Castlemaine lies on the banks of the River Maine, at the foot of the Slieve Mish Mountains and at the eastern end of Dingle Bay. The river flows west and empties into the Atlantic at Castlemaine Harbour.

Scenery, Views and Wildlife

The nearby Keel Uphill Downhill Loop Walk passes through fields, along riverbanks and over a mountain trail. The route also includes quiet roads and a short stretch of the R561. To the north, it offers views of the Slieve Mish Mountains; to the south, views across Castlemaine Harbour towards Carrauntoohil. This brings two different perspectives together on the same route: views of the mountains and across the harbour.

Castlemaine Harbour is an important wintering ground for waterbirds, providing a range of species with feeding and resting places. The area around Castlemaine and the harbour estuary are also known for their diverse wildlife and plant life. Rare animals in the area include the protected natterjack toad. Perch, flounder and plaice are caught by anglers at Keel Pier.

History on the River Maine

Historically, the River Maine was a strategic crossing between North and South Kerry. In the Middle Ages, Castlemaine's defensive castle was built on a bridge over the river. A pen-and-ink drawing of the castle on the bridge documents the siege of Castlemaine in 1572.

Castlemaine is regarded as the birthplace of the Wild Colonial Boy, whose exploits became famous in Australia through a well-known ballad. The Irish version of the ballad tells the story of Jack Duggan, who left Castlemaine in the early 19th century. A June 2023 article described a monument to the Wild Colonial Boy in the town centre as an important attraction and reported that it was erected in 2019.

Churches and Historic Sites Nearby

Saint Gobnait's Church in Keel, on the edge of the village of Boolteens, was built in 1874 in the Gothic Revival style. Saint Carthage's Church is a mile outside the village of Castlemaine; Saint Carthage is the village's patron saint. The two churches offer different historical points of reference: the year of construction and architectural style are recorded for Saint Gobnait's, while Saint Carthage's is associated with the patron saint.

The medieval church and graveyard at Kilgarrylander near Keel are 6.7 km west of Castlemaine and can be reached via a narrow side road from Whitegate Cross Roads on the R561. In Boolteens/Keel, the remains of McCarthy Mor Castle are part of the area's heritage. The old blacksmith's workshop in Boolteens is also considered a place of cultural interest.

Road Orientation

From Kerry Airport, the R561 runs west to Castlemaine, where it meets the N70. The N70 runs from South Kerry to Tralee, crosses the River Maine in Castlemaine and passes through the town centre. A junction with the R561 marks the beginning of the south coast of the Dingle Peninsula. These roads provide clear reference points for locating Castlemaine and understanding its position on the peninsula.

Discover more destinations: Ballylongford, Aughrim, Dromod, Brandon, Castlegregory, Waterville, Gortrelig, Glenbeigh

For the main travel overview: County Kerry.