Activities in and around Ballinskelligs
Golf Courses
There are many Golf Courses within easy reach of Skellig Cottages properties.
These include Waterville Links (where Tiger Woods once played) , Hogs Head Golf, and Dooks Golf Club at Glenbeigh.
For those who like Walking
There are many walks available from short walks to Ballinskelligs Abbey (Skellig Monks Trail) to longer walks linking Ballinskelligs to Bolus Head (The Skellig Way) a cliff top short walk just off Reenroe Beach and many more .
Ballinskelligs Blue Flag Beach
Ballinskelligs beach is 1.0 Km of immaculate sandy beach lying in Ballinskelligs Bay
Overlooked by Mc Carthys Castle. Separated from Ballinskelligs pier by Ballinskelligs Abbey, the beach is one of the best kept secrets in South Kerry and has been a favourite with local families for many years.
- Internationally Environmental Recognition Blue Flag beach
- Life guards on duty during summer months
- Toilet Facilities
- Running water
- Ample parking with 50 space car park
- Coffee shop adjacent beach
Reenroe Beach
Just a short distance from the village you will find Reenroe Beach, where when the tide is out you will see the remains Bog Oaks buried for many years by the sea. Reenroe is a long and easily walkable beach , a good sport popular with Anglers and Surfers. For real surfing St Finians bay in The Glen ( a short drive from Ballinskelligs is the place to go.
Dark Sky Reserve
Ballinskelligs is at the heart of the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve and with its unpolluted skies offers fantastic viewing of the night sky , you will see spectacular views of the Milky Way and more. Most people dont realise how many stars there are in the sky. Looking out over Ballinskelligs Bay gives you amazing sunsets and speactacular night skies, our premium cottage has a telescope available to make the most of these amazing skies.
Gaeltacht Summer Course (Irish Language learning)
Baile ’n Sceilg (in Irish) is a Gaeltacht region, where you can hear Irish spoken by the locals. It’s taught in the schools and is promoted in order to maintain its rich heritage and history. You can take courses here in the summer.See below)
Coláiste Mhichíl was established in 2017 to revive the tradition of a former Irish language summer course in the beautiful Gaeltacht area of Ballinskelligs along the Wild Atlantic Way. The Coláiste is co-educational, non-denominational and provides a two week Irish language DAY cúrsa in July for students from 8 to 18 years old.
Watersports Activities
There are Watersports activities that operate on Ballinskelligs Beach during the summer. Swimming, Kayaking and more . Ballinskelligs Blue Flag beach also has Lifeguards on duty during summer months.
Ballinskellig Heritage Centre
Learn all about Ballinskellings in our Heritage centre, situated at the top of Dungaegan.
Boat Trips to Skellig Islands
Skelligs Landing Tours
We are the only operators to depart from Ballinskelligs a way point on the Wild Atlantic Way, and the land base of the Skellig Monks.
Where to find us.
Amenities in and around Ballinskelligs
Cafe Cois Tra / Kerry Images
Cafe Cois Trá is located by Ballinskelligs Beach in the heart of
Ballinskelligs on the Skellig Ring, part of the Skellig Coast Region (One of the Top Ten Destinations in the world to visit in 2017 as awarded by Lonely Planet). Cafe Cois Trá is the main Retail Outlet and home of Kerry Images. The cafe is also home to Local crafts, knitwear and artisan food products are also available. The cafe also provides Free WiFi for its visitors.
The cafe (open from March to end of October) serves Home Baking – Breakfast, lunch and all day snacks , Piazza’s, ice cream with freshly made produce.
A special Beach capable Wheelchair is available to loan from the cafe.
Atlantic Grill
Fresh fish and chips, Burgers etc serverd each evening during the summer months. We are situated opposite Cable O Learys Bar
Tigh Rosie Bar
A tradittional irish Bar with great music situated in the heart of Dungaegan
Blue Bay Cafe
Located close to Cable O learys Bar , serving meals indoor and outdoors weather permitting throughout the summer.
Browns Shop
Our local convenience store and Post Office situated just outside Dungaegan village.