All Things Kerry

by John Van den Bergh in collaboration with Hugh Jordan and Judith Bruno
Copyright © 2003 Kerry Blue Terrier Foundation

When we hear the word "Kerry" we immediately think of our beloved dog breed. However, some Irish folks may think of different things.

When a farmer in County Kerry is talking about "his Kerries" he is not talking about his dogs but his cows. The Kerry cow is a medium size, dark brown bovine, with short legs to handle the steep hills of County Kerry.

Some people eat Kerry Blues. In Ireland there are many varieties of blue potatoes. They look more purple than blue, but they are a distict variety.

There is a breed of sheep whose owners tell the same story about a sheep swimming ashore after a ship sank of the cost of England at the time of the Spanish armada (rings any bells?) This was on an Irish television program and reported by Hugh Jordan.

Hugh Jordan also reports: "You may be interested to know of a flower that grows in Kerry called The Kerry Lilly (simethis planifolia). The only place in Ireland that this plant grows is in the Ring of Kerry. This plant also grows in Spain, France and Italy. They think that it came across on wine casks that were smuggled ashore along the Kerry coast. (or maybe it came ashore with a Spanish dog)."

The Kerry Pony is a distinct breed of pony. It became almost extinct in 1994. That was also the year the breed was certified as a distinct breed. A herd is building up in County Kerry. More info on the Kerry Bog Pony.

Hugh also has reports of a Kerry Slug, but no details are available. (If you have some information, please let me know.)

Hugh Jordan informs us that for a short time in Ireland there was also a variety of cigarettes called Kerry Blues.

A carton of Kerries

Judith Bruno reports that in the seventies, "The Kerrry Blues" was an Irish pop band?
Photo 1, Photo 2

Judith Bruno reports that Mikasa has a pattern called Kerry Blue, but it is not a dog.

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Last Update: 03/25/07, 12:22:20  Terms of Use and Disclaimer.