In 1580, a small invasion force of Spanish and Italian soldiers landed at Smerwick Harbour to assist the Irish in the Desmond Rebellion. After being joined by some Irish soldiers they numbered about 600. After garrisoning themselves within the defences of the fort at Dún an Óir, they were surrounded by a larger English force commanded by Lord Grey. After a three day siege, the Irish, Spanish and Italian soldiers surrendered to Lord Grey, only to be slaughtered by the English soldiers. Little remains of the fort today, there is a monument at the entrance to the site.

The site overlooks Béal Bán (the White Strand), a beautiful long sandy beach on the shores of Smerwick Harbour. Horse racing is held on the beach on the first weekend in May.


RIASC

Site of an early Christian monastic settlement and the Riasc Stone.


GALLARUS ORATORY

A small early Christian church built entirely of stone without mortar. After more than 1,000 years it is still watertight. At the visitor centre there is a shop, café and video on the site around the area. Nearby is the 16th century Gallarus Castle (now being restored) that was used to garrison soldiers during the siege at Dún and Óir.


KILMALKEDAR

An important early Christian site. St. Brendan the Navigator and his monks settled here in the early 6th century. The site has an ornate 12th century Hiberno-Romanesque church named after St. Maolcheadar, an alphabet-stone, stone cross, Ogham stone and a sundial. The site also became a centre of education with scholars coming from Europe.



BAILE NA nGALL (BALLYDAVID)

A quiet fishing village on the shores of Smerwick Harbour. A regatta, featuring traditional naomhógs or currachs, is held during the month of August each year.


CARRAIG

On the road from Ballydavid and Feothanach is Teach Siamsa, a traditional style thatched cottage built as a cultural centre. Teach Siamsa provides shows involving traditional Irish music, song and dance.