Abbey Island – Where Irish Beauty and History Meet
During our road trip along the west and south coast of Ireland, we were advised to visit Abbey Island. I can honestly say this was perhaps the best tip we received during our stay in beautiful Ireland. What an incredible place. A unique location where the beauty of this magnificent country and its history come together.
About Abbey Island
Abbey Island (Irish: Oileán na Mainstreach) is a small tidal island in Derrynane Bay, on the southwest coast of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. The island is part of Derrynane National Historic Park and is famous for the atmospheric ruins of Derrynane Abbey (also known as Ahamore Abbey), a monastery believed to have been founded in the 6th century by St. Fionán Cam – the same saint who is also credited with founding Skellig Michael.
What makes Abbey Island special is that you can only reach it at low tide. You walk across the beautiful Derrynane Beach to the island – an experience in itself. At high tide, the island is cut off from the mainland, adding to the mystical atmosphere of this place.
| Location | Derrynane Bay, near Caherdaniel, County Kerry |
| Area | ~30 hectares |
| Abbey founded | 6th century (by St. Fionán Cam) |
| Current buildings | 10th century (Romanesque church) |
| Access | Only at low tide via beach |
| Entry | Free |
| GPS | 51.7575° N, -10.1428° W |
Location and How to Get There
Abbey Island is located on the famous Ring of Kerry, approximately 3.5 km west of the village of Caherdaniel. The island is part of Derrynane National Historic Park, which also includes the nearby Derrynane House – the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, one of the most important figures in Irish history.
To reach Abbey Island, park at Derrynane Beach. Note: the road there is narrow and winding, so drive carefully. From the car park, walk over the dunes to the beach and then across the sand to the island – a walk of approximately 1 to 1.5 km, depending on where you access the island.
Important: Always check the tides before visiting Abbey Island! At high tide, crossing is impossible and you could get stranded on the island. Tides change twice daily, and around new moon and full moon, the tides are particularly high.
| Parking | Free car park at Derrynane Beach (height barrier!) |
| From Killarney | ~65 km (~1.5 hours via N70) |
| From Kenmare | ~30 km (~40 min) |
| From Waterville | ~15 km (~20 min) |
| Walking distance | ~1-1.5 km to the island |
History of Abbey Island
The history of Abbey Island dates back to the early medieval period. The monastery was reportedly founded in the 6th century by St. Fionán Cam, an important Irish saint who is also associated with the famous monastic community on Skellig Michael. The current ruins date mainly from the 10th century and consist of three interconnected buildings, of which the Romanesque church with its three arched windows facing the sea is the most impressive.
The abbey has strong ties to the O’Connell family. Daniel O’Connell (1775-1847), known as “The Liberator” for his fight for Catholic emancipation, grew up in nearby Derrynane House. The chapel he added to his house in 1844 was modelled on the ruins of Derrynane Abbey. Several members of the O’Connell family are buried in the cemetery on Abbey Island, including Mary O’Connell, Daniel’s wife.
The 18th-century Gaelic poet Tomás Rua Ă“ SĂşilleabháin is also buried here. He documented the suffering of the Irish people during the Great Famine and eventually died of starvation himself. The cemetery is still in use today – it’s a poignant sight to see funeral processions carrying coffins across the beach at low tide.
Abbey Island and the Surrounding Area
Abbey Island is just one of the many treasures in this part of Kerry. The surrounding area offers a wealth of nature, history, and breathtaking views.
Derrynane Beach
Derrynane Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland – a Blue Flag beach with white sand, turquoise water, and a sheltered location in the bay. Perfect for a walk, a picnic, or even a refreshing swim (if you can handle the temperature!). Be aware: there’s a section locally known as ‘Danger Beach’ due to strong currents.
Derrynane House
The ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell is now a museum celebrating his life and legacy. The house is set in a beautiful 120-hectare park with gardens, woodland, and 1.5 km of coastline. Definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in Irish history.
Views of Scariff and Deenish Island
From Abbey Island and the surrounding hills, you have stunning views of Scariff Island (252 metres high) and Deenish Island (144 metres), rising as silhouettes from the Atlantic Ocean. These uninhabited islands are now a protected bird sanctuary. On clear days, you can even see the Skellig Islands in the distance – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other Attractions
- Staigue Stone Fort – one of the best-preserved ring forts in Ireland (~10 km)
- Skellig Ring – a spectacular coastal route with views of the Skelligs
- Kerry Way – the long-distance walking route passes directly through this area
- The Blind Piper – cosy pub in Caherdaniel for a well-deserved pint
Photography at Abbey Island: Tips and Best Times
For photographers, Abbey Island is a stunning location. The combination of ancient ruins, Celtic crosses, dramatic coastlines, and the interplay of light and tides offers endless possibilities. Drone photography is particularly rewarding here – from above, you get a unique perspective on how the coast is shaped and how the island connects to the mainland.
Photography tip: The best moments are around sunrise and sunset, when the warm light makes the ancient stones glow. At low tide, you can capture interesting reflections on the wet sand. Bring a wide-angle lens for the expansive landscape and a telephoto lens for details of the ruins and gravestones.
Drone tip: This area is excellent for drone photography. From the air, you can truly appreciate how special the island’s location is, with the turquoise water, sandbanks, and dramatic coastline. Just watch the wind conditions – it can be quite blustery here!
