Restaurant prices in one of the country's most popular tourism destinations are the cause of widespread dissatisfaction and were "worse than expected" among a significant proportion of tourists, according to one of the most detailed ever surveys of tourists to Kerry.
All age groups expressed dissatisfaction with restaurant prices, the survey of almost 1,000 tourists in 13 centres in Kerry over a 10-week period found.
As many as one in five tourists of all nationalities suggested that prices were "worse than they had expected". Overall, 26.8 per cent found restaurant prices "unexpectedly high".
Only the wealthier visitors in the sample indicated a "better than expected experience".
The price of accommodation fared better in the survey carried out by the Catering and Tourism Department of the Institute of Technology Tralee and commissioned by the Kerry County Development Board.
Compared to the dissatisfaction with restaurant prices, only 11.2 per cent found prices of accommodation worse than expected. Over a quarter found the price of accommodation in Kerry "less than good".
As with other surveys nationally roads and signposting and traffic management were generally criticised by tourists.
Americans and German tourists were best pleased and the Italian tourist was least happy with the Kerry holiday.
However, the overwhelming majority - 98 per cent - would recommend Kerry as a holiday destination to others. And almost all said they would return to the county.
Kerry's main attractions were still its scenery, and natural beauty with culture, history and music also important factors. The overwhelming majority of tourists to Kerry (80 per cent) engaged in sightseeing.
Visits to the Gaeltacht areas were also considered a highlight, however, there was a lack of awareness among overseas visitors about Kerry's two Gaeltacht regions.
Pub entertainment was the most popular and enjoyable and most night-time entertainment in Kerry was pub based, the survey found.