Ballinskelligs, meaning “homestead of the rocks”, is a Gaeltacht area on the Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry.
The rocks referred to in the area’s name are Skellig Michael, which was home to an ancient monastic colony, and Little Skellig, home to the world’s second-largest Northern Gannett colony, both off the coast of Ballinskelligs.
Ballinskelligs can trace it’s origins back to the 5th century and the monks who made their home on the nearby Skellig Michael.
On Bolus Head, the ruins of Cill Rialiag, an early Christian monastic settlement, which includes an Oratory, two inscribed stones and Beehive huts, are located beside the road.
The area boasts magnificent scenery, with its rugged coastline, islands, mountains, and a long stretch of beaches, including a Blue Flag beach.
The area is also home to the ruins of a priory of an Augustinian Abbey and the remains of the McCarthy Mor tower, situated beside the beach (as seen above).
Ballinskelligs also hosts an Irish college during the Summer which sees students come to learn the Irish Language.
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