Ballinskelligs is a village on the south coast of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. It can be traced back to the 5th century and many historic sites and monuments can be seen in the area. It is surrounded by wild landscape and has a beautiful sandy beach.
What’s in Ballinskelligs?
The Blue Flag beach is a popular attraction especially in Summer months. On the edge of the beach is the remains of the 16th century McCarthy Mór Castle. The area has many pre-historic and early Christian ruins including Cill Rialiag, a monastic settlement with an Oratory, inscribed stones and traces of Beehive huts.
The Skellig Islands (now famous because of the Star Wars connection) lie about 13km from the villages and there are regular boat trips from the area.
Cill Rialaig Artists village is a group of old houses restored for the use of artists in a peaceful location near Ballinskelligs.
The area is at the centre of The Northern Hemisphere 1st Gold Tier Dark Skies Reserve. This means that, because of the lack of light pollution, the stars are more clearly visible than elsewhere. Watch out for Skellig Star Party in August each year.
Surfing, wind surfing and kite surfing are popular on the many beaches in the area.
Click on the images for more views of Ballinskelligs
