Protected sectors

What's the story here?

Kells Bay is a deep bay situated on the southern shore of Dingle Bay nearly two-thirds of the way up the Iveragh Peninsula northern shoreline, about 10 miles within Doulos Head and 5 miles from the head of the bay. It is northeastward opening coastal bight flanked by mountains to the west, east and south. At its head is a substantive pier that dries with a slipway on its east side as well as a further slipway along its extensive beach. The beach is backed by a car park and some small seasonal beach shops.




Kells Bay has plenty of depth and provides good shelter in winds from southeast round through west. Kerry County Council provides four public visitors' buoys that were reportedly serviced in Spring 2022. It is also possible to anchor outside the moorings and land on the beach or by the pier.

How to get in?

Use Ireland’s coastal overview for Mizen Head to Loop Head for seaward approaches. The bay tends to remain hidden when following the southern shoreline from westward until it opens up around its low sheltering western headland.




The Initial Fix is set immediately outside the ¼ of a mile entrance. Steering a central path will provide a deep path that is clear of outlying dangers.




Visitors' moorings are just behind the western point, off a reef. Anchor outside the visitor and local boat moorings in 9 metres over good holding. Land at the pier which just dries at its head at LAT.




It may be possible to temporarily come alongside its outer face as it reportedly has 3.6 metres at high water.

Why visit here?

Kells Bay, in Irish 'Cuan na gCeall', was first recorded in 1654 as 'Cuenakeall' and the name is a direct translation from the original Irish name. The formative 'cuan' means 'bay, harbour, or recess' in Irish with 'na gCeall' most likely derived from 'na cealla', 'the churches'. So this would make it the 'bay of the churches'.




The old fishing village backing the beach would have certainly had small old churches in the past and little has changed. It remains a quiet and peaceful place that has remained undisturbed by recent developments. Its primary draw is its spectacular sheltered beach, one of Kerry's Blue Flag beaches, which makes it a favourite spot for families and holiday cottages.




Truly, this is a spectacular beach and a must for boats with young families or adults alike. The wide, horseshoe-shaped inlet, is perfectly framed by high mountains to the west, east and south. At its head is a glorious secluded sandy beach that is bordered by tall elegant oaks and pines, which push in on its western end, and a freshwater stream babbles over stones as it exits to the sea on the eastern end. Between these points is a sheltered stone pier from which to look out to sea. There, the occasional small pretty fishing boat and small leisure craft bob on their moorings, just offshore in the crystal-clear water. Further out in is Dingle Bay and in the far distance its northern shoreline. Kells Bay is a worthy family favourite for young or old, as a fine day can certainly be enjoyed here.




For those looking for a contrasting rainforest experience, a 10-minute walk from the beach leads up to the Kells Bay House and Gardens which teems with ferns and exotic plants. It all began as part of Holly Mount, a small hunting estate bought in 1837 by a Tralee landlord Sir Rowland Blennerhassett. His grandson, Sir Rowland Blennerhassett MP, went on to develop the house and the subtropical gardens extend over 44 acres (18 hectares) today.




Today it contains one of the foremost collections of rare sub-tropical plants, tender trees and shrubs from the Southern Hemisphere in Europe. In Victorian times these were assembled from Australia but in more recently come from New Zealand and South America. Many of which have now become naturalised thanks to the mild and temperate Gulf stream. The gardens are a wonderful experience that also has the added benefit of a coffee shop and restaurant.




From a boating point of view, this is a well-protected anchorage, that should the weather change is just 10 miles from the pontoons of Dingle Harbour. It is a place to come to relax in fine weather and enjoy some downtime in a placid place of perfect beauty.

What facilities are available?

Freshwater tap on the pier and seasonal toilets. There is a shop and restaurant near the beach during the holiday season and the house by the small car park sells ice creams. Kells Bay House and Gardens provide a coffee shop, Thai restaurant, toilets, WiFi. About 15 minutes walk along the road to Castlemaine there is Pat's filling station, incorporating a craft shop, restaurant, food store and post office. Caitin's pub is 3km distant in the opposite direction.

Bus services: 279 Killarney - Kells - Cahersiveen. Two per day Mondays to Saturdays. 280 Ring of Kerry Bus.

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred to a vessel moored off Kells Bay.

With thanks to:

eOceanic Research