The Gaeltacht in Cork and Kerry

There are several areas in the Cork Kerry Region where Irish, or Gaelic, is still the spoken language and where Ireland’s social, cultural and linguistic traditions are passionately maintained. Signs and place names are written in Irish and the names will often provide a descriptive insight into the history and heritage of the area.

There are a number of summer Irish colleges in the Cork & Kerry Gaeltachts where young people have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Irish language and culture. The Gaeltacht areas are a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Irish music, dance and folklore.

In Kerry there are two Gaeltacht areas, on the Dingle Peninsula (Leithinis Chorca Dhuibhne) and the Iveragh Gaeltacht (Uíbh Ráthach) on the Ring of Kerry. Gaeltacht Corca Dhuibhne surrounds the vibrant town of An Daingean (Dingle). Both peninsulas are renowned for their breathtaking coastal and mountain scenery, with magnificent views of the Skellig Rocks, Puffin Island and the Blasket Islands.

Cork also has two Gaeltachts areas, along the banks of the River Lee lies Gaeltacht Mhúscraí and off the coast of West Cork lies Oileán Chléire (Cape Clear Island). These areas possess enormous archaeological riches that are only matched by the unique culture, hospitality and humour of their inhabitants.

Towns & Villages

An Clochán (Cloghane)
An Coireán (Waterville)
An Daingean (Dingle)
An Fheothanach (Feohanagh)
Baile an Fheirtéaraigh (Ballyferriter)
Baile an Sceilg (Ballinskelligs)
Baile Bhúirne/Baile Mhic Íre (Ballyvourney/Ballymakeera)
Béal Átha'n Ghaorthaidh (Ballingeary)
Bréanainn (Brandon)
Cathair Dónall (Caherdaniel)
Ceann Trá (Ventry)
Cill na Martra (Kilnamartyra)
Cúil Aodha (Coolea)
Dún Chaoin (Dunquin)
Lios Póil (Lispole)
Na Blascaodaí (Blasket Islands)
Oileán Chléire (Cape Clear Island)