SAINT FINIAN’S BAY AT NIGHT
The Glen is sometimes more commonly known as Saint Finian’s Bay. The above photo was taken on a clear Moonless night in March, standing on the beach of St. Finian’s Bay. The Glen is in the Core Zone of the Reserve, the evidence of this photo speaking louder than any words could convey about the night-time beauty of the area which is equal only to its day-time view. The Glen is without doubt Kerry’s hidden gem. Overflowing with sublime beauty, the ever-changing moods of the Majestic Skellig Islands could NEVER be exaggerated. No matter where one stands the view is spectacular. An area of rarely matched outstanding natural beauty, each entry point to the Glen offers stunning vistas and winding mountain passes.
STARGAZING: Obviously the area is perfect for Stargazing and astro-photography. The only drawback would be that because you are right on the coastline if any wind is about then this (depending on the season) could provide a problem in temperature etc. But the sight of all those Stars is reward enough for risking a cold nose and ten chilly toes.
ROLLING IMAGE SLIDE SHOW
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SKELLIG VIEW
This Moody view of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as The Skellig Islands taken just as the day gives way to night captures the mystery of the Skelligs perfectly
Arguably, the most perfect place to view the Skelligs is at The Glen, though various other areas shows different aspects there is something very special about viewing it here. This is also a favorite spot for surfers as the rugged Atlantic waters entering the small bay can produce spectacular waves suitable for the sport. It is advised that only expert swimmers should swim here because of hidden underwater swells. It makes an excellent picnic spot.
BIRD SANCTUARY
Puffin Island bird sanctuary – credit Julie Ormonde
Puffin Island (Oileán na gCánóg in Irish) is an uninhabited steep rocky island about 1.5 km long and 0.7 km wide, and rises to 159 metres. It is separated from the mainland by Puffin Sound, which is only about 250 metres across. Day visits to the island can be arranged enquire at the local tourist office or contact here. The Island holds important populations of several seabird species, including Atlantic Puffins, Manx Shearwaters and European Storm-petrels, and was acquired as a nature reserve by the Irish Wildbird Conservancy (now BirdWatch Ireland) in the early 1980s. The island also has some signs of ancient human habitation, and it has attracted the interest of archaeologists.
The area commonly called The Glen, got its name from St. Finian, a man who lived in the 10th century and traveled from the Skellig Island's to Keel frequently to say mass. St. Finian had a monastery at Keel but the area is much older than that era. There is evidence of habitation from the Bronze Age and there are many souterrains, galtans and the remains of an earthen fort at Rathkerin.
Any visit to The Glen would be incomplete without a visit to the tiny Chocolate factory producing top quality chocolates.
Children will enjoy the facilities of the local playground safely enclosed so parents need not worry about their children roaming out of sight.
