Discover some of the many reasons to explore Iveragh in spring including the dawn chorus, wild flowers blooming in the hedgerows, long days and perfect weather for hiking, biking, walking, or just enjoying the wildlife and the views.
Autumn is one of the best times to explore Iveragh. Avoid the summer crowds and hit the trails for some of the best hiking and biking you’ll find anywhere. The golden beaches are matched by gold on the hills, as autumn hues blanket the region and the air fills with winter wetland birds calling as they migrate to our shores for winter. With the wild Atlantic and the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve as your backdrop, there are many reasons to discover Iveragh in autumn.
From golden sandy beaches to rocky shores and towering cliffs, Iveragh’s coastline is wild and beautiful. Inland, Atlantic rainforests, varied farmland, boggy peatlands, freshwater rivers and lakes link the mountains to the sea. Explore these habitats at any time of year and discover the very special plants and animals that inhabit Iveragh.
Bogs, estuaries, marshes, the Iveragh peninsula in south Kerry has a range of beautiful wetlands full of wildlife and birdsong. Wherever you visit - the wild Atlantic coast, or the beautiful uplands, there is a wetland to explore.
With it's long coastline stretching out into the Atlantic, the Iveragh Peninsula in Kerry is a great place to look for whales and dolphins from land. Surrounded by Dingle Bay, Kenmare Bay, and the open ocean and with numerous headlands and islands, wherever you are on Iveragh, you won't be far from the sea. In this video, a marine biologist will give you hints and tips about watching from land.
The Iveragh Peninsula in south Kerry is home to Ireland's only native reptile: the common lizard. These small, shy animals are found in our stone walls, bogs, dunes, and farmland. Learn about them here and then keep an eye out when you're out exploring Iveragh!
The Iveragh peninsula is home to the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, which makes it a haven for helpful, insect-eating bats. Since this video was produced, the whiskered bat has been recorded on Iveragh, which means that all 9 Irish species are present on the peninsula! Learn about where to find bats, how to identify them, and listen to some of their echolocating calls.
At any time of year, there are many iconic plants and animals to discover on the Iveragh Peninsula. From migrating birds, carnivorous bog plants, colourful pollinators and secretive toads, it was difficult to select a top 10.
The Iveragh peninsula in South Kerry is a haven for birds who live in the many habitats on the peninsula, who visit to feed for the mild winter, or who come here to breed during the summer. Many others pass over on their long migrations in spring and autumn. Wetlands, uplands, freshwater, low intensity farmland, woodland, offshore islands and the Atlantic coastline offer spectacular opportunities for birdwatching on Iveragh.
There is always something new to discover as the vibrant community develop murals, statues, parks, and gardens. ‘An tSnaidhm’ is ‘the knot’ as Gaeilge, and this picturesque village, surrounded by dramatic mountains and divided in two by a river, sits right on the shores of Kenmare Bay. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll between the town squares, a hike along one of the nearby trails, some insights into Iveragh’s turbulent geological past, or to enjoy lively pubs and restaurants, it’s worth taking the time to discover Sneem on the Iveragh peninsula in south Kerry.
Discover spectacular cliffs, big surf, wildlife, idyllic beaches, sheltered bays, and island-dotted views on Valentia and the Skellig Ring, which takes in Portmagee, St Finan's Bay, and Ballinskelligs. This wild Atlantic coastline is steeped in the history of the Transatlantic Cable, stories of ancient monks, and is the perfect place to learn a ‘cupla focal’ as Gaeilge. The views are spectacular, with the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Skellig Islands on the horizon and the twinkling stars of the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve overhead.
Bus, bike, hike...there are many ways to explore the townlands of Waterville and Caherdaniel, which are neighbours on either side of the viewpoint on the Coomakista pass between Ballinskelligs and Kenmare Bays. Look out for whales and dolphins from land or experience the hills and woodlands changing colours from vibrant green in spring to rusty reds in autumn.
With mountains, lakes, beaches, woods, rivers, and villages to discover, you'll need plenty of time to immerse yourself in the culture, geology, and hospitality of this corner of the Iveragh peninsula in Kerry that includes Lough Currane and Derrynane.
The largest town on Iveragh, Cahersiveen translates from ‘Cathair Saidhbhín', meaning "Little Sadhbh's stone ringfort”. Surrounded by mountains where the river Ferta meets the sea, this vibrant town is a great base from which to explore the northern coast of Iveragh.
You’ll find beaches, walking trails, watersports, and ancient stone forts. Explore the Beentee Loop, Cahergall Fort many more. The town centre has plenty of local craft shops, bars, and restaurants, and hosts music festivals and events throughout the year.
Maude Jane Delap lived on Valentia Island, off the Iveragh peninsula, Co. Kerry, in south west Ireland. Surrounded by the wild Atlantic coastline, she dedicated her life to studying the wildlife around her. Her whole family, and especially her sister Constance, were avid naturalists and made many important contributions to science, but Maude was particularly interested in marine biology and the study of jellyfish and microscopic plankton.
The Iveragh peninsula in south Kerry has a long and fascinating history, which began over 385 million years ago south of the equator. Discover how this rugged sandstone peninsula was formed, eroded, and came to be situated in the wild north Atlantic on the edge of Europe where there is still evidence of some of the first animals to ever walk on land.