Overview
Reenard Point sits on the southwest coast of County Kerry, roughly five miles west of Cahersiveen. It marks the mainland terminus for the car ferry that connects to Knightstown on Valentia Island. Positioned directly on the N70, the route forms a key segment of both the Wild Atlantic Way and the Ring of Kerry, making it a natural stopping point for drivers tracing the Iveragh Peninsula’s rugged coastline. Even if you’re not crossing to the island, the point offers a dramatic pause where the Atlantic meets the shore, with open water stretching toward the horizon and the distant silhouette of the Skellig Islands visible on clear days.
The Ferry Crossing to Valentia Island
The primary draw at Reenard Point is the short but scenic ferry service to Knightstown. Boats depart approximately every thirty minutes throughout the year, with the crossing taking just five minutes. The terminal accommodates cars, bicycles, and foot passengers, and features level-boarding ramps and tactile paving for wheelchair accessibility. Dogs are permitted aboard, though owners should verify the operator’s current leash and seating policies before travelling.
Once across, visitors find themselves in a community steeped in maritime and scientific history, from the world’s first transatlantic telegraph cable landing to the Valentia Heritage Centre. For those preferring to stay on the mainland, the pier itself offers a solid wooden walkway ideal for a brisk stroll, photography, or simply watching the tides shift.
Birdwatching & Coastal Wildlife
Reenard Point is consistently ranked among Kerry’s most productive birdwatching locations, particularly during the autumn and winter months. A small fish-processing facility on the pier attracts gulls and creates a reliable feeding zone that draws species like the white-winged gull, a regular winter visitor in recent years. Black guillemots frequently perch on the nearby rocks, while the surrounding mudflats and open channel support waders, terns, and occasional vagrants such as glossy ibis or Iceland gull.
Birders should note that the fish factory does not operate at weekends, meaning gull numbers drop significantly on Saturdays and Sundays. This makes midweek visits ideal for those seeking quieter conditions and more focused wildlife observation. Bring binoculars and arrive during low tide to maximise your chances of spotting waders in the exposed flats.
Sea-Safari Tours
Several local operators run guided marine excursions that depart from the Reenard Point slipway. These tours typically combine the ferry crossing with a two- to three-hour coastal cruise, offering commentary on local geology, maritime history, and marine ecosystems. Passengers often spot common dolphins, grey seals, and a variety of seabirds as the boats navigate the channel and sweep along the Wild Atlantic Way. Standard tours start around €82 per person, with premium packages reaching €123 for extended routes and dedicated wildlife spotting. Bookings are handled through the operators’ websites or third-party platforms, and summer months see the highest demand.
History & Heritage
The area’s strategic position has long linked the mainland to Valentia Island, but its historical profile peaked in the late nineteenth century. On 12 September 1893, the Valentia Harbour railway station opened, making Reenard Point the westernmost rail terminus in the British Isles. The line operated until its closure on 1 February 1960, and the old trackbed remains visible in places, a quiet reminder of the region’s industrial past.
Valentia’s role in global communications also shaped the area’s identity; the landing of the first transatlantic telegraph cable in 1865 turned the island into a vital node in international trade and diplomacy. Locally, the community maintains a strong sporting tradition, with Reenard GAA club consistently producing players for the Kerry senior football team.
Future Developments – The Fertha Greenway
The landscape around Reenard Point is set to change with the completion of the Fertha Greenway, a 5 km traffic-free trail linking Cahersiveen to the ferry terminal. This section forms the westernmost leg of the broader South Kerry Greenway, which will eventually stretch 32 km along the former Great Southern Railway line. Following a public consultation in October 2024 that outlined six potential route options, planning and funding have progressed steadily. A €450,000 grant secured in 2014 helped establish the project’s foundation, with construction of the Cahersiveen-to-Reenard segment scheduled to begin in late 2025. Once open, the greenway will allow cyclists and walkers to travel from Glenbeigh through Cahersiveen to the ferry, creating a continuous recreational loop to Valentia Island.
Local Dining & Nearby Attractions
Visitors looking to refuel before or after the crossing will find O’Neill’s The Point Seafood Bar just steps from the terminal. The family-run establishment specialises in locally caught lobster, prawns, and fresh fish, serving meals with views of the harbour and passing ferries.
Beyond the immediate vicinity, Reenard Point serves as an excellent staging post for exploring the wider region:
- Rossbeigh Beach lies a short drive south, offering a three-mile crescent of sand perfect for long coastal walks.
- To the north, the N70 connects directly to the Dingle Peninsula, while the village of Beaufort provides another quiet coastal stop along the Wild Atlantic Way.
- On Valentia Island itself, visitors can trace the Ancient Tracks – 385-million-year-old tetrapod footprints preserved in the bedrock – before heading further south toward the Blasket Islands.
Practical Information
- Parking: Free short-stay parking is available adjacent to the ferry terminal. Spaces fill quickly during peak summer months, so early arrival is recommended.
- Ferry Schedule: Services run roughly every half-hour year-round, with increased frequency in summer. Timetables are posted at the terminal and updated online by the operator.
- Accessibility: The terminal and ferry vessels are fully wheelchair accessible, featuring level-boarding ramps and secure tie-down points.
- Public Transport: The nearest bus stop is in Cahersiveen, with regular connections to Killarney and Tralee. Taxis are available for the short journey to the point.
- Planning Ahead: If you intend to explore Valentia Island, allocate at least half a day to comfortably visit the heritage centre, walk the coastal trails, and experience the island’s unique geological sites.
Reenard Point operates as a functional transit hub, but its position on one of Ireland’s most dramatic coastlines ensures it rewards even a brief stop. Arrive early in the morning to catch the ferries loading in calm light, check the tide tables if you plan to walk the pier’s outer edge, and allow extra time if you’re crossing to Valentia for a full day of exploration.