Walking Routes at Abbey Island
Along the coast, you can choose from many routes. A circular walk around the island itself is a must. Or if you just want a relaxed day, take your time and stroll at your leisure across the island and beach. This is truly a place where you can find peace and easily spend hours exploring!
Derrynane Beach to Abbey Island
| Distance | ~3-4 km (round trip) |
| Duration | 1-2 hours (depending on exploration) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Terrain | Sand, grass, rocks |
| Note | Only at low tide! |
Derrynane Mass Path
A beautiful loop of approximately 8-9 km that takes you along the beach, through native woodland, and along the Kerry Way. This historic pilgrimage route was used in the 17th century by local Catholics to attend Mass in secret during the Penal Laws. Along the way, you’ll pass the Mass Rock where clandestine services were held.
Kerry Way
The famous Kerry Way – a 214 km long-distance route – passes directly through this area. The section from Caherdaniel to Sneem or Waterville offers spectacular views over Derrynane Bay and Kenmare Bay.
Best Time to Visit
Abbey Island is accessible year-round (provided the tides allow), but each season has its own charm:
| Spring (March-May) | Wildflowers, fresh air, quieter than summer |
| Summer (June-Aug) | Best weather, longest days, swimming possible, busier |
| Autumn (Sept-Nov) | Dramatic skies, autumn colours, peaceful |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Wild seas, authentic atmosphere, very quiet |
Tip: The weather in Kerry can change quickly – even in summer. Always bring a rain jacket and be prepared for “four seasons in one day”. But it’s precisely these changing conditions that create spectacular light and dramatic photographs!
Accommodation in the Area
During our road trip through Ireland, we mostly stayed in B&Bs. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the Irish people and other travellers. This time, we had the pleasure of staying in a beautiful cottage. It was an old farmhouse converted into guest accommodation. Wonderfully friendly owners who are happy to tell you everything about the area and life on the farm.
Other good bases in the area include Caherdaniel itself (small but charming), Waterville (larger, with more amenities), or Sneem (picturesque village on Kenmare Bay).
Practical Information
Getting There
| From Dublin | ~360 km (~4.5 hours) |
| From Cork | ~140 km (~2.5 hours) |
| From Killarney | ~65 km (~1.5 hours) |
| Nearest airport | Kerry Airport (70 km) or Cork Airport (140 km) |
| Parking address | Derrynane Beach Car Park, Caherdaniel |
Facilities
- Abbey Island access: Free, only at low tide
- Parking: Free at Derrynane Beach (note height barrier!)
- Toilets: At the car park
- Derrynane House: Museum ~€5, open April-October
- Food & drink: Tearoom at Derrynane House, The Blind Piper pub in Caherdaniel
- Lifeguards: Seasonal at Derrynane Beach
- Dogs: Welcome, on lead
What to Bring
- Waterproof shoes: The beach can be wet
- Rain jacket: Weather can change quickly
- Tide table: Check low tide times in advance!
- Picnic: No facilities on the island
- Camera: This is one of the most photogenic spots in Kerry
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Abbey Island?
Abbey Island is located in Derrynane Bay, approximately 3.5 km from Caherdaniel on the Ring of Kerry. Park at Derrynane Beach and walk across the sand to the island. Note: you can only cross at low tide! Always check the tides before you go.
How much does it cost to visit Abbey Island?
Access to Abbey Island and Derrynane Beach is completely free. Parking is also free. Only the nearby Derrynane House (museum) charges a small entry fee of around €5.
How long does a visit to Abbey Island take?
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the walk there and back plus time to explore the ruins and cemetery. Photographers and those seeking peace and quiet can easily spend half a day here, especially if you also visit Derrynane Beach and House.
When is low tide at Abbey Island?
Tides change daily. Use a tide app or website like tide-forecast.com to check exact times for Derrynane. Plan your visit around low tide and allow at least 2-3 hours margin to return safely.
Is Abbey Island suitable for children?
Yes, Abbey Island is well suited for families. The walk across the beach is not difficult and children often find it exciting to walk to a “real island”. Just keep a close eye on the tides and keep children away from cliff edges.
What is the best time to photograph Abbey Island?
The best photos are taken around sunrise or sunset, when the warm light makes the ancient stones glow. Try to combine low tide with golden hour for the best results. Drone photography is spectacular here due to the unique coastline.
Final Thoughts
Ireland truly is a country that amazes you. What stunning places. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this location. For me, it was one of the highlights of our trip. Here you feel the peace, here you see the beauty of this country, here you experience history.
In my photo book Ireland – Land of Stories and Rugged Coasts, you can get a wonderful impression of the west coast of this magnificent country through many beautiful photographs. Most locations also include QR codes giving you direct access to additional location information.
Useful Links
- Heritage Ireland – Derrynane House official info: heritageireland.ie
- Discover Ireland – Derrynane House visitor info: discoverireland.ie
- Ring of Kerry – tourist information: theringofkerry.com
- Kerry Way – walking route information: discoveriveragh.ie
- Ireland Tides – check the tides: tide-forecast.com
Location on Map
Related Articles
- Cliffs of Moher – Ireland’s most famous cliffs
- Fanore Beach – wild beach on the west coast
- Inisheer (Aran Islands) – island adventure on Ireland’s west coast
Gallery
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