Live in Iveragh
Community, Connectivity & Culture
The Language & the Gaeltacht: A Bilingual Community
“What a pleasure to anyone to wake each morning in the beauty of the Iveragh peninsula, and to rest at night, with their lungs full of the tang of the sea air! Anyone who is born amid the beauty of the Priaireacht should not have to spend even one day of their life without it.”
The Iveragh Peninsula is one of Ireland’s officially recognised Gaeltacht regions. The term ‘Gaeltacht’ is used to describe the regions in Ireland in which the Irish language is, or was until recently, the primary spoken language of the majority of the community. A small number of speakers currently speak the Irish language on a daily basis on the Iveragh Peninsula (121 speakers of a population of 1800). Work is underway to increase the use of the language in the community with the ongoing implementation of a language plan. Three of the local primary schools deliver the school curriculum through Irish and students can complete many of their subjects through Irish at post-primary level in the Aonad Lán-Ghaeilge of Coláiste na Sceilge.
The local language planning group ‘Gaelainn Uíbh Ráthaigh’ (“Irish Language in Iveragh”), working as part of the community development group ‘Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh’ organise formal classes, as well as arts, culture and fitness activities to promote the use of the language in the community. Rest assured that there are plenty of opportunities for you to meet new people and to learn Irish.
Living in a region like the Iveragh peninsula provides you with the best of two linguistic and cultural worlds. Culture and spirit of enterprise are continually growing in the Gaeltacht and the people of the Gaeltacht are consistently succeeding in the world of business. It is now understood that multilingualism gives many advantages to a person and it is very important that the communities that have continued to speak the native language of Ireland are protected, supported and further developed.
Finding a Home
We are more than happy where at all possible to help anyone who is looking to source a home in the area. Please make contact with us and we will do our utmost to help you find a property to suit your needs.
Register your property with us (Iveragh Residents)
If you are from the locality and would like to register your property with us as a potential home to purchase or for rent. Please fill out your details at the following link: If you have house or property available, or if you know of one, please contact us, by sending an e-mail to: tascfhorsa@udaras.ie, or please share the details by clicking here.
Community-Led Affordable Housing project
Research work is underway on a community-led affordable housing project for the area. Further information on this work is available here.
Schools & Education
Primary Schools
There are variety of primary schools to choose from in the local community. All the local schools have small class sizes (teacher to pupil ratio) which provides an enriched learning experience than may be usually available in larger school settings.
Three of the primary schools are recognised as Scoileanna Gaeltachta (Gaeltacht Schools/Irish Speaking Schools): Scoil Náisiúnta Cillín Liath, Scoil Mhichíl Naofa, Baile ‘n Sceilg and Scoil an Ghleanna. Both curriculular and extracurricular school activities are delivered through the medium of Irish. This model of education and language learning will have tremendous benefits for your child in terms of language learning, literacy and cognitive development. There are seven other primary schools that deliver the curriculum primarily through English.
Scoil Náisiúnta Cillín Liath
Scoil Náisiúnta Cillín Liath is set in a stunning rural environment and the bank of the Inny River. Gaeilge is the language of the school. It is through the medium of Gaeilge that children participate in all school related activities.
S.N. Cillín Liath is a mixed sex primary school and operates under the patronage of the Roman Catholic diocese.
The school has a low pupil-teacher ratio with maximum attention for each child. A range of both sport and recreational extracurricular activities are an integral part of school life. The school has a large community hall right next door and has a strong link with the local football club CLG Piarsaigh na Dromoda. The children take part in football lessons with PJ Reidy and Eoin McCrohan. Swimming lessons take place each year both in the pool and on the beach. Other activities organised include cross-country running, basketball, Yoga, Drama, Art, Write-a-book project and cooking.
Applications for enrollment are being accepted.
Scoil an Ghleanna
Scoil an Ghleanna is the only Gaeltacht school in the country that is operating as a Community National School (CNS) under the patronage of the Kerry Educational and Training Board. Scoil an Ghleanna was founded in August 2019. The school building had been operating as a primary school since it was opened in 1973. Community National Schools promote a multi-denominational ethos with a focus on inclusivity.
The school is located right by St. Finian’s Bay, overlooking the majestic Skellig Michael.
Scoil an Ghleanna delivers the primary school curriculum through the medium of Irish.
The school has a low pupil-teacher ratio with maximum attention for each child.
Applications for enrollment are being accepted.
