County Kerry
Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park anchor scenic tourism—remoteness that limited industrialization now generates authenticity value while Astellas's €129M pharma investment diversifies the economy.
County Kerry leverages Ireland's most scenic landscape for tourism economy—the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, and Wild Atlantic Way sections attract international visitors seeking "authentic Ireland." This natural asset base creates service employment without requiring industrial infrastructure.
Pharmaceutical presence complements tourism: Astellas announced €129 million investment (2024) across Tralee, Killorglin, and Damastown facilities focusing on sustainability and R&D. This diversification reduces seasonal tourism dependency.
Kerry's remoteness—Ireland's southwestern corner, distant from Dublin—limited historical industrial development. This preserved landscapes that now generate tourism value. The pattern demonstrates how development absence can become competitive advantage when visitor preferences shift toward authenticity.
Dingle's Irish-speaking community (Gaeltacht area) represents cultural preservation that attracts language learners and cultural tourists. Traditional music and local food production complement scenery in tourism proposition. Kerry demonstrates how peripheral regions can achieve prosperity through amenity value rather than industrial production.