Gallarus Castle and Oratory,
Gallarus, Baille na nGall, Co. Kerry
10km from Dingle (R559), Gallarus Castle was built by the FitzGeralds and is probably 15th century in date. It is one of the few surviving castles on the Dingle peninsula. It is a four-storey tower with a vaulted ceiling on the fourth floor; none of its battlements remain.
Conservation works have been undertaken at the castle in recent years and the interior is fully accessible. The tower was accessed originally on the 1st floor and there was a two storey defensive structure to the front, now gone but evidence of it can be seen on the external wall.
Restricted access for visitors with disabiltiies. No car parking at site.
Gallarus Oratory: One of the most famous landmarks on the Dingle Peninsula and situated close to Gallarus Castle. The Oratory is completely made of stone and some way it resembles an upturned boat. Various dates have been suggested for its construction but an exact date for same is not available. It is extremely well preserved and several archeological artifacts are to be found on the grounds of the Oratory. The Oratory and grounds are carefully maintained by the OPW.
Opening Hours: 2nd Jun - 31st Aug, 10.00 to 18.00
Admission Free
Facilities: Very limited public parking. A privately owned car park and other facilities including toilets are situated next to the Oratory. There is a charge for using these private facilities - use of the Heritage Card cannot apply.
Tel: +353 64 6632402
Web: www.HeritageIreland.ie/GallarusCastleAndOratory
Killarney National Park, Muckross House, Muckross, Killarney, Co.Kerry
Admission Free to National Park but Muckross House & Gardens and Muckross Traditional Farms are chargeable.
Killarney National Park - 6.5km from Killarney on N71 (Kenmare Road) the Killarney National Park comprises of 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of beautiful lake and mountain scenery.
Killarney National Park is famous for its' native natural habitats and species including oakholly woods, yew woods and red deer. With 26,000 Acres of "free to roam" Killarney National Park surrounded by Kerry's wonderful landscapes and wilderness.
The National Park Visitor Centre (located at Muckross House) and the Information Point at Torc Waterfall provide information on all aspects of the park. Access for visitors with disabilities to The Visitor Centre.
Guided Tours: Self-guiding trails - Leaflet in English, Irish, French, German, Italian.
Audio Visual Presentation: "Mountain, Wood, Water".
Seating: 70 - Duration: 20 minutes - Languages: English, Irish, French, German
Visitor Centre Open: Oct - Mid Mar: On request. / Mid Mar - Sept: Daily 09.00 - 17.30
Information Point at the Gate Lodge, Killarney House:
Jun - Mid Sep: Daily 09.30 - 17.30 daily
Facilities: Exhibition, toilets, disabled toilet, gardens, craft shop, car/coach parks. Universal access to Muckross House.
Muckross House coffee shop and full restaurant with wine license, seating 170.
Dini's Cottage: Tearooms. Open May - Sept: Daily 09.00 - 18.00
Deenagh Lodge: Tearooms. Open Mid Mar - Oct: Daily 10.00 - 18.00
Tel: +353 64 6631440 / +353 64 6631947
Web: www.killarneynationalpark.ie/
Listowel Castle, The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry
The construction date of the earliest castle at Listowel dates to the 13th century but the present castle was probably built in the 15th century by the FitzMaurices.
The castle stands in Listowel town centre on an elevation on a steep bank, overlooking the river Feale, above the location of a strategic ford. A substantial part of the front of the castle survives consisting of two large, square towers of four storeys, standing almost to the original height of 15.3 metres, connected by a wall of the same height and linked together by an arch on one side.
A major programme of conservation works has been undertaken at the castle including the provision of an external staircase to allow public access to the upper levels.
Open 19th May - 31st Aug daily 09.30 - 17.30 / Last admission 45 minutes before closing / Average length of visit: 1 hour
Admission Free but by guided tour only (Videos/cameras are not permitted on tour) / Maximum number 12 / Duration: 40 minutes /
Please note site is very restricted and can only accommodate groups of 12. All tour groups must pre-book.
Please telephone +353 86 385 7201
Facilities: Toilets and car/coach park close to site. Toilet for visitors with disabilities in the adjacent Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre.
Restaurant Mon - Fri in the Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre.
Skellig Michael World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry
This is a particularly vulnerable site and visitors are therefore asked to co-operate with efforts to protect this monument. With a history that dates back to 1400BC, Skellig Michael is a wilderness site and a designated Nature Reserve.
The site presents a unique landscape and visitors must take care at all times.
A visit to the monastery will entail a climb on 618 steps, ascending over 600 ft. (180 metres). It is a demanding climb and any person with health issues should consider carefully their own physical limitations before exploring this part of the site.
Visitors must stay on the recognised pathways at all times; Children must be strictly supervised at all times; Beware of falling rocks; Steep gradient on uneven steps that are slippery when wet!
The magnificent Skellig Islands lie 8 miles (12 km) off the coast of Portmagee in South West Kerry. Rising majestically from the sea, Skellig Michael towers 714ft (218 metres) above sea level. On the summit of this awe inspiring rock you will find a remarkably well-preserved sixth century monastic settlement.
There is a fantastic wealth of bird life on and around the Skelligs, especially puffins in late spring and gannets on the small Skellig where 23,000 pairs nest on every available ledge making it the second largest gannet colony in the world.
Location: 11.5km boat trip from Portmagee, Valentia or Ballinskelligs
Photography and Video is allowed.
Open Mid May - Oct arrangements are variable, depending on tidal / weather conditions.
Average Length of Visit: 2 ½ hours (excluding boat trip)
Admission is Free of Charge
Separate charge imposed by boat operator(s).
Please note that there are no toilets. Visitors are advised to carry water and to wear protective clothing!
No animals are allowed on this site.
Tel: +353 1 6476912 (National Monuments)
+353 1 6476000 (Visitor Services)
Web: www.HeritageIreland.ie/SkelligMichael