Scoil Mhichíl Naofa, Ballinkskelligs
Scoil Mhichíl Naofa is located in Ballinskelligs, a 13km drive from Cahersiveen town. Scoil Mhichíl Naofa is a Gaeltacht school where the curriculum is delivered through the medium of Irish. The school has a low pupil-teacher ratio with maximum attention for each child. There are fifty children currently attending the school and there are four class teachers.
Emphasis is placed on outdoor activities, traditional music and sports (soccer, gaelic football and basketball) as part of a broad, holistic delivery of the curriculum.
The school has recently been awarded a green flag for its green and environmental-friendly initiatives.
Applications to enroll are being accepted.
St. Finian’s National School, Waterville
St. Finian’s National School is located in the beautiful village of Waterville. The school is a co-educational setting that caters for all class levels for Junior Infants up until Sixth Class. Emphasis is placed on fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere and the school’s motto is to ‘do your best always’.
St Finian’s is a green school and has been awarded 5 green flags to date due to its promotion and work on green initiatives.
Scoil Crochán Naofa, Caherdaniel National School
Crochán Naofa National School was opened in 1971. The school has two mainstream class teachers, one learning support/resource teacher and two special needs assistants. The school has a current roll book of 43 children.
Scoil na Corra, Scoil Náisiúnta Muire Gan Smál
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire Gan Smál is located in rural countryside about 7 miles from the town of Cahersiveen. The curriculum is delivered through English. There are small numbers of pupils on the roll book in the school which facilitates smaller class sizes and group teaching.
Filemore National School
Filemore National School is located in the centre of Filemore, about 5 miles outside Cahersiveen on the main N70 road. It is a co-educational school with a catholic ethos.
Scoil Saidhbhín
Scoil Saidbhín is a co-educational school opened in 2015 in Cahersiveen town, on the amalgamation of the CBS National School for boys and the Presentation Scoil Iosaef for girls.
Aghatubrid National School
Aghatubrid National School was founded in 1964 and is located between Cahersiveen and Ballinskelligs. There are 75 students currently on the roll books.
Scoil Bhréanainn
Scoil Bhréanainn is located in the beautiful village of Portmagee. It is a 4 teacher school with a Junior and Senior Autism class attached. Further information on this service is available at www.scoilbhreanainn.ie/our-autism-class/ . Current enrolment is 95. Scoil Bhréanainn is proud of supporting all children to their own individual full potential.
Scoil Naomh Dar Earca, Valentia
Scoil Naomh Dar Earca was opened in 1978. It is a three-teacher school, with one learning support/resource teacher. It is the only primary school on Valentia Island, following the amalgamation of three local island schools in 1978. It is the only island school in County Kerry.
Secondary School
Coláiste na Sceilge
Coláiste na Sceilge is the sole secondary school on the Iveragh peninsula. It is a co-educational community college with an enrollment of 550 students. It was founded in 1999 following an amalgamation of three local schools.
An Irish language unit or stream was founded in 1999 which enables children to continue their education from primary school into secondary level through the medium of Irish.
Would you like to raise your child bilingually?
Advantages of Bilingual Education:
Fluency in English and Irish
Attain higher grades
More creative thinkers
Improves memory skills
Better attention and concentration skills
Improved listening and communicative skills
Easier to learn additional languages
Increased self-esteem
There are several organisations and supports available to parents who wish to speak Irish to their children and for those who would like to raise their child bilingually. You don’t have to be able to speak Irish to give your child to opportunity to grow up with two languages in the community here in Iveragh. Supports are available to parents so there is no requirement for you to speak Irish yourself if you wish for your child to learn Irish. However, if you would like to pick up the language, the local language planning group ‘Gaelainn Uíbh Ráthaigh’ provides a range of both formal and informal language learning opportunities from classes, arts, cultural and sport activities.
For more information contact Victor at pleanteangaur@gmail.com
Tús Maith
There are resources available from Tús Maith (“A Good Start”) if you are considering raising your child through Irish. To find out more information about the advantages of raising your child with a second language and to source support structures.
http://tusmaithocd.ie/welcome-homepage/
Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta
Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta (“Parents of the Gaeltacht”) is an organisation that provides advice and support to parents who are raising their children through Irish in Irish speaking regions in Ireland. To find out more information about the work of Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltacht,
The Family Support Programme
The Department of Media, Tourism Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht provides a support package free of charge for parents who wish to raise their child with Irish. To avail of this free resource package, send an email enquiry to: ctt@ahg.gov.ie.
