The protection of biodiversity and heritage is the core aim of the establishment of Ireland’s first and only Marine National Park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí. The new park covers an estimated 77,000 acres off the Kerry coast and on the land. Sites of historical, cultural and ecological significance are now joined together for conservation, protection and research.
Places to Visit, Places to Protect
The establishment of Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí showcases the national and international significance of Co. Kerry as a key site for international biodiversity, heritage and cultural conservation. Sites incorporated into the new Marine National Park include: the Valentia Tetrapod Trackway, Inch Sand Dunes, Puffin Island Nature Reserve and SPA, Abbey Island, Little Skellig Nature Reserves, the Skelligs SPA, the Kerry Head Shoal, Owenmore River Valley, Mount Brandon Nature Reserve, marine areas of the Blasket Islands SAC, OPW Lands on an Bhlascaoid Mór / Great Blasket Island, An Tiaracht Nature Reserve and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sceilg Mhicíl / Skellig Michael.
Current sites within the new Marine National Park which are open to visitors include Ionad an Bhlascaoid (open 9 March - November) and Derrynane House & Gardens (open 15 March - December) and the Valentia Tetrapod Trackway. Visits to Sceilg Mhicíl / Skellig Michael are carefully managed and more information can be found here. Many people will be familiar with the Conor Pass which is a driving route between Dingle and Tralee, and it is just one part of the Owenmore River Valley site, a gateway to the area of Cloghane on the northern side of the Dingle Peninsula.
RTE Nationwide Feature
Heritage You Can Experience
Derrynane National Historic Park is located at the very westerly tip of the Iveragh Peninsula in Co. Kerry. Sheltered within the woodland stands Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, lawyer, politician and statesman, and one of the great figures in modern Irish history.
Today some 120 hectares (300 acres) of the lands of Derrynane, together with Derrynane House, can be explored and now situated within Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí, generations to come can marvel at the natural beauty and historical significance of Derrynane as it held a special place in O'Connel's heart.
Ionad an Bhlascaoid will take you on an incredible voyage back to the time when the Blasket Islands were inhabited by communities who live on in our memories through their literature, customs and culture. Take the time to visit this special place where you will find a stunning view of the Blasket Sound at one of the Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point viewing platforms.
Perched along the scenic Slea Head Drive with breathtaking views of the wild Atlantic…
Where to Stay, When to Go?
Base yourself in the regions of Corca Dhuibhne / Dingle Peninsula (often known as West Kerry) or Úibh Ráthaigh / Iveragh Peninsula (also known as South Kerry), to experience walks along the Dingle Way or Kerry Way near to these sites of protection and visitor experiences, and immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions of these Irish speaking regions, known as Gaeltachts. Festivals and events take place in these regions throughout the year, from the Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival to Féile na Bealtaine.
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