Location: Ballyheigue
Top Things to do in Ballyheigue
Countries
What to do and see in Ballyheigue, Ireland: The Best Places and Tips
Ballyheigue (/ˌbæliˈhaɪɡ/ BAL-ee-HYEG), officially Ballyheige (Irish: Baile Uí Thaidhg), which translates as "Tadhg's Town" in English, is a coastal village in County Kerry, Ireland. It is approximately 18 km (11 mi) north of Tralee on the R551. It is a scenic locale with many miles of beaches that connect to Banna Strand to the south, and Kerry Head to the north. It has an active community who run many events throughout the year including an annual summer festival in July.
Restaurants in Ballyheigue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 978 reviews
Reviewed By Dawn F - Brooklyn, New York
I have to start by saying “OMG”! What a beautiful sight, so breathtaking. I spent a couple of hours here and my husband and I were in awe the whole time. It really helps you appreciate not only creation, but the Creator. If you are someone who appreciates nature and beauty, then you will enjoy this. If you are into camping and hiking, then you would be into this. If you aren’t, you can still come and appreciate what it has to offer. You can enjoy the monastic ruins or walk to get to the Upper and Lower lakes. There are two paths to the lakes. My husband and I did both: the Green Road and the boardwalk. The Green road is more of a natural, rugged setting. The boardwalk is for those who want to see the lakes in a more casually, easier setting via a man-made boardwalk. Both are nice. I was even surprised to see food stations available for purchase in the middle of the lakes. It was also nice to see locals using the park for exercise and recreation. The roads and small communities on the way up to the mountain are also very nice and inviting. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy!
2. Hook Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. 800 Years of lighthouse keeping. The Visitor center at Hook Lighthouse offers guided tours of the lighthouse tower, a 13th Century Norman structure, built by William Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke, as part of the development of his Lordship of Leinster, Guided tours of the lighthouse, culminating with the spectacular view from the balcony, operate at least hourly every day, the visitor centre houses a first class gift shop and there is a cafe which has seafood specials and home baking. There is a free to view Maritime Exhibition centre with Coast Guard memorabilia and information on the Whales and Dolphins which are often spotted from the Coastline.Parking is free and The Lighthouse grounds have picnic tables and free games for all to enjoy Relax by the Sea and keep an eye out for seals dolphins and even whales! In clear weather you can see for miles and in a storm the spray often reaches the top of the lighthouse!Run by a Voluntary Board of Directors as a Social Enterprise Community Tourism Project Thank you for your reviews
Reviewed By SmellyWelly2
Visited the lighthouse and was guided by the warm, funny and wonderful Anne, whose own family have been involved with Lighthouse for many years. It was Mother’s Day and what a really brilliant surprise to let mums in free AND a free cake in coffee shop afterwards! Hard to believe it is eight centuries old - learned much, thank you for a really memorable tour. They have music Concerts here occasionally - and sunset/sunrise tours. Can you imagine?? DO NOT MISS!
3. Curracloe Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 212 reviews
Curracloe Beach is a regular holder of the Blue Flag Beach status. The dunes are currently the subject of an active conservation policy by Wexford County Council ensuring that this marvellous amenity and the plant and wildlife it contains, will be preserved for future generations. A nature trail runs through the dunes and continues for 5 km to Raven Point, passing through the beautiful peninsula which constitutes Raven Nature Reserve.
Reviewed By Emmalizi
Of the many Beaches I have had the pleasure of visiting, this is easily the most beautiful. Pristine,picturesque and peaceful. We walked and walked and it just got more varied and pretty as we progressed. Unusually, there is a green forest right up against the beach, which provides a stunning contrast of landscapes. The colours and atmosphere are remarkable. Cannot wait to return.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46 km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line which runs between Waterford and Dungarvan. From the Viking City alongside the River Suir, out by Mount Congreve Gardens, through Kilmacthomas, across eleven Bridges, over three impressive viaducts and through a 400m long tunnel; with wonderful views of the Comeragh Mountains and Dungarvan Bay.
5. Ferns Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 225 reviews
The castle was built in the 13th century, possibly by William, Earl Marshall. Originally, the castle formed a square, with large corner towers. Only half of the castle now remains.
