Ireland’s Marine National Park

Ireland has its first Marine National Park, called Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí – (Marine National Park, Kerry). The announcement came on Earth Day, April 22, as ministers, environmentalists, marine experts and local tourism officials gathered to share the exciting news.

The new Páirc is centered around Corca Dhuibhne in Co. Kerry and unites some of Europe’s most ecologically valuable natural places across 70,000 acres of lands and seas.

The Páirc includes Conor Pass, as well as new sites at Inch Peninsula, Mount Brandon and the Owenmore River in Co. Kerry, and includes nature and heritage facilities. The park is dedicated to the protection and restoration of its internationally significant biodiversity and archaeological heritage.

Starting in September and through Autumn, Marine National Park will sparkle with brilliant fall colors and visitors can enjoy plenty of amazing wildlife sightings, from white-tailed eagles to puffin and finbacked whales. Autumn is a time to explore the natural beauty of this new park.

Here is a full inventory of the new park:

Land

• Conor Pass
• Owenmore River Catchment
• Mount Brandon
• Inch Peninsula
• Derrynane House, Historic Park and Beach

Islands

• Sceilig Michí
• Little Skellig
• Puffin Island
• Land on Great Blasket Island
• An Tiaracht Nature Reserve
• Valentia Tetrapod Trackway

Seas

• Waters around the
• Blasket Islands
• Kerry Head Shoals

Find more details at ireland.com