The land was listed for sale by its US owner last year, and the government acknowledged that it had purchased it months later.

It will be a component of the future Pairc Naisiunta na Mara, which will be Ireland's largest national park, covering 70,000 acres of land and water and consisting of many places around the Dingle Peninsula.

The park includes the Owenmore River catchment, lands at Mount Brandon and the sand dune system at the Inch Peninsula, along with sites already under State ownership, such as the waters around the Blasket Islands.

There had been many public and political calls for the State to buy the 1,400 acres of land of the Conor Pass, but then-taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the State would not pay the guide price of €10 million.

It is understood the State paid less than €6 million for the land.

The narrow route runs along the side of cliffs and passes through scenic countryside along the Dingle Peninsula and will now form the “gateway” for the new marine park, according to the Green Party.

The park “signals a new era” for the preservation and restoration of wildlife on the peninsula, according to wildlife, Heritage, and Electoral Reform Minister Malcolm Noonan, who made the announcement on Monday.

“Ireland's first marine national park unites mountains, blanket bog, heaths, rivers, coastal dunes, limestone reefs, sea cliffs, and some of the wildest land and seascapes in the nation in celebration of nature, with the iconic Conor Pass serving as the gateway,” the speaker stated.

Pairc Naisiunta na Mara, Ciarrai, together with its seven sister parks, will serve as a model for the preservation and rehabilitation of these amazing locations and the diverse range of species that calls them home.

“The Pairc will also honour the island and coastal communities who live alongside it by ensuring that their unique tapestry of cultural and natural heritage is central to the future story of this special place.”

“A celebration of heritage in all its forms,” according to National Parks and Wildlife Service director-general Niall O. Donnchu, describes the new park.


Our natural heritage and wildlife coexist peacefully with historical wrecks and monuments from many eras.

This location is majestically beautiful and has iconic importance. Shrouded in mist at times like a remote outpost, it is crucial in its biodiversity, evocative in its past, and ethereal in its past. Surely a source of both community pride and worldwide significance.

“To realise a truly world-class national park, we look forward to working with our partners, the Office of Public Works, the National Monuments Service, the Commissioners for Irish Lights, BirdWatch Ireland, Kerry County Council, and the local communities.”