Specialties
The Skellig Gift Store provides a great introduction to the wonderful array of local heritage sites and stories, not only in Waterville, but also across the Ring of Kerry and Iveragh Peninsula on Kerry's Wild Atlantic Way. It is a super showcase of the culture and heritage of the South West region of Ireland. The unique outdoor Heritage Gallery is where you will learn about South Kerry heritage, culture, archaeology - stone forts and circles, geology, birds, flora and fauna, and local folklore and mythology. The Gallery also showcases the range of local sea life and farm life of the Skellig Coast region, an outdoor farm machinery display, a history of Kerry's transatlantic cable stations, an introduction to Kerry's International Dark Sky's Reserve, the Skellig Rocks - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the South Kerry Gaeltacht - Uibh Rathach, Bygone days and local heroes both past and present, local and international. There are 150 information panels beautifully displayed on locally sourced Valentia Island Slate and over 300 photo exhibits and archives both in the Gallery and Craft Market. You will also read about the many beautiful places there are to visit and interesting things to see and do while on the Ring of Kerry in the Skellig Coast region. There are two audio visual screens in the adjoining Craft Market. Admission is free and there are several picnic benches in the Gallery for you to relax and take in the magnificent scenery of Waterville and Ballinskelligs Bay. Watervi
History
Established in 1970.
The Skellig Gift Store provides a great introduction to the wonderful array of local heritage sites and stories, not only in Waterville, but also across the Ring of Kerry and Iveragh Peninsula on Kerry's Wild Atlantic Way. It is a super showcase of the culture and heritage of the South West region of Ireland. The unique outdoor Heritage Gallery is where you will learn about South Kerry heritage, culture, archaeology - stone forts and circles, geology, birds, flora and fauna, and local folklore and mythology. The Gallery also showcases the range of local sea life and farm life of the Skellig Coast region, an outdoor farm machinery display, a history of Kerry's transatlantic cable stations, an introduction to Kerry's International Dark Sky's Reserve, the Skellig Rocks - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the South Kerry Gaeltacht - Uibh Rathach, Bygone days and local heroes both past and present, local and international. There are 150 information panels beautifully displayed on locally source
Meet the Business Owner: Alan G.
50 years ago armed with my Grandmothers knowledge, experience and encouragement my parents Noreen & Alf followed in her footsteps and laid the foundations for what is to-day the Skellig Gift Store.
It was originally called the Waterville Craft Market after a group of Craft Workers from the Skellig Region came together to present their products exclusively in one place. This is now complemented by work from neighbouring counties, which is simply the best of Irish Craft and design. We still place special emphasis on Kerry Crafts and currently 50% of our suppliers are of Kerry origin. It is our intention to maintain this tradition into the future.
The store is still here in Waterville. If you can, please do come and visit. We have a long established reputation as a destination store for visitors to Kerry. Check out our blog as we start the process of transforming the store with our new branding.
