Things to do in Ballinskelligs in January

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Overview

January is a good time to visit Ballinskelligs. The weather is usually cold and slightly windy, with temperatures ranging from 45—49°F (7—9°C).

Ballinskelligs has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Ballinskelligs. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Ballinskelligs in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Ballinskelligs in January

Top experiences in January
We couldn't find any experiences in January
Holidays in Ballinskelligs in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Ballinskelligs in January

Temperatures on an average day in Ballinskelligs in January

The average temperature in Ballinskelligs in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 49°F (9°C) to a low of 45°F (7°C). Some would describe the temperature to be cold. The general area may also feel slightly windy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Ballinskelligs, July, has days with highs of 62°F (16°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). The coldest month, March has days with highs of 49°F (9°C) and lows of 44°F (6°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Ballinskelligs in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
49°F
highs
45°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold, slightly windy
Feels like
51%
Chance of rain
0.179 in
Amount
24.3 mph
Wind speed
82%
Humidity
8.3 hrs
Daylight length
8:39 AM
Sunrise
5:00 PM
Sunset
28%
Cloud cover
Jacket, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 49°F (9°C) and a low of 45°F (7°C), it generally feels cold and slightly windy. There might also be a moderate chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket and top it off with a rain coat and rain boots
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Best attractions for Ballinskelligs in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Ballinskelligs has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Ballinskelligs that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Ballinskelligs for January.
Skelligs Chocolate Factory and Cafe
1. Skelligs Chocolate Factory and Cafe
4.7
(1339)
Chocolate factory
Shopping
Slide 1 of 8
We loved everything about this experience. The people are marvelously warm and friendly, helpful and generous. I recommend the tasting. Some flavors surprised us with delight: The white chocolate with lime and citrus, the dark and seaweed. The prices are so reasonable. Take home a bagful and share with friends.
We had a dry experience here. The cafe was closed (in the middle of May), no chocolate tasting (maybe we needed to ask) and they had limited products available. You can find these chocolates at the shops if you are curious to try it, you don't need to come here.
This chocolate factory is fab! Would highly recommend, the chocolate tasting was a nice touch. They had a gift shop too, with puffin hats. Had the hot chocolate in the cafe it was really nice. Was talking to one of the staff called Teresa, she was very friendly and helpful☺️
Worth stopping at - we got 6 or 7 samples each, great cafe with stunning outdoor seating views of Skellig Michael. Great selection of chocolate - you can get it in most supermarkets in Kerry but they had a lot of offers on. We got the Dubai chocolate for €18 as we hadn't tried it - delicious, but it'll last us ages as it's quite rich!
Must stop on the Skellig ring. We got a bag full of out favourites after sampling chocolates made in house. The hot chocolate is a must try.
A must stop location on the Skellig ring. Friendly staff giving out the tastings of the delicious chocolates. The only difficult decision is picking which flavour bars make the journey home. Ultimate treat are the hot chocolate drinks in the cafe, they are fantastic.
The smell of chocolate was divine. Staff were amazing. We tried a number of different chocolates they make 😋 Enjoyed a hot chocolate too
Nice coffee. Great atmosphere. Amazing service. Even better chocolate tasting. 10/10
Ballinskelligs Beach
2. Ballinskelligs Beach
4.7
(744)
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
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One of the most beautiful beach in Kerry. Clean long sandy beach with a small depression so serves as a small pool area for kids also. Has a dedicated parking, though could be difficult finding a spot on a busy day. Life guards are also there. Once done with the beach one can stroll along the coast or access Ballinskellig Castle ruin, only accessible during low tides.. Also has a public cafe and a public toilet. So a beautiful place to spend time with your family!!..
Not the best of beaches but the surrounding peninsula with its derelict Fortress and Abbey are well worth a walk to in the bracing wind.
