A Guide to Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts
Read our travel guide on Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
It's well known that the iconic Ring of Kerry is packed to the brim with incredible places.
Some of them, such as Killarney National Park, Gap of Dunloe, or Kerry Cliffs, are pretty much on every list.
The stone forts of Cahergall and Leacanabuaile near Cahersiveen remain still a bit out of the sight of many visitors.
This is a bit of shame, as we believe Cahergall and Leacanabuaile are among the best stone forts in Ireland.
The best thing about them is that both stone forts are within walking distance from each other, making the trip to this far corner of the Iveragh Peninsula even better.
Simply put, Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts are some of the finest examples of why we loved our Wild Atlantic Way road trip so much.
There was so much diversity, history, and beauty along the way that we were often left speechless.
So here's everything you should know about Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts before you go.
How to Visit Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts
The journey to Stone Forts Parking from Cahersiveen was fairly short and uneventful.
The road was narrow, but we luckily didn't meet any ongoing traffic on the way there.
It doesn't matter which stone fort you should visit first.
We decided to start with the further one, so we first headed to Leacanabuaile.
Leacanabuaile Stone Fort
So, we continued from the parking lot on foot along the even narrower road.
The fort (also referred to simply as a cashel) is about 500 meters one way, and we needed only five minutes to reach the fort's entrance.
Built in the 9th or 10th century CE, this relatively huge structure has 30 meters in diameter and features several remains of buildings.
The enclosing circular dry-stone wall is more than three meters thick and creates a perfect barrier against strong winds and even intruders.
Historians say it was used as a farmstead by a wealthy landowner, but not much else is known about it.
Iron knives and whetstones were found in the fort during the excavations.
As we later found out, both forts might appear at first sight basically the same, yet each is unique in its way.
While Cahergall is more impressive and offers arguably better views, Leacanabuaile is like a tiny stone maze with cute little grassy paths.
As it was still early in the season, only one person was exploring the fort at the same time as us, so the atmosphere was pretty serene (and we had Cahergall for ourselves).
After we were done with the Leacanabuaile Stone Fort, the same road brought us back to the main parking lot.
Cahergall Stone Fort
The second stone fort is even closer. From the parking, we passed through a metal gate and followed a trail that led all the way to Cahergall.
The trail was in good condition and easy to follow.
After 350 meters, we reached Cahergall Stone Fort. In Irish, it's An Chathair Gheal, the Bright Stone Fort.
The fort has a massive dry-stone wall and remains of a large circular dry-stone building.
If it weren't for the only structure in the middle of a grassy patch, it would look almost identical to Staigue Stone Fort near the Derrynane Bay area.
It's been partly reconstructed and has flights of steps today, with terraces and a lintel entrance gate.
The Cahergal dates back to the 8th or 9th century, though the stone forts are notoriously difficult to date.
Unfortunately, not much history is known about the stone fort, but it seems somebody of importance lived there about 1000 years ago.
By the way, the castle you will have a chance to see in the distance is Ballycarberry Castle, which is unfortunately on private property and closed to the public.
By the end of the visit, it was getting late, and the rain started to fall.
That was a clue for us to leave. Luckily, the parking was only a short walk from the fort.
To conclude our story, we have to say that both stone forts are worth exploring.
Opening Hours
We didn't notice any opening times for Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts, so it seems they're accessible 24/7.
Obviously, we strongly recommend visiting them only during the day.
Entrance Fee
Surprisingly, there is no entry fee for Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts.
That's great news for all travelers visiting Ireland on a budget.
How Much Time Do I Need
Both stone forts are relatively small and close to each other.
Therefore, you will need approximately an hour for Cahergall and Leacanabuaile, including the short drive from Cahersiveen.
When to Go
Cahergall and Leacanabuaile can be visited year round. And as we learned ourselves, they are worth visiting even on a rainy day.
So if you're looking for a place to visit in case of bad weather, this is a great place to go.
The stone forts have no roof and basically no sheltered areas, so make sure to have a rain jacket with you.
The best time to visit Cahergall and Leacanabuaile is usually late spring, summer, and early autumn.
This period is also considered the best time to visit Ireland.
What to Pack
Both stone forts are easily accessible on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and keep a rain jacket in your daypack just in case.
