The St Brendan’s Way Heritage Trail explores the life and extraordinary journeys of St Brendan the Navigator, one of Ireland’s most famous saints.

Experience the sights and sounds of St Brendan’s early years in Fenit, West Kerry for yourself, by following the 26km route of the Slí Bhreanainn or St Brendan’s Way. This heritage trail runs along the north of Tralee Bay; a wild coast that shaped the life of a young man who would become one of the most influential figures in the early Irish church. A figure that has inspired pilgrims and adventurers alike and whose reputation has travelled across the world.

Slí Bhreanainn or St Brendan’s Way begins in the coastal village of Fenit, County Kerry. This village is a short journey from Tralee, Kerry’s capital, and is easily accessible from the Green Way that connects Tralee and Fenit.

If you’d like to experience the St Brendan’s Way Heritage Trail as an interactive map, try our companion StoryMap for a visual voyage through the area. You can find that here.

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St Brendan’s Way Audio Guide

This audio guide was written by the chairperson of the Saint Brendan Committee with Abarta Heritage. It was recorded at Bluebird Studios in Castlewarden, Kildare, with storyteller Níall de Búrca, sound engineer Declan Lonergan and producer Tara Clarke. The guide was based on the research and books by Father Gearoid O’Donnchadha, St Brendan’s greatest champion. Thanks to the Saint Brendan Committee and in particular Claudia Köhler for all their guidance, help and support throughout the project.

Stained glass window image courtesy of Rob Vance. Ardfert Cathedral Image courtesy of Fáilte Ireland content pool and Grainne Toomey. Image of Navigator Mural in Fenit courtesy of Fáilte Ireland. All other images courtesy of Neil Jackman, Abarta Heritage.

The project was supported by the Heritage Council through the Community Heritage Grants Scheme 2023. If you would like to hear similar audio guides from other heritage sites around Ireland, please be sure to subscribe to Discover the Stories of Ireland by Abarta Heritage on your favourite podcast platform.