Overview

Saint Brendan the Navigator, one of the twelve apostles of Ireland, was probably born near what is now Fenit Harbour around 484 AD. His travel adventures across the Atlantic were written down in monasteries across Europe, making him one of the best-known saints of the early Middle Ages.

Today, two sites in County Kerry commemorate his legacy above all others: the imposing bronze statue at Fenit Harbour, which gazes out over the Atlantic pointing toward America, and Mount Brandon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the saint is said to have spent three days fasting and received a vision of a great land to the west before setting sail.

What You'll See

The Fenit statue, sculpted by Tighe O'Donoghue/Ross and unveiled in 2004, depicts St. Brendan leaning into a force ten storm, cloak blown back, grasping the Gospel and pointing out to sea.

Sea views are amazing if the weather cooperates - it's best to make the detour here on a clear day.

Visitor Essentials

The Fenit Heritage Park and statue are free to visit and open all year round. The Tralee to Fenit Greenway, a 13.6 km off-road trail along the old railway line, provides a scenic flat walk or cycle from Tralee directly to the statue - taking around three hours and twenty minutes on foot one way, or one hour by bike.

Fenit Statue & Heritage Park: https://visitfenit.ie/to-do/st-brendan