Things To Do & Places To See
Around Ballinskelligs and the Ring of Kerry

This part of Ireland has so much to offer the visitor. Whether you are a first time visitor or frequently return to this area, there is always something going on and something new to see. This page gives you just a taste of things to do and places to go - for young and old alike - so please take the time to browse through it and plan what you are going to do.

Sand, Sea and Fun

Ballinskelligs offers the visitor a variety of Water Sports including surfing, sailing, diving, kayaking as well as boat trips to the Skelligs from Ballinskelligs Pier. Swimming and water safety lessons are available at the Blue Flag Ballinskelligs beach and several other local beaches throughout July and August.

Check www.visitballinskelligs.ie for schedule details.

Water sports and other activity providers can also be found in Valentia, Cahersiveen Marina and Caherdaniel.

For the Outdoor Life

Childrens Activity Providers

There are many children's activity Providers and full details can be found on www.visitballinskelligs.ie.

Places to Visit in Ballinskelligs

Ballinskelligs McCarthy Tower

Reputedly a McCarthy Stronghold and known locally as Ballinskelligs Castle, the ruin of this tower house, possibly 16th century in date, is positioned on an isthmus stretching out into Ballinskelligs bay on its western shoreline. This was built on the isthmus to defend the place from pirates.

Cill Rialaig Art Centre Ballinskelligs

Regular exhibitions are held by nationally and internationally renowned artists in a purpose-built Art Gallery. With excellent restaurant and art shop on site, many works are for sale by artists who have stayed at the Artist’s Retreat in Cill Rialig.

St. Michael’s Well, Dún Gégan, Ballinskelligs

The water of the well was thought to have miraculous powers from the mid 18th century. St. Michael’s Feast day is on the 29th September. It is called the Pattern or Pattern day. When the Holy Day took place, huge crowds would attend and the pilgrims stayed for two days.

Ballinskelligs Abbey

Priory of Arroasion Cannons of St. Augustine 13th Century.

Caladh an Bhád

The local pier, has been in existence for centuries and the old steps cut into the rock shows where people landed before the new pier was built. The pier was a hive of activity in olden days with more than 100 fishermen calling there daily and now during the summer months is a haven for divers.

Cill Rialaig Oramitical Site

With a ruined in Boat Shaped oratory. The ruins of two inscribed Pillars and a substantial Caisael.

UNESCO World Heritage Site SKELLIG MICHAEL

The more recent discovery of a single monastic cell on the high western peak make the Skellig rocks along with their unique wildlife an ever-evolving discovery. This cell location and access has to be seen to be believed.

Passenger Boats including Covered Boats, to the Skelligs leave from Ballinskelligs Pier EVERY DAY during the season (weather permitting).

The Name ’Skellig’ - According to the Cormac’s Glossary’ the Gaelic word Skellig’ means a splinter of pointed stone’. Michael is the patron saint of high places, in addition to being known as the Archangel. The first written reference to the Skelligs comes from the Marthology of Tallagh written at the end of the 8th century, referring to a St. Suibhne of Skellig.

The monastery at Skellig Michael is located on an isolated island several miles out in the harsh Atlantic and this settlement was on a smaller scale, large enough to accommodate no more than 12 monks and an Abbot at any one time.At 600ft above sea level, the Skelligs’ location, plan and layout of the settlement all suggest that those responsible for its construction were very sophisticated. There are 2,300 steps leading up to the monastery and they link three landing places on the west, south and east of the island. Everyone who visits this island is struck by its mystical qualities and the incredible feat of construction that brought about the monastic settlement.

For those who cannot make it out to the Skelligs by boat, the Skelligs Heritage Museum in Portmagee provides a history and a virtual tour of the Skelligs.

The Glen

Also known as ST. FINAN’S BAY (BÁ FHIONÁIN).

The Glen is known for its stunning views of the Skelligs and its dramatic Surfing which draws people from around the globe.

Although well known for the Surfing, The Glen is probably best known for its Christian Ecclesiastical sites. The early christian monastic site at Killabuonia is of major interest to archaelogists though it is in poor repair. The medieval church at Keel was built near the site of St. Finan’s Monastery and was the parish church for The Glen and Portmagee for centuries.

In Ballynabloun stands Temple Cashel Oratory, a small church which was said to be used by nuns. Nearby is a walled kitchen garden on an acre of ground built by the O’Connell landlords in 1831. Keelonecaha is another Holy site and it is said there was a fight between the irish and the Danes there.

Note for history fans

There is a wonderful video called “The Edge of Europe” all about the Early Christian Monks who lived, worked and worshipped in places such as Skellig Michael, Ballinskelligs Abbey and Cill Rialaig. Available in local shops it is well worth watching.

The Glen is also home to the tiny Skelligs Chocolates where you can see chocolates being hand made on the premises and you can taste them too!

Special Events and Festivals

Throughout the year there are many local events and festivals that bring the culture and the coutryside to life. Below are some examples.

FAMILY FUNDAY SUNDAY - Last Sunday in July

A day of fun for all the family on Ballinskelligs Beach, Kayaking, Team Games and children's games like the Wheelbarrow Race and Sandcastle Competition. Check www.visitballinskelligs.ie for schedule details.

CELEBRATION OF GAELTACHT TRADITION WEEKEND - Second Weekend in July

Set and Seán Nós Dancing/Singing/Session/ Weekend with Puppet Show. Check www.visitballinskelligs.ie for schedule details.

A CELEBRATION OF THE SKELLIGS - First Weekend in September

Workshops and displays in Photography, Ceramics, Glass, Animation and Art will be held over Saturday and Sunday.Venue : Cill Rialaig Centre/Barbara’s Café. Check www.visitballinskelligs.ie for schedule details.

ST MICHAEL'S PATTERN

Patrún Mhichíl is a three day Festival in September celebrating Ballinskelligs’ Patron Saint, the Archangel Michael. St. Michael’s Feastday is September 29th so the festival is set around this date every year.

Activities are varied including pilgrimage to St.Michael’s Well, football, music, guided walks, talks and special Feastday Mass. Although the events of the feastday are the same every year (see below), the rest of the program (guided walks, talks etc.) changes every year. Check www.visitballinskelligs.ie for schedule details.

Ballinskelligs Regatta

A celebration for rowing enthusiasts with the highlight being the unique 'Seine Boat' Race. Held every August. Check www.visitballinskelligs.ie for schedule details.

Country Market

Country Market at Barbara’s Beach Café every Sunday from 11am - 4pm June/July/August. Featuring lots of local produce, homebaking, tasty food, crafts, antiques, books, jewellery and much more besides, live music - if you can play an instrument, bring it along and join in with local musicians.

Full Day Trips

A range of full day trips are available - on land or sea - to help you discover more about this amazing part of Ireland:

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