How to Visit Staigue Stone Fort
Read our travel guide on Staigue Stone Fort in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, how to get there, when to go, and much more.
Situated only four kilometers north of Castlecove, Staigue Stone Fort is one of the hidden gems of the famous Ring of Kerry.
Even though it's not the most famous stop along this scenic drive, we believe it deserves your attention.
When road-tripping the Wild Atlantic Way, we got an opportunity to visit many stunning places, such as the Slea Head Drive or Killary Harbour.
However, it was the small sites, such as Staigue Stone Fort, that made the entire journey so special.
Visiting Staigue Stone Fort in County Kerry is very straightforward, but we still have a feeling that there are a few important things you should know before you go.
Let's dive into it!
What to See and Do
Halfway between Sneem and Waterville lies a small settlement named Castlecove, where we turned right and joined a narrow road leading all the way to the fort.
As we've been in Ireland for some time, we didn't find it that intimidating.
Still, if you're not familiar with similar roads, we suggest driving carefully.
Parking
Given the circumstances, a relatively large parking area is available at the end of the road, and those visiting the fort should not be worried about securing a spot.
We arrived early in the morning, and shortly after us, another car pulled in. Otherwise, the parking lot was empty.
As the next steps brought the fellow travelers to the tiny cafe trailer to wake up their senses and have a small chitchat, we set off for a short walk to Staigue Stone Fort to have it for ourselves.
The fort is about 100 meters from the parking lot, and you need to cross a creek via a narrow stone bridge.
Donation Box
Before we entered the site, we dropped a couple of euros into the honesty box at the gate.
The symbolic fee helps the owners to maintain the site. And as we soon found out, the fort was well-maintained and clean, so we believe it was money well spent.
History
Staigue is a typical example of Ireland's stone forts.
Only very little is known about its origin or purpose, but it doesn't take away from the fact that the structure is pretty impressive.
There was a small information plaque containing basic information.
According to it, it's old, probably built in the early centuries of CE before Christianity came to Ireland.
The fort was used as a defensive structure and was owned by a wealthy chieftain's family who lived there with their guards and servants.
Stone Fort
Enclosing a diameter of 30 meters, the massive walls that are up to six meters high and four meters thick were built entirely without mortar.
And the views from the head of the valley toward the Atlantic Ocean are beautiful as well.
Sure, you can argue that it's still just a massive ring made of stones with only grass in the middle, and you won't be that far from the truth.
This time, it's just you, your imagination, and the scarce pieces of history known about Staigue.
However, not every stop is Blarney Castle or Cliffs of Moher.
As the Staigue Stone Fort is often overlooked and not that many people include it in their Ireland road trip itinerary, the chances are high that you won't meet a single soul while there (or just a few visitors).
The next stop on our journey: Derrynane Beach and Skellig Ring.
Opening Hours
It seems that there are no official opening times, and the Staigue Stone Fort is open all day.
However, we are not sure whether the owners lock the gate at certain hours (or for the night) for safety reasons.
Simply put, it really makes sense to visit the fort during the normal daylight hours.
When to Go
Staigue Stone Fort is open all year round, which is great for travelers coming to Ireland outside the peak season.
If you're not sure when to visit Ireland, make sure to read our guide, which features many helpful tips on this topic.
By the way, Staigue Stone Fort is a great place to visit, even on a rainy day.
Just bring a rain jacket, as there is really nowhere to hide while inside the fort.
Entrance Fee
The Staigue Stone Fort is on private property, so there is a small admission (donation).
At the time of our visit, the entrance fee to Staigue Stone Fort was €1.
How Much Time Do I Need
In general, the whole trip to Staigue Stone Fort should take you about 30-60 minutes, including the drive.
What to Pack
As mentioned above, make sure to have a rain jacket with you, just in case.
The weather in the coastal areas is unpredictable, so it's better to be safe than sorry. It's also pretty windy, and that's why we don't recommend using umbrellas.
The trail is short and well-maintained, so regular runners should be fine.
How to Get There
The best way to get to Staigue Stone Fort is by car.
Staigue Stone Fort is about 75 kilometers west of Killarney, an area known for a stunning Killarney National Park.
Sneem is less than 20 kilometers east of here. Waterville is about 20 kilometers west of the fort.
Portmagee is about a 45-minute drive from here.
Once you reach Castlecove, a small settlement with a lovely beach sitting on N70, you will see a clearly marked turnoff to Staigue Stone Fort (brown road sign).
As mentioned earlier, the 4-kilometer stretch of rural road leading to the stone fort is very narrow. Drive carefully.
And don't forget to read our articles featuring tips for driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation in this area, Staigue Stone Fort lies in the proximity of many popular villages along the Ring of Kerry.
Whether you decide to stay in Sneem, Waterville, or even Portmagee, you should be able to find accommodation to fit into your budget and preferences.
The accommodation on the Ring of Kerry fills up quickly in the peak season, and it's better to book early to avoid disappointment.
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.
Sneem | Parknasilla Resort and Spa - A luxurious 4-star hotel set in a lush green parkland boasts beautiful rooms with stunning views, a 12-hole golf course, and a spa with a swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs, and much more.
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.
Staying Safe
Staigue Stone Fort is safe to visit. As mentioned earlier, the road is narrow, and if you're not the most confident driver, it's better to drive slowly.
Even though the parking area seemed very safe, make sure not to leave your valuables in your car.
Make it a habit, regardless of whether you're exploring the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, or Mizen Head.
Here you will find 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!
Is Staigue Stone Fort Worth Visiting?
If you've never been to a stone fort before, then Staigue Stone Fort is definitely worth seeing.
However, there are more stone forts scattered around Iveragh Peninsula (and the entire Ireland), and most of them offer a very similar experience.
Whether you visit either Staigue or nearby Caherdaniel, Cahergall, and Leacanabuaile stone forts is up to you.
However, we believe that it is great to include at least one of them into your itinerary in order to make your Ireland road trip even more memorable.
By the way, if you're interested in similar structures and history, make sure to visit Bru na Boinne near Dublin.
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.
