Overview
Ballykissane Pier juts 45 metres out of the River Laune just outside the town of Killorglin in South Kerry. Built of weather‑worn stone, the pier provides a low‑key platform for anglers, walkers and anyone who enjoys a quiet riverside view. The adjoining Ballykissane Monument commemorates three Irish Volunteers who drowned here on 21 April 1916, making the site both a natural and historical attraction.
History
On the night of 21 April 1916 four men – Con Keating, Donal Sheehan (sometimes recorded as Daniel Sheehan), Charlie Monaghan (also spelled Monahan) and driver Tommy McInerney – set out from Killorglin to reach Valentia Island. Their aim was to establish a radio link with Sir Roger Casement and the German‑supplied arms ship Aud so that false signals could be sent to the Royal Navy, clearing the way for the Aud’s landing of rifles.
In the darkness the driver mistook Ballykissane Pier for a bridge; the car plunged into the River Laune and three volunteers drowned while McInerney survived. The loss of the volunteers contributed to Eoin MacNeill’s decision to issue the counter‑manding order that halted the Easter Rising in Dublin, making this the first casualty of the Rising outside the capital.
The tragedy is linked to the wider 1916 operation that also involved Banna Strand, where Casement landed, and the planned wireless station on Valentia Island.
Annual Commemoration
Each Good Friday the local community gathers at the pier to remember the three volunteers. The Friends of Ballykissane Committee organise a wreath‑laying ceremony, a reading of the 1916 Proclamation and short talks. The 2024 event attracted a larger turnout than previous years, featuring a tricolour raise, a garden‑of‑remembrance plan, and speeches by Dr Tim Horgan and committee chair Gerard Murphy. The ceremony is non‑political and open to all, reinforcing the pier’s role as a place of reflection.
What to See & Do
Fishing
The River Laune’s estuary around the pier supports a diverse fishery. Anglers regularly report catches of mackerel (summer), pollock, sea trout (spring migration), bass, wrasse and mullet. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most productive, and bottom fishing for flounder and occasional bass is also possible.
Walking & Wildlife
A short stroll along the riverbank offers opportunities to spot a variety of bird species – shearwaters, swans, ducks – and the occasional otter. The stone walls that flank the pier create a sheltered niche for small wildlife, while the open water invites larger waterfowl.
Historical Reflection
The Ballykissane Monument, positioned to the right of the pier, bears the names of the three volunteers. Visitors can read the plaque and reflect on the tragic misdirection that linked this quiet spot to a pivotal moment in Irish history. During the annual Good Friday commemoration, short talks are sometimes given, providing deeper context for history‑enthusiasts.
Walking the Ballykissane Centenary Loop
The Ballykissane Centenary Loop Walk is a 6.5 km moderate‑grade circuit that starts and finishes at the Fair Field Car Park on the outskirts of Killorglin. The route follows minor roads, the banks of the River Laune and an elevated flood‑defence bank, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, Callanafercy, Castlemaine, Keel and Cromane. The walk is dog‑friendly and well‑marked with a red‑arrow way‑mark. Along the way you will encounter an information board detailing the local flora, fauna and the 1916 memorial.
- Length: 6.5 km (≈2 hours)
- Difficulty: Moderate – 81 m total ascent
- Dogs: Allowed
- Start/Finish: Fair Field Car Park (grid ref V 776 965)
- Highlights: River Laune scenery, bird‑watching spots, Ballykissane Pier and the Centenary Monument.
Centenary Walk Project
The walk is the result of a six‑year community project led by local historian Thomas O’Sullivan. A map board at the Fair Field car‑park marks the route, and the project aims to educate walkers about the area’s natural and revolutionary heritage. Information boards along the trail cover the fishery history, the 1916 tragedy and other local points of interest such as the former rowing club and historic bridges.
Future Developments
River Laune Blueway
In 2025 a South Kerry councillor advocated for a blueway stretching from Lough Léin through Killorglin to Ballykissane Pier. Blueways combine water‑based and land trails for kayaking, walking and cycling, and could boost tourism by linking the pier more directly to the wider Kerry outdoor network. The proposal is under review by Kerry County Council.
Garden of Remembrance
Organisers of the Good Friday ceremony have announced plans for a permanent garden of remembrance beside the monument, featuring the 1916 Proclamation set in stone and additional plaques commemorating later conflicts.
Getting There
- By car – The pier is accessed via the R561 from Killorglin. On‑site parking is very limited; the recommended option is the Fair Field Car Park, a short walk to the trailhead.
- By public transport – Bus Éireann and Local Link services stop in Killorglin; from there the walk to the car park is well sign‑posted.
- By bike – Quiet country roads lead from Killorglin to the pier, making for a pleasant cycle ride.
- Accessibility – The pier itself is level and suitable for most walkers, but the surrounding paths are unpaved and may be uneven.
Practical Information
Ballykissane Pier is open year‑round and there is no admission charge – it is free to explore. The site has no built‑in facilities such as toilets or a café; however, the nearby town of Killorglin, only about 2 km away, offers restaurants, shops and accommodation.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours, all year |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Very limited on‑site; use Fair Field Car Park (≈200 m from pier) |
| Public transport | Bus Éireann & Local Link stop in Killorglin (≈2 km) |
| Nearest town amenities | Killorglin (restaurants, shops, B&Bs) |
| Access | Car, bicycle or on foot via the Ballykissane Centenary Loop Walk |
| Dog friendly | Yes, on the loop walk |
| Website | (official site not found) |
Visitors arriving by car should allow extra time to find the small parking spaces near the riverbank. Cyclists will find a pleasant ride along the quiet roads that lead to the pier. While there are no guided tours, the site’s interpretive plaque, the monument and the information board on the loop walk provide sufficient material for a self‑guided experience.
Conclusion
Ballykissane Pier blends natural serenity with a poignant slice of Irish history. Whether you are casting a line for mackerel, walking the 6.5 km centenary loop, or pausing at the monument to contemplate the sacrifices of 1916, the pier offers a reflective and rewarding stop on any Kerry itinerary.