; mist-wreathed mountains and lakes; castles, abbeys and other ruins to explore … no wonder Co. Kerry appeals to the imagination of travelers of all ages.”

With attractions for all members of the family, they say, “This wild part of Ireland is perfect for children (and adults) with a sense of adventure. If you’re visiting during the summer months, test their sea legs on the short ferry to Great Blasket Island.

“Or, for older would-be sailors, take the boat to the Skelligs; admire the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean during a horse ride along Rossbeigh Beach or let your water babes sign up for surf school; take an epic journey through Killarney National Park, where the Gap of Dunloe trip combines a boat trip with walking, cycling or a pony and trap,” it continues.

The 105 miles of the Ring of Kerry gets a special mention with its “attractions every few miles,” as do Killarney National Park and the Dingle Peninsula. Top of the list, however, is the 30-year-old tourist attraction, Fungie, the bottlenose dolphin.

The list ranking is another great boost for Kerry tourism, already enjoying the success of the Wild Atlantic Way.

“Kerry doesn’t get due credit for the quality and variety of the product we offer families, both home and abroad,” said spokesman for the Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels’ Federation, Michael Rosney.

“Lonely Planet has an excellent track record and reputation and this is very welcome news.’’

Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons also welcomed the news, noting that the ranking will give Tourism Ireland another way to market Kerry.

He also noted that the Conde Nast Traveller list, ranked the three Aran islands, Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer as fourth in the list of the top scenic islands in the world.

Have you visited Kerry on a family holiday? Leave your stories in the comments section below.

H/T: Irish Examiner