Beginish Island, Valentia Island, Kerry, Ireland – Wild Atlantic Way

  • Author: ActiveME
  • Created: August 28, 2012 10:34 am
  • Updated: March 12, 2018 2:31 pm
Location: Kerry
  • Distance Instructions
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The uninhabited Island of Beginish is a hidden Gem near the village of Knightstown on Valentia Island, County Kerry, Ireland. It has a number of remote and secluded sandy beaches and is protected from the Atlantic by Valentia Island. Its magnificent sheltered beaches create an ideal place to swim, relax, picnic, kayak and go walking. If you can get to visit the island, its is more than likely you'll have the place to yourself! Ask someone in Knightstown about getting a quick ferry or Kayak trip to visit the Island. You can also go kayaking or swimming with wild seals off the south western beach.

Beginish

Beginish Island is a treasure trove of archaeological remains. A ruined monastery can be found on the eastern part of the island and circular stone huts and buildings on the island are remnants of a once vibrant maritime and religious community dating back to the Middle Ages. On the southwest-facing beach on the eastern end of Beginish is a group of eight houses, 15 cairns, and eight animal shelters, occupied between the 10th and 12th centuries, houses which appear to manifest evidence of early Norse/Viking occupation of Ireland. The earliest occupation of the site appears to represent a Scandinavian marine way-station, dated to the 10th century. It's simply a gem of an Island.

view of Beginish Island from Valentia

Use our Map of Ireland and Sat Nav tool to get directions and our detailed route map and GPS on our ActiveME App to find the beach live on screen and keep on track.  At all times, our maps and App should be used in conjunction proper map and compass navigation techniques. Feel free to send us your photos and add you own star rating, comments or suggestions below.

Beginish Island north beach

Gallery

1. Beginish Island, Valentia Island, Kerry, Ireland - Wild Atlantic Way

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The uninhabited Island of Beginish is a hidden Gem near the village of Knightstown on Valentia Island, County Kerry, Ireland. It has a number of remote and secluded sandy beaches and is protected from the Atlantic by Valentia Island. Its magnificent sheltered beaches create an ideal place to swim, relax, picnic, kayak and go walking. If you can get to visit the island, its is more than likely you’ll have the place to yourself! Ask someone in Knightstown about getting a quick ferry or Kayak trip to visit the Island. You can also go kayaking or swimming with wild seals off the south western beach.

Beginish

Beginish Island is a treasure trove of archaeological remains. A ruined monastery can be found on the eastern part of the island and circular stone huts and buildings on the island are remnants of a once vibrant maritime and religious community dating back to the Middle Ages. On the southwest-facing beach on the eastern end of Beginish is a group of eight houses, 15 cairns, and eight animal shelters, occupied between the 10th and 12th centuries, houses which appear to manifest evidence of early Norse/Viking occupation of Ireland. The earliest occupation of the site appears to represent a Scandinavian marine way-station, dated to the 10th century. It’s simply a gem of an Island.

view of Beginish Island from Valentia

Use our Map of Ireland and Sat Nav tool to get directions and our detailed route map and GPS on our ActiveME App to find the beach live on screen and keep on track.  At all times, our maps and App should be used in conjunction proper map and compass navigation techniques. Feel free to send us your photos and add you own star rating, comments or suggestions below.

Beginish Island north beach

Gallery