For more information, see: https://www.chg.gov.ie/ga/gaeltacht/the-gaeltacht/language-support-schemes-programmes/family-language-support-programme/
Childcare Services
Naíonra Martina sa Ghleann
Ionad Cúram Leanaí sa Dromod
Waterville Early Years Centre
Adult Education
Skellig Cri
https://www.ucc.ie/en/aboutscri/
Kerry ETB
with centres in Waterville (Tech Amergin) and Cahersiveen (Ionad Uí Chonaill)
A Sense of Adventure & Discovery
Recreational and Sport Activities
Rowing
Enjoy the majestic waterways on the Iveragh peninsula and join one of our local rowing clubs. Membership is available for adults and children. There are several clubs active on the peninsula including: Caherdaniel Rowing Club, Sive Rowing Club, Cahersiveen Rowing, Valentia Rowing, Cromane Rowing and Sneem Rowing Club. South & Mid Kerry Rowing run seven regattas throughout the summer each year. More information available from: https://www.facebook.com/South-and-Mid-Kerry-Rowing-1709876999281675/?ref=page_internal
Walking and Hiking
The Iveragh Peninsula is home to a vast array of walking/hiking trails along the Kerry Way. All walking routes are approved by Sports Ireland. Detailed route descriptions and information about South Kerry walking/hiking trails are available from South Kerry Development Partnership here: http://www.southkerry.ie/trails/
Fishing
The Iveragh Peninsula is a prime location for recreational fishing, both sea and lake fishing. Check out the majestic Lough Currane or spend some time on St Finian’s Bay. More information is available from: https://fishinginireland.info/sea/southwest/kerry/
Boat Trips
Boat trips are available from various providers on the peninsula; including the once in a lifetime trip to the ancient Skellig Michael. Exploring and getting to know the Iveragh peninsula and its coastline by boat is a highly recommended experience.
For more information on boat trips and excursions in Iveragh, please visit:
Valentia Harbour Tours: http://www.valentiaharbourtours.com/
Skellig Michael Cruises: various providers organise boat trips out to Skellig Michael. Information is available and easily accessible online.
GAA Football
Like all over County Kerry GAA is an important part of community life on the Iveragh Peninsula. New membership is always welcome and becoming involved in the heart of the sport community here in South Kerry is a fantastic way of keeping fit, meeting new people and settling into the community.
Clubs currently active in South Kerry include CLG Piarsaigh na Dromoda, Naomh Mícheál/An Fhaill Mhór, Renard, Waterville, Skellig Rangers, St Mary’s Cahersiveen and Sneem. Membership can be obtained from all clubs.
More information is available from the South Kerry GAA Board and on individual clubs’ social media sites.
South Kerry Board: https://www.facebook.com/South-Kerry-GAA-1194644007231592/
Piarsaigh na Dromoda: https://www.facebook.com/dromidpearses/
St Michael’s Foilmore: https://www.facebook.com/St-MichaelsFoilmore-GAA-Club-163574520351255/
Rugby
The local rugby team Iveragh RFC/Iveragh Eagles are active in the community. Iveragh Eagles RFC were founded in 2009 and are based in Cahersiveen. They play in division J2. For the most up to date information on Iveragh RFC check out their social media sites at: https://www.facebook.com/IveraghRFC/
Horse Riding
Horse riding is available from a number of providers in Iveragh. The beautiful landscape of the Iveragh peninsula is a perfect backdrop for your pastime. Go beach trekking on the Wild Atlantic Way. More information can be found from the following providers and the links below:
Ring of Kerry Equestrian Centre, Waterville: https://rokequestrian.wordpress.com/
Eagle Rock, Caherdaniel: https://www.eaglerockcentre.com/
Water sports in Iveragh: Surfing, Kayaking and Diving
The Iveragh Peninsula comes into its own in terms of water sports and activities. Various local business providers organise different packages and activities. Among these include motorised kayaks, surfing, paddling, stand-up-paddling, canoeing, diving, snorkling, along with a seashore safari and sea camps for kids.
Sunfish Explorer Derrynane: http://sunfishexplorer.com/
Sea Synergy, Waterville: https://www.seasynergy.org/
Skellig Surf School: http://www.skelligsurf.com/
Paddle and Sea: http://www.paddleandsea.com/
Valentia Island Sea Sports: https://valentiaislandseasports.com/
Safety & Inclusiveness
The Iveragh Peninsula is a quiet, peaceful community that is surrounded by breath-taking landscape and a close-knit community spirit. If you are after a quiet, laid-back lifestyle or are looking to get involved in an active, engaged and socially purposeful and responsive community, then Iveragh is the place for you.
