Overview
Perched on the windswept Doon Bay Road just outside Ballybunion, Nine Daughters’ Hole is a deep, sea‑cut chasm that drops straight into the Atlantic. The site is framed by rugged limestone cliffs, a narrow strip of grassland, and the endless blue of the Irish Sea. From the safety barrier at the rim you can see the wave‑worn rock face and, on clear evenings, the silhouettes of thousands of starlings as they settle in the coves below.
The hole is part of a larger nature preserve that offers dramatic coastal scenery without the crowds of the nearby beach. Its remote feel makes it a favourite stop for photographers, folklore enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a touch of the mysterious in a spectacular setting.
History
The legend dates back to around 800 AD, when Viking long‑ships swept along the north Kerry coast and landed at Inis Labrinde, near the mouth of the Cashen River. According to local tradition, the raiding party reached the old Doon jail – known as Pookeenee Castle – and discovered the nine daughters of the Gaelic chieftain O’Connor.
Two versions of the tale survive. One suggests the daughters fell in love with the Viking warriors and planned to elope. The other, more widely accepted story, holds that the Vikings intended to abduct the girls as brides. In either case, O’Connor intervened. He lured each daughter to the chasm, claiming a valuable torc had fallen into the depths. While the girls searched, he pushed them over the edge and beheaded the Viking men, casting their bodies into the same void. The tragic act gave the site its name – Nine Daughters’ Hole – and it has been whispered about ever since.
Local folklore adds a chilling layer: visitors who stand at the rim and listen closely claim to hear the faint, mournful shrieks of the nine sisters echoing across the water.
Geology & Landscape
Nine Daughters’ Hole is a natural blowhole formed in Carboniferous limestone. Over millennia, the relentless Atlantic surf has eroded the rock, carving a vertical fissure that funnels sea water into the chasm during high tides and storms. The surrounding cliffs display tilted limestone strata, a reminder of the ancient geological forces that shaped Kerry’s rugged coastline.
The site is protected by sturdy safety barriers, and while the blowhole itself is not directly accessible, the constant roar of the surf provides a dramatic backdrop for visitors.
Walking Routes & Nearby Trails
The hole sits on a public footpath that forms part of the Ballybunion Cliff Walk – a 3 km (1.9 mi) coastal circuit beginning at the southern end of Ladies Beach and looping past the Cliff House Hotel, Bromore Cliffs, and Nun’s Beach. The walk is relatively flat and suitable for most abilities, offering spectacular sea‑cliff views, opportunities to spot seabirds and occasional dolphin sightings.
- From the hole northwards – a short stretch leads to the iconic sand dunes of Ballybunion Beach and the world‑renowned Ballybunion Golf Course.
- Southwards – the path continues towards the dramatic Bromore Cliffs, a favourite spot for cliff‑top photography.
The route is well‑marked, and a downloadable GPX file is available from local tourism sites for those who wish to navigate with a GPS device.
Other Blowholes in North Kerry
Nine Daughters’ Hole is not the only sea‑cut formation in the area. About 4 km north‑northeast lies Poulaphuca (Gaelic: Poul na Púca – “Hole of the Shapeshifter”) near Kilconly South, a larger but less photogenic blowhole. Further inland, the townland of Clashmealcon hosts another notable sea‑blowhole. These sites, while less visited, illustrate the prevalence of limestone blowholes along Kerry’s coastline.
What to See & Do
- The Chasm Itself – The safety barrier allows you to view the sheer drop without danger. The rock face is a striking example of coastal erosion, and the water that rushes into the hole creates a constant, low‑rumble.
- Sunset Starlings – Late afternoon into evening, the coves below fill with thousands of starlings preparing to roost. The sight of the birds swirling against the fading light is a photographer’s dream.
- Coastal Walks – Follow the public footpath to Bromore Cliffs, Ballybunion Beach, or extend the walk onto the Ballybunion Cliff Walk for a full coastal experience.
- Ghostly Echoes – Stand quietly at the edge; the legend says you may hear faint, otherworldly cries.
- Nearby Amenities – After a visit, consider a bite at Namir’s Restaurant on the main road, a popular spot for fresh seafood and a chance to warm up after the sea breeze.
Practical Information
Access – The hole is reached via Doon Bay Road (address appears as Castleview, Doon Bay Rd, Doon West, Ballybunion). There is limited roadside parking; a small lay‑by near the barrier is free but can fill quickly in summer.
Safety – The cliffs surrounding the hole are protected by sturdy barriers. Visitors must stay behind the railings at all times. The terrain is uneven, and there is no wheelchair‑accessible route to the viewing point.
Best Time to Visit – Sunset provides the most dramatic lighting for photography and the chance to see the starlings. The echo phenomenon is reported most often in the quiet of early evening.
Nearby Services – The nearest town centre, Ballybunion, offers cafés, public restrooms, and accommodation options ranging from guesthouses to hotels. Public transport to Ballybunion runs regularly from Tralee and Killarney; from the town centre, the site is a short walk or a brief taxi ride.
Coordinates – 52.517014 N, 9.679934 W.
Further Reading
- Official Ballybunion history page: Nine Daughters’ Hole
- Folklore entry on Spirited Isle: The Nine Daughters Hole