Fenit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fenit
An Fhianait (Irish)
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Village
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Fenit village, harbour and island.
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 Fenit
Location in Ireland
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| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Munster |
| County | County Kerry |
| Elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population
(2022)
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619 |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-1 (IST (WEST)) |
| Irish Grid Reference | Q725154 |
Fenit (Irish: An Fhianait) is a small village in County Kerry, Ireland. It sits on the north side of Tralee Bay, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of Tralee town. Fenit is also a civil parish.
Tralee Bay is protected from the Atlantic Ocean by a long strip of land called the Maharee spit. Fenit harbour is a busy sea port where fishing boats, cargo ships, and many leisure boats use the 136-berth marina. In 2022, Fenit had a population of 619 people.
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History of Fenit
Saint Brendan, a famous navigator, was likely born near Fenit village on Fenit Island around the year 484. A large bronze statue in the harbour honors him. Some people believe Brendan sailed to the Americas long before Christopher Columbus. While this is not proven, a trip in a leather boat like Brendan's has been shown to be possible.
In 1588, a ship from the Spanish Armada, called Nuestra Señora del Socorro, surrendered at Fenit. The 24 men on board were captured and later executed.
In the mid-1800s, the sailing ship Jeanie Johnston carried people from Tralee to the US and Canada. In 2000, a copy of this ship was built in Fenit harbour.
A post office opened in Fenit between 1883 and 1885, and postal services are still available today.
Fenit was also part of an important event in Irish history. In 1916, Roger Casement tried to bring weapons to Ireland from Germany to help the Easter Rising. He landed from a German submarine near Fenit harbour. However, the ship carrying the weapons, the Aud Norge, was sunk by its German captain to prevent it from falling into British hands.
Years later, in 1984, a Fenit-registered boat called the Marita Ann tried a similar operation. It was caught by authorities off the coast.
During the Irish Civil War on August 2, 1922, Fenit was the site of a major landing. About 450 Free State troops arrived by ship, the Lady Wicklow. This was part of an effort to take back County Kerry and the province of Munster from Republican forces.
Fenit Harbour
Fenit harbour is the most westerly commercial port in Ireland and Europe. It is owned by the Irish state and managed by the Kerry County Council. Fenit is the only commercial port between Foynes on the River Shannon and Cork.
The port is very important for County Kerry and can handle large ships up to 17,000 Dwt (a measure of how much weight a ship can carry).
The Tralee Harbour Board was set up in 1840. Before Fenit harbour was built, ships used Blennerville to reach Tralee. Even earlier, Barrow Harbour, just north of Fenit, was used to serve Ardfert, which was a big religious center. Fenit harbour was built in 1880.
In the past, the port was used to bring in coal, grain, and timber. Today, the main cargo is large container cranes. These cranes are made by Liebherr in Killarney and shipped all over the world. There are about 15 shipments each year.
In the 1970s, Fenit was a major port for landing fish. However, the local fishing industry has almost stopped due to fishing limits and competition from larger fleets.
Fenit Marina
Fenit Marina was built in 1997 with help from the European Union. It has 130 berths (parking spots) for leisure boats. The marina is connected to the land by an 800-meter (half-mile) causeway and viaduct. It can hold boats from 6 to 15 meters (20 to 50 feet) long and has enough depth for access at all tide levels.
Lighthouse
In 1851, a lighthouse was built on Little Samphire Island, a small island a few hundred meters west of Fenit pier. "Samphire" is a small plant used in cooking, and it gives its name to the two islands in the bay.
A large bronze sculpture of Saint Brendan was put up in 2004 on Great Samphire Island. This island is part of the harbour and is taller than Little Samphire Island.
Transport in Fenit
Railway
A railway line once served Fenit, carrying freight between ships and trains. The railway opened in 1887 but stopped carrying passengers in 1934 and goods in 1978.
Bus services
On Fridays, Bus Éireann route 278 offers two trips from Fenit to Tralee and one return trip. Bus services are limited and mainly serve students during school terms.
Road network
The R551 and R558 roads connect Fenit to Tralee. Kerry Regional Airport is about 30 minutes away by car. Both Shannon and Cork airports are about a two-hour drive.
Greenway
Since October 2022, the 11.2-kilometer (7-mile) Tralee–Fenit Greenway connects Fenit with Tralee. This path follows the route of the old railway line.
Other Features of Fenit
Fenit Castle, a tower house, was built in the 1500s to protect the entrance to Barrow Harbour. It was built by the FitzMaurice family and still stands tall over the area. Other old buildings include the customs house and former police barracks, which are now private homes.
The large estate of Fenit House and its grounds are a big part of the village. It was built in 1910.
Tralee Golf Club had its first course on Fenit Island in the late 1800s. Now, the club is located across the water in Barrow Harbour.
Many visitors enjoy angling (fishing) in Fenit, often from the viaduct. The Tralee Bay Sea Angling Club, a large fishing club, has its clubhouse on the marina breakwater. The Tralee Bay Sailing Club has a slipway and clubhouse overlooking the harbour.
The local soccer team is called 'Fenit Samphires', started in 1994. The local Gaelic football team, Churchill GAA, includes players from Fenit village and nearby areas.
Images for kids
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Fenit village, harbour and island.
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Jeanie Johnston replica at Fenit harbour
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Leaving Fenit harbour
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Fenit Marina
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Little Samphire lighthouse