A high quality of life is available for all ages in Iveragh. Great care is taken in particular of our older members in the community through a variety of community initiatives. These programmes and activities are run by community organisations.
Baile ‘n Sceilg/Ballinskelligs (An Halla Pobail)
066 9479111
Meals on Wheels available: Mondays & Thursdays
Meals in the Centre: Every Thursday Bus Service Available every Thursday Local Link Kerry S245a
Activities:
Different guest speakers on Thursday giving talks and giving demonstrations, and workshops.
Bingo and exercise each Thursday also.
Yoga every second Thursday with elderly
Laundry Service – opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 – 4.00 (Friday 3.00 close)
Chiropody: Every four to six weeks
Hairdresser: Every Thursday
Beautician & Massage: Every third Thursday
Cathair Dónall/Caherdaniel (An Oifig Pobail):
087 9206667
Meals on Wheels available: Tuesday & Friday
Meals in the Centre: Every Friday; Suppers one Wednesday per month Bus Service available for Wednesday supper and monthly Friday dinner. Local Link Kerry S244a S244b
Activities:
Twice a month; bingo & exercise, guest speakers talks and arts & crafts workshops.
Active Retired Group meet every second Wednesday – activities, talks & outings.
Chiropody: Every two months
Beautician: In house on occasion
Group Trips: To Kenmare once a month
District Nurse: Attends one Friday per month.
An Coireán/Waterville (IRD Waterville):
066 9474366
Meals on Wheels available: On referral from Public Health Nurse, Doctor
Meals in the Centre: One Tuesday per month
Activities: October - March Mass, music, followed by gentle exercise at Teacht le Chéile in Tech Amergin
Laundry Service – opening hours: Monday to Friday inclusive 9.30 – 12.30
An Dromod (Ionad Lae na Dromoda):
066 9474782
Meals on Wheels available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Meals in the Centre: Every Thursday Local Link Kerry S248
Activities: Mass last Thursday of month, bingo, exercises, games, music, guest speakers on occasion, Yoga every second Thursday
Chiropody: Every two months
Hairdresser: Every Thursday
District Nurse: Available every Tuesday at 12 noon.
An Gleann (Ionad Lae an Ghleanna):
066 9479366
Meals on Wheels available: Mondays to Friday inclusive
Meals in the Centre: Every Tuesday Bus Service Available Local Link Kerry S246
Activities: Each Tuesday e.g. bingo, exercise, arts & crafts guest speakers. Thursday night Whist @ 9pm
Laundry Service – opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.00 (Friday 3.00 close)
Chiropody: Every four weeks on a Tuesday
Hairdresser: Every three weeks on a Friday
Beautician: Every three weeks on a Tuesday
broadband
& Connectivity
Broadband and Connectivity
There are a number of providers of broadband services operating in the area, and ongoing upgrades and improvements are currently being made to the infrastructure in the area, particularly in the context of the rollout of the National Broadband Plan.
You can check the availability of fibre broadband (giving speeds of up to 100 Mb/s) at any address nationally through the fibrerollout.ie website, and similarly the status at any premises in relation to the NBP (i.e. where fibre is not going to be available) can be seen on nbi.ie. Information on locally provided broadband services from Ivertec (giving speeds of up to 150 Mb/s) can be found at https://www.ivertec.ie/ , while information on the packages available from SCC Broadband can be accessed at https://www.sccbroadband.ie/
A number of Broadband Connection Points have been developed under the auspices of Kerry County Council at the following locations throughout Iveragh
Cable Station, Knightstown, Valentia
Chapeltown Community Centre, Valentia
Kells Bay Railway Station Heritage Centre & Community Space
Cillín Liath (Ionad Pobail na Dromoda)
Members of the public are able to access broadband at these centres. Údarás na Gaeltachta and the local community development company, Forbairt na Dromoda, have developed a gteic facility (shared working space) at Cillín Liath where nine desks are available by for short-term and longer-term use. For further information and bookings, contact 066 9474782 or AnDromaid@gteic.ie.
This new development complements the existing gteic at Dún Géagáin, Baile ‘n Sceilg which is being managed by Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh. Contact 066 9474888 or BaileAnSceilig@gteic.ie for further information and bookings.