Baile an Sceilg
Ballinskelligs
The beach at Ballinskelligs is beautiful to visit at any time of year.
Ballinskelligs is best known for its beautiful coastline and sheltered beach, which is worth a visit in any season. Visit the village, Dún Géagáin, to have a chat as gaeilge in the pub or to see what art exhibitions are being run in the local gallery.
The ruins of the 12th century abbey built by the monks who had inhabited the Skelligs.
As the name suggests, Ballinskelligs has retained its historical ties to the Skellig Islands. This is where the monks who lived on the Skelligs returned to the mainland to spend the winter. And in the 12th Century, when they left the island for good, Ballinskelligs is where they settled and founded the beautiful Ballinskelligs Abbey. The Abbey, McCarthy’s Castle and St. Michael’s Well are all important historical monuments that lie on the coastline. Here, they stand with the scenic Ballinskelligs Bay as the backdrop, an important ‘Special Area of Conservation’.
The area around McCarthy’s castle is haven for birds, especially in winter.
Short walks along the beaches and dunes are an excellent way of exploring these historical monuments. In winter, these walks are superb for watching our visiting waterbirds as they feed along the shore, or further out in the bay. For a longer hike, try the 12km ‘Skellig Way’ or the 9km ‘Bolus Loop Walk’ and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and birds.
Ballinskelligs is in the heart of the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve and the beach carpark is a great spot to try some stargazing on a clear night at any time of year. On dark nights in autumn, keep an eye out for the bioluminescence that makes the sea sparkle!
For more information on Ballinskelligs, see: http://www.visitballinskelligs.ie/
Skellig Ring Video
Watch this short video for inspiration and take a look at our itinerary for just some of the many things to do in and around Ballinskelligs all year. It’s a haven for birdwatchers and is off main Ring of Kerry road. It’s also a great place to practice your cúpla focal and get involved with a local community.
Some suggested activities
A group of stargazers under the Milky Way on Ballinskelligs beach