Just followed our noses for this on the wild atlantic way. This beach had everything.
Lovely dog friendly beach walk in October
Ballinskelligs is a long beach which is sandy and is very good for swimming. I would suggest to walk a little way down the beach as most seem to gather around the entrance slipway. Also parking is good with nice restaurant onside.
Great beach with shallow water for a few meters. You can rent kayaks for 15/hour or a double for 25/h. It has 2 parking options close by
Beautiful beach. Loads of space, plenty parking, great to have cafe on-site. Some jellies in the water at times but nothing major. Extremely scenic views from the beach around the various peninsulae (not a word I'm sure).
SKELLIG MICHAEL LANDING Tour - Force Awakens
3. SKELLIG MICHAEL LANDING Tour - Force Awakens
4.5
(34)
Boat tour agency
Tours
Slide 1 of 8
David and his crew took us to an unforgettable trip to Skellig Michael! David gave clear and interesting information about wildlife, the islands and the ocean. We can highly recommend their Landing Tour!
Highly recommend the landing tour to Skellig with David. We felt very well informed throughout the entire day. David runs a tight ship and is very experienced, he provided very clear information and safety instructions throughout the trip. He provided interesting local information during the boat ride and the Skellig Islands were well worth the visit. The sea conditions can change so you need to be flexible and accept the plan might change but David was very good at keeping us informed of any changes.
Brendan and David were incredibly friendly and welcoming. The initial trip around little Skellig was fascinating - taking time to show us the birds and seals! Upon arrival at Skellig Michael, we were given loads of time to enjoy the island. I would highly recommend this trip.
Captain is Picasso behind the wheel. Take you all around both islands and gives you the opportunities for the best possible photo. Skellig Michael is wonderful as expected.
The Force Awakens Skellig Michael tour was amazing. David was an awesome guide, super friendly, kind, and knowledgeable. His dad was the boat captain and he was great too. The weather was perfect and I usually get seasick, but I didn’t this time. I still recommend taking a Gravol an hour before if you’re prone to motion sickness. They provided waterproof trousers and jackets, which was great because you definitely get wet on the boat. Bring dry socks in a waterproof bag or wear waterproof hiking shoes if you can. The price was fair and they texted us the day before to confirm the trip was still on. It’s the only boat leaving from Ballinskelligs, which made the experience more relaxed and less crowded. Free parking available too. Highly recommend.
I had a great trip on the Force Awakens - brilliant boat and crew with thoughtful details like good quality marine capes to keep off the sea spray. They're unique in that they leave from right next to Ballinskelligs Abbey. Safe and sound and full of local knowledge.
I took the "Force Awakens" in mid-May and we were lucky enough to have "perfect conditions" -- smooth seas and great visibility. If you'll be in the area, book early as getting out there really depends on the "stars aligning" re: sea swell, etc. The boat is nice, well-taken care of (there's a toilet on board, good to know), and the Captain and his son David navigated the channels of both Little Skellig and Skellig Michael with finesse. We got so close at one point, we were able to see the monks' steps at one of the 3 ancient landing sites on the island -- incredible! You'll be in great hands with the "Force Awakens" -- this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Thoroughly recommend the Skellig Michael tour. It was excellent. Taken on 18th June 2025. F&B Bell / Mary Mc
Ballinskelligs Castle
4. Ballinskelligs Castle
4.5
(524)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
This was such a neat stop on our Kerry Circle drive. It's a bit of a walk as you need to approach from the otherside of a small lagoon, but it's a neat spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air. It was one of the more memorable places we stopped, particularly since there wasn't anyone else around so we got to explore it ourselves and enjoy the peace, and scenery.
This is a nice little beach to start off your way around the small ring of Kerry. I’m sure this place gets a lot of tourists, but when we were there, it was pretty peaceful. The castle is cool, but unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.
Beautiful sea & mountain scenery all round you with a castle & rocky outcrop also. Wonderful for photographers. Blue flag beach. Plenty parking ( two areas) , good clean toilets ( although the hand drier wasn't working ! ). There's also a playground & cafe by the parking area. It's got it all 👌👏
