Description

This section is at the heart of the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve – the only gold-tier reserve in the Northern Hemisphere where a lack of light pollution has resulted in pristine dark skies, where star constellations and planets can be seen with the naked eye.

Beginning in the pretty coastal village of Waterville where Charlie Chaplin regularly visited and where there’s an annual festival and statue in his honour, the route then takes cyclists to Ballinskelligs, home to the world-renowned artists retreat of Cill Rialaig. Between Ballinskelligs and Portmagee the road provides views of the Skelling Islands. Before arriving in Portmagee there is a challenging climb which involved an ascent of 3 steep ramps. No shame in walking this if thats what you have to do to get up there.

After the climb there is a spectacular straight road descent into Portmagee. Soon after the road levels out you pass the entrance to the impressive Kerry Cliffs. There is small fee to go an look at the cliffs but it is worth the money. Portmagee follows – this is a little fishing village where boat trips to Skellig Michael can be arranged, depending on the time of year and weather conditions. For those with less time to spare,  to the left after crossing the bridge to Valentia is the Skellig Experience which brings to life the mystery of these famous islands.

Valentia Island and the historic village of Knightstown is next on the route where, over 150 years ago, the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was laid between Valentia Island and Heart’s Content in Newfoundland, Canada, connecting the old and new worlds and reduced the time to send a message across the oceans from weeks to minutes.

From Knightstown you can catch the ferry across to Reenard Point and then follow the route to Caherciveen. The ferry runs continuously between April and October – details can be found here https://www.valentiaferry.com/  Cahersiveen is a rural town with lively cafes and shops selling artisan and locally produced goods. There is a heritage centre located in an imposing historic building of the Old Barracks.

After Caherciveen the route follows some very quiet minor road before joining a section of the South Kerry Greenway. This greenway is currently being developed between Reenerad Point and Glenbeigh and will be completed in phases. Note: the EuroVelo signage may not yet direct you along the new greenway sections and may still direct you on the origianl route. Its still possible to follow the orignal route or use the greeenway segements. When the full route is completed it will be incorporated into the EuroVelo route. Regardless of the EuroVelo directional signage, the start of the first segement of greenway is obvious. However, at the end of this esgment, arriving at Golden’s cafe and craft shop, there is currently no EuoVelo signage. At this point you cross the main road and follow the small road on the opposite side to join the signposted route again after about 600m.

After this, a stop at Kells Bay House & Gardens offers the chance to explore one of Europe’s premier horticultural experiences with a renowned collection of tree ferns and other exotic plants which thrive in the unique micro-climate offered in the area and which is also home to Ireland’s longest rope-bridge.

After this there is a segemnt of the route on the relatively busy N70 for about 6km. (This will be bypassed when the full South Kerry Greenway is completed). At the end of this segment you will join another segement of greenway for a further 6km. When you  arrive at the start of this it is also obvious. This brings you all the way to the end of this section in Glenbeigh. Close to Glenbigh yuo can vist Rossbeigh beach, an ideal location to refresh and relax any tired muscles.