St. Brendan The Navigator of Fenit

Saint Brendan

Statue

The unique and imposing sculpture by Tighe O Donoghue/Ross of Glenflesk stands on Samphire rock at the entrance to Fenit Harbour, Kerry, Ireland gazing out over the Atlantic ocean, pointing in the direction of America.

Welcome

As we began a new millennium it seemed fitting to remember and honour St. Brendan the Navigator, a native of Fenit in County Kerry, Ireland  who is one of the the most important Kerrymen ever and who ranks with Colmcille and Columbanus among the most important of Irish saints.

We invite you to spend some time on our website to discover more about Saint Brendan and his historic deeds as well as learning about some of Ireland’s s history and  the tough conditions at the time. Learn about the beautiful area, the lure of the ocean as well as the story of the monument and the passionate team behind the venture.

Picture of the St.Brendan Voyage window at Fenit Church

Click here for more information and to hear the Tighe O’Donoghue/Ross, Sculptor & Artist describing the window

Latest News

St. Brendan Sign Launch

A new information sign in English & Irish was officially launched on the 2nd March 2023. It is permanently located beside to the…

History

In 484 Saint Brendan was born in Fenit near the port of Tralee, in County Kerry, in the province of Munster, in the South West of Ireland.

He was baptized at Tubrid, near Ardfert, by Saint Erc. He spent his first year with his parents, then he went to the home of the local chieftain, Airde mac Fidaigh at Cathair Airde in Listrim, three miles to the East.He returned to his family at the end of his fifth year and completed his studies under Saint Erc, who ordained him priest in 510.

At the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, a large stained glass window commemorates Brendan’s achievements. 

At Fenit Harbour, Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, a substantial bronze sculpture has been erected to the memory of Brendan.

Awesome Facts

Here are some fun facts about St. Brendan

Born in year
May
Feast Day
Statue Erected