Cahersiveen and the Surrounding area

Cahersiveen on the Skellig Coast is steeped in history. “The Town that Climbs the Mountains”

A brief history of the beautiful town of Cahersiveen which lies on the river Fertha at the foot of the Beentee Mountain.

Cathair Saidhbhin means stone fort of little Sadhbh (pronounced “Sive”). Sadhbh was the daughter of the McMcarty Mor chieftain of the 1500’s . He gave his daughter a stone fort on the south side of the river. The Irish word for “fort” is “cathair”.

The ring of Kerry route was first established in cahersiveen in 1893 by T.J.Leslie, owner of Leslie’s Railway Hotel. Tourists arrived by train from Killarney, had lunch in the hotel and travelled by horse coach to Waterville, where they stayed overnight. The following morning they travelled on. They stopped for lunch in Parknasilla Hotel and continued to Kenmare from where they caught the evening train back to Killarney. It was called the Grand Atlantic Coach Tour. Update* The old train line from Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen will now be turned into the South Kerry Greenway, panning spectacular views while enjoying a bicycle ride. the much-welcomed greenway is currently in process and is aiming to open in 2023/2024

Daniel O’Connell known also as “The Liberator”, Ireland’s most outstanding stateman, was born on the outskirts of the town in 1775. (his birthplace remains there today) adding a memorial park in his honor,  He is considered by many to be the world founder of “mass peaceful protect”. Martin Luther King and Gandhi were among his admirers.

Grave of Monisgnor Hugh o’Flaherty, the scarlet Pimpernal, can be found on the church grounds. Monisgnor, whilst working as a priest in the Vatican during world War 11, organised the hiding and escape of more than 6,000 Jews fleeing the Nazis.