Overview
Reenard Point sits in the townland of Reenard, about five miles west of Cahersiveen on the southwest coast of Ireland. It marks the mainland terminus for the short but spectacular car ferry that shuttles visitors across the channel to Knightstown, the principal settlement on Valentia Island. The point is perched on the N70, the famed Wild Atlantic Way route that snakes around the Iveragh Peninsula, making it an ideal stop for road‑trippers tracing the Ring of Kerry.
The ferry crossing itself is a five‑minute journey, but the experience is amplified by sweeping Atlantic vistas, the occasional sight of seabirds, and the promise of Valentia’s historic charm on the other side. From the pier you can watch fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, feel the salty breeze, and glimpse the distant outline of the Skellig Islands on clear days.
History
Reenard’s name appears in early records as a modest townland, but its strategic position has long linked the mainland to Valentia Island. The ferry service, now operated by a private company, continues a tradition of maritime connection that dates back to the 19th‑century trans‑Atlantic telegraph cable era, when Valentia was a communications hub.
Nearby, the Valentia Harbour railway station opened on 12 September 1893, becoming the most westerly railway station in the British Isles. Though the line closed on 1 February 1960, the old trackbed remains a reminder of the region’s once‑vibrant rail link. The area also boasts a proud Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) heritage; the local Reenard GAA club has supplied several players to the Kerry senior football team, underscoring the community’s deep sporting roots.
What to See & Do
Ferry to Valentia Island
The primary activity at Reenard Point is the ferry crossing to Knightstown. Ferries run roughly every 30 minutes year‑round, with a five‑minute crossing time. The terminal provides ample space for cars, bicycles and pedestrians, and is fully wheelchair‑accessible with level‑boarding ramps and tactile paving. Dogs are welcome on the ferry, though owners should check the latest operator policy before travelling.
Once on Valentia Island, you can explore the historic village, visit the Valentia Heritage Centre, or walk the coastal paths that offer dramatic sea‑cliff panoramas.
Several operators also run short sea‑safari tours that depart from the Reenard Point slip‑way, giving visitors a chance to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals and seabirds while cruising along the Wild Atlantic Way. These tours are popular in the summer months and can be booked online or at the terminal.
Scenic Walks and Coastal Views
Even if you stay on the mainland, the point offers excellent walking opportunities. A short stroll along the pier leads to a viewpoint where the Atlantic stretches to the horizon. The surrounding coastline is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, and you can follow the Kerry Way trail that threads through heathland, sand dunes and rugged cliffs.
Birdwatching Highlights
Reenard Point is recognised as one of Kerry’s most reliable bird‑watching sites, especially in winter. A small fish‑factory on the pier attracts gulls and provides a feeding ground that draws the white‑winged gull, a regular winter visitor in recent years, as well as black guillemots which perch on the rocks nearby. The fish‑factory does not operate at weekends, so gull numbers are noticeably lower on Saturdays and Sundays – a useful tip for birders seeking quieter viewing conditions.
Recent records on BirdGuides note occasional sightings of glossy ibis, Iceland gull, and Kumlien’s gull, adding to the site’s appeal for more adventurous birders. The surrounding mud‑flats and open water support occasional waders, terns and other seabirds, making the point a rewarding stop for both casual visitors and dedicated birdwatchers.
Sea‑Safari Tours
A number of local operators market a “Valentia Island Experience” that combines a short ferry crossing with a guided sea‑safari. These tours typically last 2‑3 hours, depart from the Reenard Point slip‑way and include commentary on marine life, geology and local history. Prices start from €82 per person (as listed on Peek.com) and can rise to €123 for premium packages that include a longer cruise and additional wildlife spotting opportunities. Bookings can be made directly via the operator’s website or through platforms such as Peek.com.
Future Developments – South Kerry (Fertha) Greenway
A 5 km greenway linking Cahersiveen to the Reenard Point ferry terminal – known as the Fertha Greenway – is currently in the planning stage. The route will form the westernmost leg of the larger South Kerry Greenway, a 32 km traffic‑free trail that follows the old Great Southern Railway line.
Recent updates:
- In October 2024 a public consultation was announced (RTE). Six route options are being considered, with a consultation desk set up at Cahersiveen Library from 3 pm to 8 pm on the announcement day. Submissions can be made online or in‑person until 15 November 2024.
- IrishCycle reported a €450,000 grant for the 5.75 km Fertha Greenway in 2014, confirming long‑term financial backing.
- Construction of the Cahersiveen‑to‑Reenard section is expected to begin in late 2025, with an opening targeted for 2026.
When completed, cyclists and walkers will be able to travel from Glenbeigh village through Cahersiveen and finish at Reenard, creating a seamless loop that connects the mainland to Valentia Island via the ferry.
In Popular Culture
Reenard Point featured prominently in a 2005 Guinness advertisement titled “San Jose”. The commercial showcased the dramatic coastline, the ferry crossing and nearby Knightstown, highlighting the region’s iconic scenery to a worldwide audience.
Local Cuisine
Just a stone’s throw from the ferry terminal is O’Neill’s The Point Seafood Bar, a family‑run eatery famed for locally sourced lobster, prawns and fresh fish. Dining here provides a taste of the sea while you watch ferries come and go.
Nearby Attractions
Reenard’s location makes it a convenient base for several iconic sights:
- Rossbeigh Beach – a three‑mile crescent of sand ideal for long walks.
- Dingle Peninsula – reachable via the N70, offering historic sites, dramatic sea arches and wildlife tours.
- Beaufort – a nearby coastal village where the Wild Atlantic Way passes through charming streets and offers additional sea‑views.
- Ring of Kerry – the classic circular drive that showcases mountains, lakes and coastal villages.
- Valentia Island’s Ancient Tracks – 385‑million‑year‑old tetrapod footprints preserved in the island’s rocks, a rare glimpse into pre‑dinosaur life.
Practical Tips
- Parking: Free short‑stay parking is available adjacent to the ferry terminal; spaces fill quickly in summer, so arrive early.
- Dog‑friendly: Dogs are allowed on the ferry and in the parking area, but owners should verify the latest policy with the operator before travelling.
- Ferry frequency: Services run roughly every half‑hour year‑round, with increased frequency in the summer months. Timetables are displayed at the terminal and can be checked online once the operator’s website is confirmed.
- Accessibility: The terminal is fully wheelchair‑accessible with level‑boarding ramps and tactile paving.
- Public transport: The nearest bus stop is in Cahersiveen, with connections to Killarney and Tralee. A short taxi ride completes the journey to Reenard Point.
Travel tip: If you plan to explore Valentia Island, consider allocating at least half a day to fully enjoy the heritage centre, coastal walks and the island’s unique geological sites.
Reenard Point may be modest in size, but its role as the gateway to Valentia Island and its position on one of Ireland’s most celebrated coastal routes make it a must‑visit stop for anyone touring County Kerry.