The Derrynane Abbey

Derrynane Abbey is a ruined abbey located on the Ring of Kerry circuit in Ireland. The building is located exactly on the island of Abbey Island (a misleading name, because it is not a real island: it is accessible by foot from the beach of Derrynane thanks to the perpetual silting of the place). The site is absolutely magnificent: the ruins overhang the Atlantic Ocean and have a charm straight out of the Irish Middle Ages. Simply sublime.

Visit the Derrynane Abbey

A 6th century abbey with authentic charm!

Derrynane Abbey is a magnificent religious site built in the 6th century by St Finnan. It is located not far from Derrynane House, the home of the much later Daniel O’Connell.

Nowadays, the place consists of an abbey and a cemetery, which have been deeply marked by time and the oceanic climate. There are only 3 buildings still standing, connected to the abbey. All of them without roof.

As for the church, it gives magnificently on the ocean. It has 3 arched windows, still in a remarkable state. Probably the most beautiful part of the abbey.

The site has been deeply invaded by wild vegetation… which gives it an additional charm.

The cemetery has many Celtic crosses and a number of graves, including those of Mary O’Connell (wife of Daniel O’Connell) and the 18th century Gaelic poet, Tomás Rua Ó Suilleabháin.

The area is pleasant to visit: one can enjoy a leisurely walk around the site, admiring the medieval architecture of the abbey, approaching the tombstones of the cemetery … while admiring the view over the ocean. A nice place to visit, to better immerse yourself in the history and the typical charm of these Irish buildings.

So much more to discover...