Coast

The Iveragh Peninsula is bordered by Dingle Bay to the north, Kenmare Bay to the south and the open Atlantic Ocean to the west. There is no shortage of spectacular scenery along the peninsula’s 200km of coastline, where sheer cliffs grade into quiet coves, rocky shores, sheltered bays, tidal wetlands, pebble beaches, golden shores and sand dunes.

Kerry Cliffs Cave and Puffin island
Ballinskellig Castle
Derrynane from Lambs Head

Many ‘Special Protection Areas’ (SPAs) and ‘Special Areas of Conservation’ (SACs) have been designated around the coastline to protect a variety of important habitats, plants, birds and mammals:

  • Iveragh SPA

  • Valentia Harbour and Portmagee Channel SAC

  • Puffin Island SPA

  • Skelligs SPA

  • Ballinskelligs Bay and Inny Estuary SAC

  • Deenish and Scariff Islands SPA

  • Kenmare Bay SAC

Learn more about the incredible coastal geology, marine life, seashores and plant life that you will encounter here on Iveragh.

Islands of Iveragh