Overview
St. Finian’s Bay, locally known as The Glen (An Gleann), sits on the Atlantic coast of County Kerry, midway between the villages of Portmagee and Ballinskelligs. The bay stretches from Puffin Island in the north to Ducalla Head in the south, cradling the dramatic Skellig Rocks and Lemon Rock. Its small, unspoilt beach backs onto rolling green fields, offering one of the most striking coastal panoramas in the region.
History & Archaeology
The area’s name honours Saint Finan Cam, a 10th-century monk linked to the early Christian settlement on Skellig Michael. Finan, a follower of Saint Brendan, is credited with founding the monastery that later bore his name. When Danish raids in the 10th and 11th centuries forced the monastic community onto the mainland, traces of their settlement remained visible in a sheltered corner of the bay until the late 19th century.
Human occupation in the Glen dates back much further. The landscape is dotted with Bronze Age earthen forts, stone graves, and souterrains. The ruined Killemlagh Church, an Irish Romanesque structure from the 12th or 13th century, stands on the footprint of the earlier monastic site. Nearby, the Pagan’s Grave – a modest stone-standing enclosure – and the Kilaboona Oratory hint at centuries of spiritual and settlement activity. Today, the modern footprint is minimal, consisting of a few cottages, a chocolate factory, and the quiet remnants of the past.
Nature & Wildlife
The mild Atlantic climate supports a vibrant mix of flora and fauna. Hedgerows and field paths burst with buttercups, primroses, bluebells, orchids, and the distinctive orange montbretia. The surrounding waters and rocky outcrops provide habitat for a wide range of seabirds, including gulls, razorbills, gannets, and the puffins that nest on the nearby Puffin Island sanctuary.
The bay itself is a productive marine environment. Pollack, mackerel, cod, lobster, and crab are common in the waters, attracting both recreational anglers and divers. Grey seals are a frequent sight, often hauling out on the rocks at low tide, while dolphins occasionally patrol the deeper channels.
Activities
Surfing
Despite its modest size, St. Finian’s Bay is a well-known surf spot on the Skellig Ring. The bay catches consistent Atlantic swells, producing fast, hollow waves that appeal to experienced riders. Strong rip currents and powerful undertows make it unsuitable for beginners or casual swimmers. The surf is unpatrolled, so visitors should check tide tables and weather forecasts carefully before entering the water.
Diving
The bay offers a remote shore-diving experience with depths reaching around 20 metres. The seabed features sandy patches, basalt rock formations, boulders, and dense kelp forests. Divers can expect to encounter brown wrasse, sea urchins, spider crabs, and various nudibranchs. Visibility is typically best on calm days with south or south-westerly winds, and a rising tide is recommended for easier entry. Strong currents outside the bay and occasional fishing boat traffic mean divers should always use a surface marker buoy.
Walking & Hiking
A network of sign-posted trails criss-crosses the Glen, offering routes of varying lengths. Walkers can head south toward Ducalla Head (approximately 2 km, moderate difficulty), north toward Glenaragh, or east toward Kilabuona. Elevated viewpoints like Com an Easboig in the north and the tower at Bolus Head in the south provide sweeping vistas of the Skellig Islands and the rugged coastline. The paths are well-suited for a half-day outing and connect to the wider regional walking network.
Chocolate Experience
A short walk from the beach leads to Skelligs Chocolate, Ireland’s only open-plan chocolate factory. The visitor centre allows guests to watch the production process, sample handcrafted truffles, bars, and fudge, and book chocolate-making courses suitable for all ages.
Surf Schools & Rentals
For those looking to learn or hire equipment, local operator Skellig Watersports runs surf instruction during the summer months and offers board and wetsuit hire year-round. While the bay itself is best left to seasoned surfers, beginners can take lessons on more sheltered sections of the beach under supervision. The centre also organises stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking trips that explore the coastline and waters around the Skellig Rocks.
Best Time to Visit
Puffins nest on Puffin Island from May to August, making early summer the ideal window for birdwatchers. Grey seals are visible year-round, while spring brings a vibrant display of wildflowers along the hedgerows. Surfers typically visit between May and October for reliable swells, with autumn and winter bringing larger, more powerful sets.
Practical Information
St. Finian’s Bay is freely accessible year-round with no admission charge. A free car park sits roughly 100 metres from the shoreline, providing ample space for visitors. The area is well sign-posted for walkers and cyclists. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in the Glen, so carrying a physical map or offline navigation is recommended. The beach and pier are public spaces, but the surf zone is unpatrolled and should only be entered by confident swimmers.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballinskelligs – A Blue Flag beach, historic abbey, and cliff castle just a short drive east.
- Portmagee – A working fishing village that serves as the departure point for boat trips to Skellig Michael.
- Puffin Island – A protected seabird sanctuary accessible via seasonal boat tours.
- Ducalla Head – A dramatic headland featuring cliff-top paths and striking sea stacks.
Check tide times before visiting the beach or planning a coastal walk, as low tide exposes extensive rock pools while high tide can significantly reduce the available shoreline.