Ballyferriter, meaning “Ferriter’s townland”, is a Gaeltacht village on the Dingle peninsula in West Kerry.
The village is named after the Norman-Irish Feiritéar family who settled in the area. A descendant of the family was the 17th-century poet Piaras Feiritéar. He was executed in 1653 for leading Irish rebels against Cromwell’s forces.
Sheltered by cliffs, known as “The Three Sister”, Ballyferriter is in a beautiful part of the Wild Atlantic Way, on the picturesque Slea Head Drive.
There are a number of excellent loop walks, including the beautiful Dingle Way.
The West Kerry Museum (Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne) situated in the village, helps you to learn about the local geology, archaeology, heritage, and history.
During the summer, the village sees an influx of students and adults to attend Irish language courses in the vicinity.
Nearby, the Siege of Smerwick took place in 1580, during the Second Desmond Rebellion. A 500-strong force of Papal freelance soldiers captured the village of Ard na Caithne (Smerwick).
They were forced to retreat to nearby Dún an Óir, where they were besieged by the Irish Royal Army, eventually surrendering, before the majority were executed.
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