Since it opened on Friday, locals have been walking and cycling the first 3.1km section of the route between the old Kells Railway Station and Golden’s Shop at Kells which is now fully accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.
While it is a relatively short section, it marks progress for a project more than 14 years in the pipeline that was first put forward by South Kerry Development Partnership, and taken on by Kerry County Council in 2014.
The local community and local businesses have been eagerly waiting for the amenity to open and there is excitement that progress has finally been made.
“In time this is going to be the biggest tourist attraction in Kerry,” said Jack Golden of Golden’s of Kells.
The family has had a business in the area since 1776 and the Goldens say they are proud to support the South Kerry Greenway, adding that it will benefit the entire region.
“We are proud to be here for eight generations, it is a family-run business and there is pride but there is a sense of community and place too,” Jack Golden said.
“We are very supportive of the South Kerry Greenway and of working with the local community. This is a new era for south Kerry and for tourism in Kerry. It will benefit the whole county,” he continued, adding that it will be a fantastic legacy for future generations. “It will by like Hyde Park for London or Phoenix Park for Dublin.”
It is now hoped that instead of travelling the Ring of Kerry in a few hours, visitors will eventually walk or cycle the full 32km route which boasts panoramic views over the Atlantic.
As well as boosting local businesses, Jack says the greenway will also be of benefit to families living locally and already many have been out to use the amenity. “It has been very busy, there was a great turn out on Friday and there has been positive feedback.”
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael Foley warmly welcomed the development.
‘This is a very exciting time for the entire county. The South Kerry Greenway is one of our most anticipated public projects and amenities in Kerry,” he said.
“I want to thank the team at Kerry County Council and the contractors who have completed this section of the greenway, and we look forward to the opening the remainder of the route over the coming years. I also want to acknowledge local landowners for their co-operation and support, as well as our partners in the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.”
Cathaoirleach of the Kenmare Municipal District, Cllr Norma Moriarty said the opening of the facility will give a taste of what is to come.
“This is a very historic day for the Iveragh Peninsula. I am thrilled that members of the public will get the opportunity to get their first taste of the South Kerry Greenway over the Christmas season. The greenway will be an all-weather and all-seasons amenity and offers a beautiful facility in a breath-taking location to locals and visitors alike.”
TD Michael Cahill also termed the opening as a ‘significant’ day for the region.
“It is such a significant day for not just the people of south Kerry, but the people of Ireland as a whole. The opening of the first completed section of the South Kerry Greenway, will in time I believe, develop into the biggest tourism attraction in the whole of Ireland, for both domestic and international tourism,” said Deputy Cahill.
“I am excited for the future it will bring to south Kerry, to our county and to our people, and I am proud of the amenity that it will leave for future generations to come, to use, to enjoy and to benefit from. This will be a fantastic facility for this generation and for all generations to come,” he added.
Three Generations of Goldens: Pat Golden whose family established their business in 1776, with his sons Jack, left and Mike Golden, grandchildren, Oisin Foley, Fionn Foley, Padraig Golden and Aoileann Foley at the entrance to the first 3.1km section of the South Kerry Greenway from Goldens Shop, Kells to the Old Railway Station at Kells. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Monday, December 22
Temporary car parking is available for greenway users at Golden’s of Kells and at the former Kells Railway Station car park. Access for people with disabilities is available at the latter car park. The official opening of this section of the greenway will take place in 2026.
The completion of the Kells section of the South Kerry Greenway comes as work continues on the construction and completion of other parts of the facility. It is anticipated that the next section of the greenway – from the trailhead at Glenbeigh through Curra Wood and on to the road overbridge at Mountain Stage (5km) – will also open to the public in early summer of 2026.