Kerry is home to a variety of Mediterranean-Lusitanian plants which flower from May until early July, some found nowhere else in Ireland, others nowhere else in Europe. The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo)is perhaps the most interesting because it is the most noticeable large plant. A member of the heather family, it is found around in our woods. Frost-tender, a few exist near Lough Gill in Co. Sligo but it thrives in Kerry, then not again until one reaches the shores of Brittany and Southern Europe. In autumn the tree is covered with rough, red, strawberry-like berries. Other Lusitanian plants common to the area include the Greater Butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora) with deep purple hooded flowers leaning forward on four to six inch stems and a yellowish rosette of leaves. These sticky leaves curl up at the edges to devour insects. Some botanists feel the Greater Butterwort is the most beautiful of the Irish flora.

For the birdwatcher, the whole area is a paradise.

The rugged coast and many estuaries host large numbers of birds throughout the year and, in winter, visitors arriving from colder climes swell the local population. Birds such as the Sanderling, which gathers in large numbers on sandy beaches from October onwards. Other birds of the estuary and shoreline include the Curlew, Oyster Catcher, Whimbrel, Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin and Heron.

Until recently the Little Egret was an uncommon visitor, but now numbers are increasing and it is quite possible that they are breeding here. If you see a small, pure white, heron-like bird poking about in the mud or standing sentry, like its larger relative, that's the Little Egret. Two other scarce species of bird that can still be seen fairly often are the Chough and the Hen Harrier. The Chough is a member of the crow family and is easily recognisable by its bright red legs and bill. In flight it shows broad wings with finger-like feathers at the end. It is a bird of the rugged coast, nesting on cliffs and even in cliff caves.