Bonane Heritage Park, Kenmare

 

 

 

 

 

About Bonane Heritage Park

Whether you are visiting the South West of Ireland for a short break or a long stay, Bonane Heritage Park should be at the top of your list of things to do. It boasts one of the most significant archaeological sites in Ireland as well as making the perfect setting for amateur and professional photographers and walkers. So whether you're interested in history and heritage or just looking to embrace all that makes Ireland truly special, a visit won't disappoint. Nestled at the point where the Ring of Beara meets the Ring of Kerry, it makes the perfect place to start your exploration of the area.

Archaeology, History and Heritage

At Bonane Heritage Park there are several archaeological treasures all of which are accessible along 2000 metres of gravelled walkway, each having it's own interpretive board and story to tell. What it does demonstrate is that Bonane, as a community, has been settled for over 5000 years. Amongst the sites are

• Ancient Stone Circle (known locally as the Judge and Jury because there are 13 stones)
• Fulacht Fiadh (literally meaning 'cooking pot')
• Bullaun Stone (said to have held water that was used for medicinal purposes)
• Standing Stone (an astrological symbol perhaps)
• Ringfort (known as a Fairy Fort in Irish legend)
• Famine House Ruins (abandoned during the potato crop failure of the 1840s)

            

Opening Hours and Location

Located on the South West Coast of Ireland, Bonane Heritage Park is ideally situated and easily accessible from Kenmare, Killarney, Cork, Dingle, Glengarriff and of course Cork Harbour where the Fastnet ferry, MV Julia, docks on return from Swansea. We are only 8 miles from Kenmare on the N71 Kenmare to Glengarriff Road - turn down the lane and we are only 750 metres further on.

The park is open ALL year round and you can visit at anytime during daylight hours. Why not try and visit the park on the Summer Solstice Day of 21st June and watch the sunrise cast the first light of the day straight through the Entrance Stones of the Stone Circle where it illuminates the Boulder Burial at the centre. Aim to arrive at approx 6:40am to truly capture the magic.
Entry fees are as follows:

• Adults €4 each
• Family Ticket €10
• Other concessions available

The Park is owned by the Community of Bonane and is a not for profit venture, so please, if there is no-one in attendance, leave your donation in the 'honesty box' near the rear door and if you have a Tesco Clubcard voucher, drop that in too.

Contact Us

Tel: 083 1060894
Email: info@bonaneheritagepark.com

Activities for Young Children

We appreciate that for young children, a visit to the Heritage Park may not seem like great excitement BUT it could be fun if you request the activity pack we have created especially for our young visitors. Grab a pack of coloured pencils from one of the shops in Kenmare or bring a pack with you and kids will keep themselves occupied whilst you take in the amazing surroundings. During the school holidays, activity packs (including the pencils) will be available for purchase from the office. Email us to request your copy.

Read Reviews and Add Your Own

If you're undecided about a visit to Bonane Heritage Park, why not read the reviews on Trip Advisor and then when you've been, write your own - just click the link below:

Brochure

Click on the image below to view the Bonane Heritage Park brochure