- Saint Brendan of Clonfert: May 16, c. 484–577: Ardfert, AnnaghKnown as “the Navigator,” Brendan, born near Tralee, founded Ardfert monastery before establishing Clonfert in Galway. His Navigatio Sancti Brendani recounts voyages possibly reaching North America. A disciple of St. Finnian, he trained St. Columba. His feast is in the Martyrology of Donegal, and Ardfert’s cathedral ruins and Annagh parish honor him, reflecting Kerry’s maritime spirituality.
- Saint Finan Cam: April 7, c. 6th century: KenmareFinan Cam, meaning “crooked,” founded a monastery at Kinnity, Offaly, but is linked to Kenmare through a church at Kilfountain. A disciple of St. Brendan, he is known for his ascetic life and miracles. His feast is in the Martyrology of Oengus, and Kenmare parish’s holy well and cross-inscribed stone preserve his legacy, tying Kerry to Munster’s monastic network.
- Saint Erc of Slane: November 2, c. 5th century: LixnawErc, a disciple of St. Patrick, is primarily associated with Slane, Meath, but founded a church at Lixnaw in north Kerry. A pre-Patrician convert, he became a bishop and judge for Patrick. His feast is in the Martyrology of Donegal, and Lixnaw parish’s early Christian site reflects his role in Kerry’s evangelization.
- Saint Fionán of Skellig Michael: March 23, c. 6th century: Skellig Michael (Ballinskelligs)Fionán, possibly distinct from Finan Cam, founded the monastery on Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its extreme asceticism, the monastery was a beacon of Irish monasticism. His feast is in the Martyrology of Donegal, and Ballinskelligs parish venerates him, with the island’s beehive huts and oratory as pilgrimage destinations.
- Saint Senan of Scattery Island: March 8, c. 488–544: Innisfallen (Killarney)Senan, patron of Clare, founded Innisfallen monastery on Lough Leane, Killarney, before establishing Scattery Island. His Life records miracles like banishing a monster. A disciple of St. Cassidan, his feast is in the Martyrology of Donegal. Innisfallen’s ruins and Killarney parish honor him, reflecting Kerry’s ties to Clare’s monastic tradition.
- Saint Carthach the Elder: March 5, c. 6th century: Kilcarragh (Lixnaw)Carthach, a Munster saint, founded a church at Kilcarragh, near Lixnaw, before establishing Lismore, Waterford. A mentor to St. Carthach the Younger, he is known for his missionary zeal. His feast is in the Martyrology of Oengus, and Lixnaw parish’s early Christian site preserves his legacy, linking Kerry to Munster’s ecclesiastical network.
- Saint Mael Cethair: May 14, c. 6th century: Kilmalkedar (Dingle)Mael Cethair, one of the “Four Sons of Ere,” founded a church at Kilmalkedar, a key monastic site on the Dingle Peninsula. His feast is in the Martyrology of Donegal, and his Romanesque church and ogham stone are pilgrimage sites. Dingle parish venerates him, reflecting Kerry’s dense network of local saints.
- Saint Beoc (Dabheog): January 1, c. 6th century: BallinskelligsBeoc, an obscure saint, is linked to Ballinskelligs, possibly founding a church near Skellig Michael. His feast is in the Martyrology of Donegal, and his name may relate to St. Davog of Donegal. Ballinskelligs parish preserves his memory, with local traditions tying him to Kerry’s coastal monasticism.
- Saint Moling: June 17, c. 615–697: Ventry (Dingle)Moling, primarily associated with St. Mullins, Carlow, is linked to Ventry through a church foundation. Known for abolishing the Borumha cattle tribute, his feast is in the Martyrology of Donegal. Ventry parish’s early Christian site reflects his influence, connecting Kerry to Leinster’s monastic tradition.
- Saint Cuan: October 1, c. 6th century: CaherdanielCuan, an obscure saint, founded a church at Caherdaniel on the Iveragh Peninsula. His feast is in the Martyrology of Oengus, but little is known of his life. Caherdaniel parish’s church site and holy well honor him, reflecting Kerry’s tradition of local saints tied to coastal communities.
- Saint Finian Lobhar: March 16, c. 6th century: WatervilleFinian Lobhar, “the Leper,” is linked to Waterville, where he may have founded a church. Known for his ascetic life despite illness, his feast is in the Martyrology of Donegal. Waterville parish’s early Christian site preserves his memory, tying Kerry to the broader cult of Finian saints.
- Saint Mael Anfaid: January 31, c. 6th century: DingleMael Anfaid, an obscure saint, is associated with Dingle, possibly founding a church near Kilmalkedar. His feast is in the Martyrology of Donegal, and his life is sparsely documented. Dingle parish’s monastic sites reflect his role, underscoring Kerry’s rich tapestry of local monastic founders.
Saints
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Sacred Places
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Holy Wells
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Kerry:
Ireland’s county Kerry is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, with the Ring of Kerry offering scenic drives past lakes and coastal cliffs. Killarney National Park features the serene Lakes of Killarney and historic Muckross House, while Dingle’s coastal trails and dolphin-watching opportunities add natural allure. Accessible by seasonal ferry, the Skellig Islands’ ancient monastic ruins make Kerry a compelling choice for outdoor adventure and history. Kerry is Ireland’s fifth largest county by size (4,701 square km) and 15th largest by population (156,458). Population peaked at 293,880 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 112,785 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Kerry is Ireland’s fourth most visited tourist county with around 877,000 international visitors per year.
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