Beautiful peaceful scene. Went during low tide so I could walk on the wide expanse of the beach. There are a few benches to sit on facing the castle to admire its ruins.
Fantastic old ruin situated at the shore of the bay. Great for walks and exploring, especially during low tide, when access to other parts of the bay becomes easier if you don't fancy a swim. The beach itself is magnificent, with lifeguards on duty during summer season, and excellent water quality (Blue Flag status in 2020). Great for kids, as the water is very shallow a good distance into the sea, so even small ones who still have to learn to swim can have a good splash about without being in immediate danger. Nice white sand, great for digging and building castles. There's a kiosk serving coffee, drinks and snacks, and a kayak and surf board rental place. The place gets very busy during the summer months, but never feels crowded. A must if you're in the area!
Was there at Sunrise. Beautiful peaceful place to be at that time.
Nice view, ocean around. And crazy cold wind in June. I got so sick after walking in there.
Very sweet little beach, and the castle is fun to climb in
Ballinskelligs Abbey
5. Ballinskelligs Abbey
4.5
(266)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
So as Dad and I continued to explore on our unplanned epic Ireland adventure. We came across "Ballinskelligs Abbey/Priory was founded in 1210 by the Augustinian Canons from Rattoo, in North Kerry. The abbey was founded to house the Skellig monks due to hazardous condition on the Skellig islands." Especially from Viking raids during those times. We humbling entered and tried to be as responsible, respectful as possible as we ventured around this amazing historic site. I thought I captured some amazing pictures and was just in awe of its history and beauty. I really hope you can visit and experience one of Ireland's greatest treasures; it's history.
Abbey ruins and graveyard with walking trail to follow. Very limited parking (2 cars max).
From the Ballinskelligs Beach parking follow the trail along the sand dunes about a 10 minute walk to the ruins and graveyard of the abbey. It's a beautiful ruin and well worth the visit.
Amazing ruins and history.The monks settled here after having lived on Skelligs Michael.Lovely beach beside it where came as a young child.
If you enjoy visiting ruins, particularly religious sites, this one is for you. On the Ring of Kerry, use your GPS to find it, parking for only 3-4, cars, but very picturesque, compelling and worth the search.
Nice little out-of-the-way abbey, with pretty well preserved cemetery and church structure. Just be aware that there’s not a lot of parking in this area. We were fortunately the only people that drove in on this day. Also, a wheelchair can get around most of the site.
This place is a lot larger than I expected. What a stunning final resting place for so many, overlooking the Atlantic. I drove right up to entrance, but it was December and no one was around so I had the entire place to myself. You probably will have to park by beach and walk in busier season, although it is not far from the free parking there. There were a few places blocked off that appeared to have construction taking place, but for the most part, you can walk all around the site, taking in the history and serenity.
Great atmosphere and easy to park with just a short stroll to the graveyard and Abbey ruins
Cill Rialaig Arts Centre
6. Cill Rialaig Arts Centre
4.5
(119)
Art gallery
Shopping
Slide 1 of 8
The best food and ambiance in Ballinskelligs. I ate here twice during my stay, and both times the fresh bread, homemade soup and sandwiches were delicious and reasonably priced. Tea and scones were also excellent. Take a stroll around the galleries and peruse the books and art made by the residents at their artists' retreat just outside of town, which is world-renowned. A lovely place to spend a couple of hours.
We wanted to visit as are both interested in art, artists ourselves and community projects. The place was very dimly lit and not very inviting. It got worse, as we were admiring some stunning oil paintings with beautiful lighting, an elderly women came and spoke to us briefly then told us we had to leave as an American couple had just bought a very expensive piece of art and she was closing the gallery to take them to her retreat! Not at all bothered that we might have wanted to buy art too! Very poor customer care. Will not be going back.
Really cool art gallery just off the Ring of Kerry that highlights local and international art. Worth a visit by anyone who appreciates art. Some lovely pieces on display at this centre. No admission charge at the time of writing.
