Castlegregory combines a long Atlantic coastline with a local history that dates back to the castle for which the village is named. Lough Gill adds a shallow, alkaline lake of significance to natterjack toads and swans to these natural features. The beach, wildlife and historic buildings offer different highlights to consider when planning your trip.
Beach and Lough Gill
Castlegregory Beach is a long, golden sandy beach, lined with dunes and framed by the Atlantic. Lough Gill lies on the western edge of the village and offers a different landscape: the lake is shallow, and its water is alkaline. It provides a habitat for about two-thirds of the natterjack toads that breed in Ireland and attracts large numbers of swans each year. The coast and lake thus represent two different natural features of Castlegregory.
The Castle and the Church
The castle for which Castlegregory is named was built by local chieftain Gregory Hoare in the 1600s. Cromwell’s troops destroyed it in 1650. Its only surviving remnant is an arch beside the SPAR supermarket in the village.
Another historic site is Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Martramane, Castlegregory. It was built in 1831 and has a cruciform ground plan. Its bell turret is topped by a Celtic cross. The castle and church bring two different aspects of local history to life: the castle that gave the village its name, with its surviving arch, and the architecture of a 19th-century church.
Diving nearby
Near Castlegregory, you’ll find Waterworld in Fahamore, at Harbour House on Scraggane Pier. The Discover-Scuba-Diving programme lets you try diving in a pool first. If you feel comfortable, a shore dive in Scraggane Bay can be added. Check the provider’s current programme details before visiting, as they may change.
More perspectives in County Kerry
Further afield in County Kerry, you’ll find more cultural attractions. The Blasket Centre in Dunquin is a heritage centre and museum. It tells the story of the Blasket Islands and the Irish-speaking community that lived there until the mid-20th century. Refurbished interactive exhibitions and a fully accessible cliff-top viewing platform complement the centre. The Gallarus Oratory is a state-owned National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works. It can be accessed directly and free of charge via an OPW public path; it’s worth checking the latest access information before your visit. On the summit of Skellig Michael are the monastery of Saint Fionán and many surviving beehive-shaped stone huts.
For scenic highlights, Killarney National Park offers a different regional perspective: it covers 10,000 hectares of lakes, mountains and forests. Its three main lakes lie in a broad valley within the park. The Ring of Kerry is a scenic circular drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. Check road conditions and seasonal traffic before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Fybagh, Cahersiveen, Anascaul, Ventry, Killarney, Tahilla, Fieries, Mastergeehy.
For the broader travel overview: County Kerry.
