Bealach Óisín (Ballaghisheen or Óisín’s Track) This scenic drive or cycle route takes the wayfarer right through the heart of the Ring of Kerry, taking in fantastic views of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Carountoohil, and the fertile Kerry countryside. The pass was named after Óisín, son of Fionn MacCumhail, the legendary leader of the ferocious Na Fianna warriors. Óisín was not only a warrior among the tribe, he was also their poet, recounting the tales of their many heroic victories.
Legends surrounding Bealach Óisín
This whole region in the centre of the Ring of Kerry is steeped in legends and lore surrounding the mythical hero and the warrior tribe, non more so than Bealach Óisín (literally “the way of Óisín). It is on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park, that Óisín met and fell in love with the fair haired Niamh who hailed from Tír na nÓg – land of eternal youth.
The lovers left the Fianna and headed for this mythical land, said to lie off the coast of Ireland, passing through this stunning landscape as they travelled. Legend tells that Óisín was happy for a while in Tír na nÓg but he grew homesick and missed his friends in the Fianna.
Óisín set off on a return journey with a warning from Niamh, that whatever he may do, he was not to set foot on the land, but stay on his horse the whole time. On his travels, he found the land much changed and there was no sign of his comrades the Fianna. While time had stood still for him in Tír na nÓg, in Ireland it had moved on for centuries.
While travelling a mountain pass, he came across a group of men trying to move a huge boulder. He bent down from his horse to move it for them, but the stirrup slipped and he fell to the ground, instantly withering to an old old man. It is said that this rock can be found at the top of Bealach Óisín.
Follow in the footsteps of Óisín and his beautiful Niamh as you travel through this spectacular landscape. Escape the hustle of the much-travelled Ring of Kerry and let your imagination run riot as you cut across country taking in the wide open spaces, stunning views of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and views towards the Atlantic at Waterville.