'It’s a fantastic amenity': First section of South Kerry Greenway to open this weekend

Opening being hailed as the first important step on the way to reversing the population and economic decline of Caherciveen and other areas of South Kerry

The first 3.1km section of the South Kerry Greenway from Golden's Shop, Kells, to the Old Railway Station in Kells. Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan

The first section of the long-awaited South Kerry Greenway will open this weekend. 

The 3.1km section stretches from the Old Kells Railway Station to Golden's shop, and will be fully accessible to both pedestrians and cyclists.

It represents about a tenth of what is widely expected to be among the most iconic greenways in Europe. It will mimic the old rail line which ran over Dingle Bay to Renard Pier at the doorstep to Valentia Island.

The greenway was put forward originally by the local development company, and the project was taken over by the county council 11 years ago.

However it has been mired in controversy — a bitter oral hearing, a number of legal actions, delays, a bitterly resented compulsory purchase order, and a standoff by some landowners which is continuing.

About 133 owners were identified and compensation packages and accommodation works have been agreed with the majority, but not all.

Funding of more than €22m from Transport Infrastructure Ireland alone has been used already, the Dáil was told earlier this year. In 2016 the council had estimated the cost at €5m. 

The opening this weekend is being hailed as the first important step on the way to reversing the population and economic decline of Caherciveen and other areas of South Kerry.

Jack Golden of Kells Post Office shop, whose family have been trading in Kells since 1776, said it would bring a new stream of tourism to the area.

“For local people, it’s so safe and for young families and children. It’s a fantastic amenity.” 

There had been “a lot of debate” but this first section will allay fears, he said.

“It will prove to people how uninvasive it is for landowners, how safe it is for users. It being open will encourage the rest."

From Friday, the section will be fully accessible to pedestrians and cyclists, a council spokesman said.

“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 open to the public in early summer of 2026.” he said.