Location: Ballinskelligs
Top Things to do in Ballinskelligs
Top Restaurants in Ballinskelligs
What to do and see in Ballinskelligs, Ireland: The Best Places and Tips
Ballinskelligs, officially Baile an Sceilg (Irish for "Place (village) of the craggy rock"), is a Gaeltacht village in the south-west of the Iveragh peninsula (Uíbh Ráthach) in County Kerry, Ireland. The townland is in the Civil Parish of Prior and was in the Poor law union of Cahersiveen.
Restaurants in Ballinskelligs
1. Skelligs Chocolate Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Skelligs Chocolate is a family run business overlooking the magnificent Skelligs Rocks, on the south west coast of Ireland. Our factory opened its doors in 1996, consisting of two little production rooms; one for making chocolate and the other for packaging. The factory has since expanded to a state of the art production facility with adjoining cafe which serves delicious hot chocolate, tea, coffee and homemade treats. With the only open plan chocolate production facility in Ireland, we encourage you to call in to see our chocolate being made, taste the delicious treats and ask the friendly staff all about where chocolate comes from and how it is made.
Reviewed By strangersblog - Los Angeles, California
After our trip to Skellig Michael was cancelled due to stormy weather, we stopped in for a look at this working artisan chocolate factory. We had to wait a few minutes behind a tour group, but it was worth it when we took our turn at tasting. The friendly hosts serve up the chocolate samples in a pre-determined order so you can savor every bite. (No photos of the tasting allowed, but you can photograph everything else.) There is no way you will leave without buying something for the road, or as a gift to take home. Loved the Irish Whiskey truffle.
2. Casey's Skellig Islands Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By Kestrel27 - Detroit, Michigan
We were incredibly lucky to get tickets on the landing tour. The luck continued in that despite the rougher than normal sea conditions and earlier rain, we were allowed to land and tour Skellig Michael.
The trip was unforgettable, and one of the highlights of our honeymoon trip.
The seas were rough- 9/12 of our passengers were sick. (I was one of the lucky iron stomach passengers.) Even if you don't think you'll get sick, you still could, so be prepared and bring some motion sickness medicine.
Casey's was wonderful the entire time. They handed out rain jackets for the trips- we still got wet, but it at least helped a little. They also offered some ginger to try to stave off motion sickness. As we were passing by Little Skellig, they stopped the boat to tell us a bit about the birds there. They also took us around the side of Skellig Michael to show the "docks" and stairs the monks used to use.
The scariest part of the trip was actually getting off and on the boat at Skellig Michael- as the boat rocks, you have to jump to and from the staircase. Thankfully the guys at Casey's were incredibly helpful in getting us on and off.
It was an unforgettable experience, and I can't recommend it enough. If you get the chance, go!
3. Derrynane Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Sydney
Whilst driving the WAW, we were looking for somewhere to stop for a picnic, we stumbled across this very secluded beach. As it was raining we ate in the car, looking out over the sea, and to Abbey island, which we later visited and became the highlight of the day.
4. Ballinskelligs Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By Tania D
If the weather is good Ballinskelligs is an idillic place to pitch a tent and explore the surrounding countryside , it's part of the Wild Atlantic Way route , their are various campsites, B & B's and a bustling pub in the village overlooking the sea , with a lovely beach! Also in the area their is the famous Skelligs Chocolate Factory -a visit and tasting session is a must! Then a 5 minute walk from their is St Finan Bay a small spot if you want to relax and take in the views looking out to Skellig Michael little skelligs and the lemon , Puffin Island ! All around their are hiking trails for the fit and adventurous , I say that because the countryside is bordering on mountainous !
All in all a gorgeous spot in Kerry!
5. Skellig Gift Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Waterville Heritage Gallery at The Skellig Gift Store provides a great introduction to the wonderful array of local heritage sites and stories, not only in Waterville, but also across the Ring of Kerry and Iveragh Peninsula on Kerry's Wild Atlantic Way. It is a super showcase of the culture and heritage of the South West region of Ireland. The unique outdoor Heritage Gallery is where you will learn about South Kerry heritage, culture, archaeology - stone forts and circles, geology, birds, flora and fauna, and local folklore and mythology. The Gallery also showcases the range of local sea life and farm life of the Skellig Coast region, an outdoor farm machinery display, a history of Kerry's transatlantic cable stations, an introduction to Kerry's International Dark Sky's Reserve, the Skellig Rocks - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the South Kerry Gaeltacht - Uibh Rathach, Bygone days and local heroes both past and present, local and international. There are 150 information panels beautifully displayed on locally sourced Valentia Island Slate and over 300 photo exhibits and archives both in the Gallery and Craft Market. You will also read about the many beautiful places there are to visit and interesting things to see and do while on the Ring of Kerry in the Skellig Coast region. There are two audio visual screens in the adjoining Craft Market. Admission is free and there are several picnic benches in the Gallery for you to relax and take in the magnificent scenery of Waterville and Ballinskelligs Bay. Waterville village is only a five minute walk away too!
