Portmagee and The Skellig Islands

Kerry

Copyright: ghotion/Shutterstock.com

DESTINATIONS ireland killarney Do & See Portmagee and The Skellig Islands

Portmagee and The Skellig Islands

An extraordinary, far-flung place of pilgrimage lies on the very edge of Ireland. Skellig Michael was built 1300 years ago by early Christian monks. At the time, this jagged ocean crag was the limit of the known world. This mysterious and awe-inspiring place, described by George Bernard Shaw as “part of our dream world”, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Weather-permitting, daring adventurers can reach this place on a small boat from Portmagee. Portmagee was the winner of Ireland’s first ever Tourism Town Award in 2012. Known for its small family-run businesses, local food producers, artists, and atmospheric pubs with peat fires and traditional music sessions, this is a peaceful and interesting place for visitors of all ages. Across the bridge there is the Skelligs Experience Visitor Centre, where you can follow an audio-visual tour recreating the magic of the Skellig region.

Do & See

The ancient Kingdom of Kerry lies on the very edge of Europe - once believed to be the edge of the world, “Next parish, Manhattan” is a local phrase. This far-flung place is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lively towns with a strong traditional culture combine with some of the world's most beautiful coastline scenery in this unique place.

Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park

Internationally renowned, Killarney National Park encompasses the three Lakes of Killarney. Overlooked by mountains and covered in the most extensive native forest remaining in Ireland, this is a place of great natural beauty as well as scientific interest. It has the only red deerherd on mainland Ireland and is a special area of conservation. …

Muckross Abbey

Muckross Abbey is a major ecclesiastical site situated within Killarney National Park. Remarkably preserved, it was founded by Dónal McCarthy Mór in 1448 as a Franciscan friary. In the centre is a yew tree said to be as old as the Abbey …

Torc Waterfall

Where the Owengarriff River cascades through the wooded Friar’s Glen into Muckross Lake, you will find Torc Waterfall. A pretty path winds to the top of this 18m high waterfall looking out at stunning views of Torc …

The Kerry Bog Village

The Kerry Bog Village

View a snapshot of Irish life in 18th & 19th Kerry. Meet bog ponies, Irish wolfhounds and wild mountain goats in this award winning Agritourism centre on the ring of Kerry …

Derrynane House

Derrynane House

Derrynane House is the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, and showcases memorabilia from the life and career of this famous statesman. Known as "The Liberator", O'Connell promoted Irish Emancipation and is a key figure in 18th-19th century history. Situated in Derrynane National Historic Park, the grounds boast 120 hectares of parklands and 1.5 km …

Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium

Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium

Located right by the sea, Dingle Oceanworld offers visitors a chance to learn more about the creatures which live so close by.. With over 1,000 species of marine life, including penguins, sharks, Loggerhead turtles, piranhas, as well as other native and tropical species, this family-friendly underwater world is ripe for exploration. Bonus: the aquarium …

Aqua Dome

The Aqua Dome is one of Ireland’s largest indoor water worlds and offers tropical temperatures all year round. A visit to the Aqua Dome is a great idea for a day out with all the …

Blennerville Windmill

Blennerville Windmill

Ireland’s largest working windmill, Blennerville Windmill was built in the 19th century and great lengths have been taken to restore it to its original grandeur. Weather-permitting, visitors may join guided tours to see the windmill. The Visitor Centre contains a multi-lingual exhibition and audio-visual …

Crag Cave

Crag Cave is a magical wonderland of stalagmites & stalactites, thought to be over one million years old. Here you'll find tours, a gift shop, a garden café, the Crazy Cave Play Centre and Kingdom Falconry, a new addition to Crag …

Ross Castle

Ross Castle is a classic 15th century, with square bartizans on diagonally opposite corners and a thick end wall containing a tier of chambers and winding …

Gap of Dunloe

A breathtaking passage between the MacGillicuddy's Reeks and the Purple Mountain, the Gap of Dunloe was formed 2 million years ago by glacial movements. The area lends itself to exciting activities such as hiking and climbing, cycling, boat tours, horse riding and pony and trap rides. Guided tour options are available. This is truly …

Staigue Fort

More than 2,500 years old, Staigue Fort is an imposing circular stone fort. One of the largest ring forts in Ireland, it has a diameter of 27 metres, a square-headed doorway and two small chambers and stairways that lead to the top. This impressive structure has withstood the passing of time, although its history …

Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm

Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm

Experience the rustic and simple lifestyle of rural Ireland before the days of electricity and modern conveniences. This enchanting cottage is over 200 years old, and is home to various animals, such as fowls. Learn about the life of Molly Gallivan, a resourceful widow who supported her seven children by subsistence farming, weaving, and …

Celtic and Prehistoric Museum

Celtic and Prehistoric Museum

This local archaeological museum houses over 500 artifacts from the Stone, Bronze and Celtic Iron Ages, as well as Viking, Roman and Saxon antiquities. Among other things, it contains a dinosaur skeleton and a mammoth …

Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours

Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours

In 1983, a wild Bottlenose Dolphin named Fungie chose Dingle Harbour as its home. Boat trips leave Dingle Pier all day, every day, in order to see this very friendly dolphin wild and free in its natural …

The Blasket Islands

The Blasket Islands

Off Slea Head – the most westerly tip of the Dingle Peninsula – lies a deserted archipelago with a poignant past: the mystical Blasket Islands, now an emblem of the Irish history of emigration. Anchor a boat in the Blasket Sound on the edge of Europe, climb to the top of An Blascaod Mór, …

Portmagee and The Skellig Islands

Portmagee and The Skellig Islands

An extraordinary, far-flung place of pilgrimage lies on the very edge of Ireland. Skellig Michael was built 1300 years ago by early Christian monks. At the time, this jagged ocean crag was the limit of the known world. This mysterious and awe-inspiring place, described by George Bernard Shaw as “part of our dream world”, …

Ireland’s Highest Mountain

Ireland’s Highest Mountain

The formidable Carrauntoohill mountain is part of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and looms at 1041m/3415 ft. On a clear day, one can admire spectacular views from its summit. Guided climbing activities usually depart from Cronin’s …

The Slea Head Drive

The Slea Head Drive

The Slea Head Drive is a scenic route circumnavigating the western end of the Dingle peninsula. It begins and ends in the town of Dingle, and cascades quaint villages, rolling fields, mountains, monuments, and, of course, the ocean. For information, you can contact the Dingle Tourist Information …

Kerry Cliffs

These rugged cliffs offer awe-inspiring views of the ocean and the Skellig Islands. Located just a short drive south of Portmagee, these cliffs are well worth the …

Waterville Golf Links

Waterville Golf Links

Ireland is a favourite of golfers the world over, and the spectacular coastal views of Kerry are the perfect backdrop for a good game. Waterville Golf Links is one of the country's most prestigious ones and conveniently situated on the Ring of …

Conor Pass

One of few mountain passes accessible by road, Conor Pass is one of Ireland's most iconic and scenic drives. Craggier and rockier than previously thought possible, walking or cycling here is an undertaking for experienced climbers only. Those who dare will be rewarded with stunning views of cliffs, lakes, and rolling …

Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs

Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs

Few hikes are so rewarding - from the summit of Geokaun Mountains, visitors can take in otherworldly views of the Skellig Islands, the Dingle Peninsula, the Blasket Islands, Beginish Island, Cahersiveen, Portmagee and MacGillycuddy's Reeks. With three viewing areas, these trails are open to hillwalkers, cyclists, or …

Gleninchaquin Park

Gleninchaquin Park

Situated in an idyllic valley, this working sheep farm offers a variety of activities from trout fishing, geology, to feeding adorable baby lambs (in Spring only!). With six walking routes designed for different levels of difficulty, this park passes through woodlands, waterfalls, rock passages and glens. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on …

Brandon Mountains

Brandon Mountains

The Brandon Mountains consist of 7 major peaks, including the 2nd highest peak in Ireland (the highest being Carrantouhill, about 2 hours drive away). Composed of Old Red Sandstone, the mountains have a distinctive red, orange and purple hues.Local lore has it that St Brendan, a 5th century Irish saint, was born here …

Dunbeg Fort & Clocháns

Dunbeg Fort & Clocháns

A striking Iron Age fort on the rocky promontory of Slea Head, it is believed that Dunbeg was constructed around 800AD. Overlooking Dingle Bay, much of the structure has been lost to the sea. Nearby clocháns or "beehive huts" are curious and fascinating structures built by reclusive Augustinian monks over one thousand years ago. …