Reviewed By FFranklin051 - Wexford, Ireland
A small but totally wonderful piece of Irish history in ferns. I loved the tour of the castle definitely a hidden gem. Give this place a try you will leave with wonderful memorys and wonderful photographs as the view from the castle is beautiful. I highly recommend this place but don't expect to stay the day as it is small and compact but worth a visit.
6. Ring of Hook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Less than one hour in length take the Ring of Hook Coastal Drive to soak up the stunning coastal rural scenery this beautiful part of Ireland has to offer, while catching sight of some of our county’s most important built heritage. Follow Ring of Hook Signage starting from Tintern Abbey, on to Fethard village, Baginbun Head, Loftus Hall, Hook Lighthouse, Templar’s Church ruins and finish in Duncannon Village. Full map and brochure available May 2015.
Reviewed By akadad - Lake Mary, Florida
We were here off season, so we basically had the entire drive to ourselves. (this is probably a traffic nightmare in season)
This is the ultimate in pastoral Ireland with an oceanscape out the other window. Small towns, ruined abbeys, and a cool lighthouse.
Take a walk on the beach near Slade Castle. Very cool rock and quartz formations. Tide moves in fast, so watch!
This trip is well worth an afternoon.
7. Jerpoint Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Welcome to Jerpoint Park, where we strive to immerse you in a unique experience of heritage and culture in a very special destination Thomastown in Kilkenny , south east of Ireland. Unearth the history of Jerpoint Park with a guided tour of the footprints of a deserted 12th century medieval town. When it was founded near a crossing point on the River Nore near the Cistercian Jerpoint Abbey. The site also contains the Tomb Effigy of St. Nicholas (Bishop of Myra) plus the Church of St. Nicholas. "One of Irelands's best examples of a deserted 12th century medieval town" a quote from The Heritage Council of Ireland.Savour the delicious homemade scones baked daily during the summer months in our Tea Rooms. Angling on the River Nore for wild salmon & wild brown trout from March - September (ghillie, rods & bait available for hire). Sheep dog demonstrations with geese or sheep is a wonderful event to see.Check website for details of opening hours and guided heritage tour times.Looking forward to welcoming you to Jerpoint.Joe & Maeve
Reviewed By Almostgreynomad - Sydney, Australia
Visited the ‘grave’ of St Nicholas today, on the anniversary of his death, December 6th in the year 343. Jerpoint Park usually opens in summer, but because St Nicholas is buried here …. well, a bit of him ! they also opened today. St Nicholas’s...MoreThank you for visiting Jerpoint Park on St. Nicholas's Feast Day. I really enjoyed our chat beforehand. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas. Maeve
8. Altamont Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
9. Dunmore Adventure
Overall Ratings
5 based on 111 reviews
This is where the fun begins! Water sports & Land activities in a stunning location in the sunniest part of Ireland - the Sunny Southeast. We welcome both Adults and Children, groups and individuals, and cater for all abilities. Activities include: The infamous Wibit Wipeout Aqua Park, Kayaking, Archery, Powerfan Freefall, Sailing, Climbing, Windsurfing, Caving, Canoeing, Kayaking, SUP, Powerboat and Sailing courses. Summer Camps for kids from 6 yrs - teenagers run all summer long. Fully approved by NGB's and the Irish Tourist Board. Activities available from 1hr to a full day, must be booked in advance.
10. Tintern Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Founded in 1200 AD by William, the Earl Marshall, this historic complex consists of a nave, chancel, chapel and cloister.
Reviewed By Ronan D - Ireland
We visited Tintern Abbey on a Saturday afternoon. It is well signed posted to get to from Wexford and takes about 30 minutes .
There is loads of parking spaces so that was not a issue. We visited the little coffee shop and got a lovely hot chocolate . The only issue we found was that there was no changing facilities for babies.
The Abbey itself is lovely and there is 4 different walks you can do. All different lengths and levels. We done the purple one but I would not suggest doing this with a pram as there is quiet a few steps . It was still a lovely walk by the stream. We also done the blue walk which was easier and that brought you up to the Garden which you have to pay €5 in if you wish to see it.
Overall it was a lovely experience and I would recommend Tintern Abbey if you like walking or cycling .