Reviewed By triphailme - triphailme
I have been shopping at the Kellin Gift Store every yeR since 1994. The variety, the home, local knitted goods, the prices, the quality and most importantly the owners and staff are unmatched. The recent bonus is the outdoor history exhibit is informing and very well done. The best and friendliest place to find a wonderful momento to bring home from your memorable visit to Waterville and South Kerry.
6. Kerry Cliffs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 453 reviews
Kerry Cliffs. Kerry Cliffs are widely accepted as the most spectacular cliffs in Kerry. The cliffs stand over 1000ft above the wild Atlantic and were formed in a desert environment 400 million years ago. Out to the west stand the amazing Skellig Rocks one of only three UNESCO world heritage sites in Ireland. Of course the Kerry Cliffs are the closest viewing point to the great rocks and also the famous Puffin Island. Allied with these facts as you stand at the summit of this mystical place and breath in the freshest of air, deep in to your lungs from the wild Atlantic and observe this natural wonder. You can relax and unwind and observe the majestic views from here which reach out for 30 miles of the surrounding areas. Many Twitchers come here to us to enjoy and observe the thriving colonies of cliff birds. Our cliffs here in Portmagee provide you the opportunity to enjoy this spectacular location in a safe and natural environment. We are located just off the Skellig ring in Portmagee and the cliffs are just a 10 minute walk from our entrance. Also for good measure we have a coffee shop with indoor and outdoor Seating where you can drink in this marvelous Panorama. We can also arrange Boat Trips to Skellig Michael for you.
Reviewed By Chris F - Farmington, Connecticut
The Kerry Cliffs on the Skellig Ring rival the Cliffs of Moher for awe inspiring grandeur. The rugged terrain and spectacular scenery are part of the Irish identity and provide a backdrop for literature and song.
7. Derrynane House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By Betula103 - Australia
This was the O'Donnell family property and Daniel lived here for part of his life. The Gardens are most attractive and the excellent guide we had told us much of interest about O'Donnell's life. There is some interesting and beautiful furniture including his large impressive chair, a table supported a large central base carved from one tree and a clavichord he donated to some nuns. Also you see a large gilded chariot which was specially built for him on his release from Richmond Prison in1844 and then later carried his coffin after his death in Genoa, Italy. The hotel bed he died in is displayed in the house. When he was in prison he was treated royally and even invited his friends in for dinner parties. There is also a chapel.
8. McCarthy Mor Tower House - Ballinskellig Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Patricia M - Ormstown, Canada
We had stopped here briefly in 2015 and it haunted me so we spent more time in 2016. The castle is really an experience. We waded across the water and explored to our heart's content. Steeped in history which one absorbs with each step. The views are magnificent! I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Very special and stirring.
9. Charlie Chaplin Statue
Overall Ratings
4 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By LilyLighthouse - Bruges, Belgium
Never expected to find a statue of Charlie Chaplin in Waterville. Apparently he also lived there for a while. Nice found.
10. Skelligs Rock
Overall Ratings
5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Pitkin117 - Boston
We were absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to climb Skellig Michael and tour the ancient monastery at the top! A few tips: definitely wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers. The stairs are 1,500 years old, uneven and there is no banister. Pack water, but also realize that there are not toilet facilities on the island, and not all boats/cruises offer toilets on board. If you are in relatively good condition and take the stairs slowly, you should be able to get to the top (there are over 620 stairs, which is the equivalent of climbing the stairs of a 50 story building!)
Carry your water, a snack and perhaps a jacket in a backpack, as you want your hands to be free. There are beautiful little puffins everywhere, which were such a treat to see! Finally, when you get to the top, the monastery is remarkably intact for being 1,000 - 1,5000 years old. Several of the beehive huts are in good condition and give you a strong indication of what it might have been like to live on this remote, windswept pinnacle. I strongly suggest that you visit the Skellig Michael museum ion Valencia Island before going out to Skellig Michael; it will give you a good historical context that will enhance your visit to this World Heritage Site. There will be a tour guide at eh top, and his/her orientation lecture is absolutely worth listening to. I feel that the cost of transportation to the Skelligs is exorbitant and must dissuade many people from going. Our tours was 80 euros per person, which I think is indefensible!
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