While the regular runners should be fine, the grassy paths could be wet after rain.
For more tips on this topic, here's our Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
Cahergall and Leacanabuaile are located on the Ring of Kerry in County Kerry. There are several ways to get to Cahergall and Leacanabuaile.
However, we believe the best way to get to the stone forts is by car.
Car
As said above, without any doubt, the easiest and most convenient way to reach Cahergall and Leacanabuaile is by car.
Having your own transport for this area is a huge advantage as you will get a chance to explore as many attractions on Iveragh Peninsula as you want (and at your own pace).
While driving in Ireland might seem daunting at first, it really takes only a short amount of time to get used to a bit of different traffic rules and narrow roads.
Similarly, renting a car in Ireland is a very easy process.
Killarney is about 65 kilometers east of here, and you will need about an hour to get there (without stops).
Portmagee is only a 20-minute drive from here. Sitting in the south, Waterville can also reach in 20 minutes.
Whether you're starting in Cork or Limerick, the journey takes about three hours, depending on the traffic in those cities.
Dublin is about 350 kilometers east of here.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
The parking area at Cahergall and Leacanabuaile is fairly small but free of charge.
Public Transport
There is no bus connecting the Cahersiveen with the stone forts.
A local bus runs around the Iveragh Peninsula and stops at Cahersiveen, but the service is not frequent enough for tourists.
Still, if you rely on public transport in Ireland, you could get to Cahersiveen first and then reach the stone forts on foot or bike from there.
On Foot
You could easily walk from Cahersiveen to Cahergall and Leacanabuaile, as the stone forts are only 3.5 kilometers north of the village.
But the road is narrow (no sidewalk or shoulder), and we have a feeling the walk will not be very pleasant.
Bike
Therefore, renting a bike in Cahersiveen and exploring its surroundings by bike seems like a better alternative.
Not only it seems a bit safer, but this option also allows you to see more.
The nearby Valentia Island or even Skellig Ring is waiting for you to be explored.
Where to Stay
The nearest settlement to the stone forts is Cahersiveen, but there are a few more places to consider. After all, it only depends on your itinerary.
If you visit Cahergall and Leacanabuaile at midday, you will most likely want to continue exploring the Iveragh Peninsula.
When it comes to accommodation in this area, there is one thing you should know before you go, though.
Whether you stay in Cahersiveen, Portmagee, Waterville, or even Killarney, the rule of thumb is to book early.
This is a top tourist destination in Ireland, and the summer brings crowds and high prices.
Cahersiveen | Quinlan and Cooke Boutique Townhouse - With individually furnished rooms, a seafood restaurant, and a hard-to-beat location, this hotel is a great option for those staying in Cahersiveen overnight.
Waterville | Butler Arms Hotel - With spacious rooms, Atlantic Ocean views, a seafood restaurant, a traditional Irish breakfast, and free parking, The Butler Arms Hotel is one of the best hotels in Waterville.
Portmagee | The Moorings Hotel - Featuring charming rooms with king-sized beds, a hard-to-beat location, and a superb restaurant, this popular hotel is your safest bet when it comes to accommodation in Portmagee.
Killarney | Murphys of Killarney - With its superb central location and great hospitality, this hotel is always a safe option when in Killarney. Murphys is a traditional hotel with stylish rooms, an even more traditional Irish pub (with live music during the summer season), and a welcoming atmosphere.
Staying Safe
Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts are situated in the countryside, and we felt very safe while there.
However, no place on Earth is completely safe, and you should still use your common sense.
Make sure to wear proper gear, as the local weather can be unpredictable.
Also, don't leave your valuables in your car, as the crime of opportunity never sleeps.
This guide will give you more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Are Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts Worth Visiting?
Out of all the stone forts we visited in Ireland, Cahergall and Leacanabuaile were among the best.
Both structures were pretty impressive, and we were happy that we had incorporated both of them into our Ireland road trip itinerary.
While the Cahergall and Leacanabuaile stone forts are not a typical example of Ireland's must-see sites, we believe they are definitely worth seeing.
So if you have enough time or you just want to see some attractions without crowds, Cahergall and Leacanabuaile are great places to explore.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
