Welcome, Fáilte, to Ballinskelligs, South West Kerry
This is Ballinskelligs' Community Website
Céad míle fáilte go dtí Baile 'n Sceilg, san Gaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh.
Welcome to Ballinskelligs (town of the Skellig), which is nestled on the western edge of the spectacular horseshoe shaped Ballinskelligs Bay, punctuated by long white beaches and islands. You'll find us on The Skellig Ring road which takes you from Ballinskelligs to The Glen and Portmagee, our neighbouring villages. With its constantly changing backdrop of sea and sky from turbulence to calm, from sapphire blue to threatening grey and the ever changing light beloved by artists. That quality of light is confirmed by the artists who come to the world renownedArtist's Retreat at Cill Rialig Village. Ballinskelligs - the nearest place to heaven - so believed by the monks who settled here and founded one of the earliest christian spiritual centres in Ireland on Skellig Michael the largest of the Skellig Isles, just off the coast of Ballinskelligs. (Boats travel out to the Skelligs daily from Ballinskelligs during the Summer).
Ballinskelligs is a renowned Gaeltacht (Irish speaking areas) and is host to many students each year who come here specially, to perfect their Irish and acquire the beautiful 'blás' of the Munster dialect. Spirituality,historyand legend are all entwined and can be found all around the area, from Ballinskelligs Abbey to the McCarthy Tower and St.Michael's Well there are many more ancient archaelogical sites to be discovered. There is also a wealth of history around the Transatlantic Cable which was laid from Ireland to America with Ballinskelligs having the first Cable Station in Ireland.
The safe Blue Flag Ballinskelliigs Beach is perfect for swimming (with swimming lessons on the beach in summer), and surfing and watersports and even gentle strolls along its mile of golden sand. There are many other activities available in the area from horseriding, diving and fishing (including sea angling), to a variety of boat trips or taking adventure hikes on our hills and glens. Your fun filled days will be complemented by the hospitality of our local pubs, cafes and restaurants where you will find good food in convivial surroundings with Traditional Irish Music being a regular feature throughout the year. 'Craic agus Ceoil agus Rince' (Fun, music and dancing) are what the local pubs are all about in Ballinskelligs! You'll even find music being played at the Country Market in the summer. Ballinskelligs has a wide selection of high quality accommodation on offer from friendly B&Bs to beautifully fitted holiday homes, you won't be disapppointed. The Glen is Ballinskelligs nearest neighbour and is an area of outstanding natural beauty with the stunning and dramatic St.Finian's Bay. Ballinskelligs, so close to the Ring of Kerry, will be the perfect base for your holiday by the sea.
We are a small but very vibrant and friendly community and we know how privileged we are to live in such a beautiful place all year round. We look forward to sharing with you, all that Ballinskelligs has to offer.
The Glen / St Finians Bay
St. Finan's Bay commonly called (The Glen) stretches from Duchalla head in the south to Puffin Island in the north encompassing Skellig rocks and the lemon. The area got its name from St. Finian, a man who lived in the 10th century and travelled from Skelligs to Keel frequently to say mass. He had a monastery at Keel but the area is much older than that era. There is evidence of habitation from the bronze age and there are many soubterrains, galtans and the remains of an earthen fort at Rathkerin.
'Songs of Iveragh: Amhráin Uíbh Ráthaigh Volume 1' & The Binneas archive website
The Binneas Project was launched on Saturday, 17th October 2009 at Waterville's Tech Amergin. The hard work of Peter Malarkey in locating, recording and cataloging the music and songs of South Kerry has resulted in an Archive Website and a book so far to date. The ambitious project has been undertaken by Peter in association with theComhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaighin order to preserve the music and songs of the area for generations to come. With so much of this music being passed down through families through the years, there was a real danger that much of it would be lost without Peter's work. This will not happen now, as thanks to this project, Peter has created an Archive website www.binneas.com and working with Sean Mac an tSithigh, there is now a new book available Songs of Iveragh/Amhráin Uíbh Ráthaigh . The website and the book are the result of many long hours of investigation and research on the part of Peter and the project is a success and because of his dedication,generations to come will be able to know and enjoy the musical heritage of Iveragh.
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