About the Iveragh Peninsula

The Iveragh Peninsula is a peninsula located in County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland. It has a long, rugged coastline, picturesque towns, and breathtaking natural beauty. It is home to rural but vibrant communities, and some of Ireland’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes. 

The Kerry Way walking route encircles the peninsula and numerous waymarked trails allow walkers to explore the jagged peaks of the McGillicuddy’s Reeks mountain range, the varied coastline, and everything in between. 

The famous Ring of Kerry road has been a popular driving and cycling route for many years and it offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside, passing through or near many of the picturesque villages of the region including Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel and Sneem. Each of these has a distinct offering as a place to stay and explore.

As well as outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports, the peninsula has a rich cultural offering that includes traditional Irish music and dance, gaeltacht communities where the Irish language is still spoken, and the opportunity to engage with wildlife, history and heritage that stretches back millions of years.

Geological History

The Iveragh peninsula that we see today originated approximately 385 million years ago, south of the equator, in a vast arid landscape. From the water at the edge of this region, one of the first animals to ever walk on land emerged. Discover the origins of the rocks beneath us and the evidence of this momentous leap towards life on land in the geology section of the website and explore its history with our geotrails.

Skelligs

History & Heritage

The Iveragh Peninsula has a long and rich history that spans thousands of years. The area has been inhabited for at least 5,000 years, and there are many ancient sites and ruins throughout the peninsula that attest to its long history. Explore the story of the monks who lived on Skellig Michael through the Skellig Way trail guide.

One of the most significant historical sites on the Iveragh Peninsula is the Skellig Michael, a rocky island located off the coast of the peninsula. The island is home to a monastic settlement that was founded by Irish Christian monks in the 6th or 7th century. The monks lived in beehive-shaped stone huts and built several small chapels on the island. The site was abandoned in the 12th century, but it remains an important historical and cultural site and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even if you don’t make it onto the island (not a trip to be taken lightly!), the islands are visible from along the Skellig Coast.

As well as having a rich mining heritage that began in the bronze age with the mining of copper locally, and being home to some significant characters from Irish political history such as Daniel O’Connell, there are many colourful characters who make up the tapestry of Iveragh’s cultural heritage including some of its historical women such as Maude Delap, Albinia Brodrick and others.

Rossbeigh Spit

Although Iveragh is home to modern and well-connected communities, there is still space for wildlife on the peninsula. The landscape has been shaped by changing agricultural practices for many years, with some of the older farming landscapes still hosting species that are rare elsewhere, such as the Red-billed chough. The coast and uplands are important for many bird species across the year – winter visitors feed here during the mild winters and summer breeders arrive here with the long spring days for the abundance of food and nesting sites. 

Wildlife & Landscape

The coastline itself is not just beautiful, it is wonderfully colourful and diverse throughout the year. Wildlife enthusiasts can spend their days watching whales and dolphins from dramatic headlands or searching for an array of animals and seaweeds in other-worldly rockpools.

The mild climate of Iveragh means that the plant life here is quite special. Plant hunters can explore lush Atlantic rainforests, spot iconic lusitanian flora, watch the coast burst into colour in spring time, or discover the wonderful world of blanket bog flora that includes the carnivorous sundew.

Whatever your interests, there is always something to discover on Iveragh!

Plan Your Trip

The Iveragh Peninsula - a magical mixture of panoramic views, a wealth of biodiversity, archaeology and authentic Irish culture. Situated on the wild Atlantic way in south Kerry, Ireland.

Discover Iveragh!

  • For more ideas of places to visit on your trip to Iveragh, click here to see some example Itineraries.

  • Click here to find out how to get to Iveragh peninsula and to see some example travel itineraries to help you plan your trip!

  • Each town and village across the peninsula has its own identity, charm, and reasons to visit. However, they are linked by the beauty of their surroundings and the wildlife, heritage, and history of the Iveragh peninsula. Throughout the year, the highlights of each location change in line with the seasons. Whatever season you visit, you're sure to find spectacular scenery and a warm welcome. Read more about our Towns & Villages here.

  • More details coming soon.

  • Click here to find out more about the history of the area and what makes Iveragh so special.