Cahersiveen
Our home town
Cahersiveen is the main town on the Iveragh Peninsula. It sits at the foot of Bentee mountain and looks across the water to Valentia Island. Around 1,300 people live here. It is small enough to feel friendly but big enough to have shops, pubs, cafés and places to stay.
The name comes from the Irish Cathair Saidhbhín, which means little Sadhbh’s stone fort. The town is a Gaeltacht service town and Irish is still part of daily life in the area.
It is also the home port of our boat. Every one of our trips starts and ends at Cahersiveen Pier.
In and around the town
Things to see
The O’Connell Memorial Church
Daniel O’Connell, known as the Liberator, was born at Carhan just outside the town in 1775. The large church on Main Street was built in his memory between 1888 and 1902. It is one of very few Catholic churches anywhere named after a lay person. And yes, our skipper shares the name.
The Old Barracks
This castle-like building by the river was built in the 1870s for the Royal Irish Constabulary. Today it is a heritage centre with displays on the history of the town and the area. You may hear that the plans were really meant for a barracks in India. It is a good story, but it is not true.
Ballycarbery Castle
The ruins of this 16th century castle stand near the shore just outside the town. The walls are covered in ivy and the setting by the water is lovely, especially in the evening.
Cahergall and Leacanabuaile
Two stone ring forts sit on the hill close to Ballycarbery. They are well over a thousand years old. You can walk around the thick stone walls and climb the steps for views over the bay.
Dark skies
Cahersiveen is inside the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, which has Gold Tier status. There is very little light pollution here. On a clear night you can see the Milky Way from the edge of town.
Walks and cycling
There are good walks right from the town, including the climb up Bentee for views over Valentia and the Skelligs. The Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Ring are popular with cyclists too.
Stay a while
After your trip
The town has a good choice of pubs, restaurants and cafés, most of them a short walk from the pier. It makes a great base for exploring the Ring of Kerry, Valentia Island and the Skellig Ring.
Many of our guests stay a few nights and fit a fishing trip in around everything else. If you are planning a holiday in the area, get in touch and we will help you find a trip that suits.