Not the place it seems. When I was there, I noticed that when the artists come in for lunch or coffee they expect top quality service. They act like they're above everyone. The owner of the centre just seems to treat it like a base where she can just get together with her fellow elites. I also noticed that some of staff there were also unpaid and simply just interns. The overall ethos there is just false.
This lovely art centre is full of beautiful art, from artists from all over the world, many who have stayed at Cill Rialaig artists' retreat. Yesterday I saw an impressive exhibition by Dominika, of exceptional sea scenes, inspired by this beautiful area.
Very good wood fired pizzas here with very generous cheesy toppings and excellent base. Staff were lovely and boxed up left overs. Service was a little slow as they only have the one oven but the surroundings in the gallery are lovely and you can take a walk around while you walk. Only one option for the wine and only one option for desserts.
A gorgeous location, especially the artists studios in the old famine village. Wonderful artwork produced there
Unusual and beautiful building displaying a range of work from local and visiting artists. Worth a look. Hot and cold drinks available.
Derrynane Seasports
7. Derrynane Seasports
4.6
(70)
Water sports equipment rental service
Tours
Slide 1 of 8
Great place, everyone will find something for them. On one side beach and sports activity on second side long, wide, lovely, clean beach for swim. You can walk from here to Abbey Island, the views are spectacular. Really have to stop when you doing ring of Kerry.
Wanted to have a go at some paddling last Sunday, as the weather was gorgeous for early September. Trued to call them to no avail so decided to just head up and see. Very disappointingly they were not open. It had no indication of this online or at the place. I found out from a passerby that they are closed foe the winter already which I find ridiculous
I was very disapointed with the service from this company. After checking out their website, their facebook, and trying to contact them, my partner and I journeyed out here, only to find that the business did not seem to be open. However, there was not even a sign on the door to inform potential customers that they were shut. A man, who I presume to be a local, then informed us that the company was shut for winter. I was highly disapointed with this, as nowehere on their website, their Facebook page, or on the actual door of their business, does it say that they are shut for winter, nor does it say what their seasonal opening hours are. On google, it says that they are currently open. Therefore, I think that it is neglectful not to inform potential customers that they are shut for winter.
Magical spot. Unreal harbour to dip your toe into watersports. Felt very safe and sheltered. You really have to see this little piece of the world to believe it. Photos don't do it justice. We'll be back when we can make the trip. Karolina, Holly and Dan were all very helpful and great with the kids. Thank you guys
Fantastic centre for sea based activities. I signed my son up for pirate camp and my niece for kids camp. They loved it. The staff were lovely and lut the kids at ease straight away. We hired a kayak for two and paddled round the beautiful bay while they were at camp. Highly recommended
Excellent experience. Do not take prebookings for small groups but have a good amount of equipment. Follow the road for Abbey Island not the beach to find the sea sports. Prices are very reasonable. The harbour is very sheltered and safe, perfect for beginners. Life jackets were available. The water was crystal clear and there were coves to explore in the self guided tour.
Had a great time paddle boarding. Fantastic place for beginners. Can get busy (including parking), so probably best to come early. Not all activities require booking.
What a location, probably the best beach in Ireland. The staff were wonderful too, Helen was very helpful/friendly and she just made the whole experience amazing. 5 stars from us : )
Skelligs Monks Trail guided walk
8. Skelligs Monks Trail guided walk
4.7
(27)
Tours
Hiking & Camping Tours
Slide 1 of 8
Always admiring the beauty of nature. A beautiful distraction. Just stop and enjoy. Take a deep breath. Relax and take in the abundance of life. Will keep this view in my heart forever.
This is a very good beach site for staying overnight with a (small) motorhome
A beautiful trail to take a walk along. Lovely castle and abbey ruins along with a stunning coastal view.
Great place swimming there last week
A place to visit when in Kerry for views etc
Nice views peaceful

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