SMART TRAVELLER


I RE L AND


OCEAN’S EDGE


County Kerry gains a new national park protecting habitats and heritage on both land and sea


Ireland’s first new national park in 26 years has just been unveiled, covering a scattering of sites along the Atlantic fringe of County Kerry, in the country’s south west. At 70,000 acres, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí (Kerry Seas National Park) is the largest of Ireland’s protected areas. It’s also the country’s first-ever marine national park, comprising large expanses out to sea, including wave- lashed islands that are home to a rich diversity of marine mammals and bird life. On land, a dozen-odd sites cover everything from


white-sand beaches, heaths and blanket bog to 18th- century Derrynane House, once home to national hero and statesman Daniel O’Connell. As yet, there are no specific park facilities, but most points of interest are already well-equipped for visitors and linked by the Wild Atlantic Way driving route. nationalparks.ie/kerry-seas RORY GOULDING


FOUR HIGHLIGHTS 1 2 3


Atlantic puffin on Skellig Michael, off the coast of County Kerry


Above: The road to Old Dunquin Pier, from where you can take a boat trip to the Blasket Islands


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Blasket Islands The waters around this small island group,


uninhabited since the 1950s, are visited by whales, dolphins and basking sharks, while its shores are home to a large colony of grey seals. A number of boat trips and tours depart from Dingle Harbour.


Skellig Michael A World Heritage Site (and a Star Wars filming


location), this island was the home of Christian hermits over a millennium ago. Among the seabird colonies now resident are Atlantic puffins.


Inch Beach dunes Jutting out from the Dingle Peninsula, this sand


spit is one of Ireland’s largest and most ecologically important dune systems. Behind the Blue Flag beach, you’ll find rare plant species and, perhaps, the elusive natterjack toad.


Conor Pass The national park’s prize asset on the mainland


is this 1,500ft-high road pass with views across the Dingle Peninsula. Running down from here, the Owenmore River is home to freshwater mussels.


JUL/AUG 2024


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