Ardfert, Where Saint Brendan The Navigator Was Educated

Today memories of its former glory are the extensive ruins of a cathedral and the abbey that owes its foundation to Saint Brendan the Navigator (AD 483-577)

Young Saint Brendan was educated at the missionary post established here in the 5th century.

The monastery he founded became the centre of Anglo-Norman ecclesiastical influence in Kerry.

The 13th century St Brendan’s monastery is now roofless, its massive walls standing stark against the skyline and is now the haunt of black crows and rooks that you can hear shrieking every time you arrive in Ardfert.

The monastery is now undergoing restoration with scaffolding all around it still retains an air of its former grandeur. The spectacular Irish Romanesque doorway, on the west side, the arcaded west wall and soaring graceful triple Lancet windows that once lit the handsome nave.

The graveyard contains ancient tombs and a 5th century stone carved headstone with the ancient Irish script called Ogham.

Nearby is the Temple-Na-Hoe (Temple of the virgin) and the Temple-Na-Griffin (Temple of the Griffin) in the north wall of which are two winged dragons with crossed necks representing evil devouring itself.