Fenit History
Fenit and its surrounding areas are steeped in rich heritage and folklore, brimming with tales of royals, fairies, Vikings, smugglers, giants, ghosts, banshees, mermaids, and more. This coastal region is not only a haven for storytellers but also a paradise for geology enthusiasts, with an abundance of fossils embedded in the coastal limestone.
The landscape of the Fenit and Barrow Harbour area is particularly captivating, characterized by its rolling limestone hills, enclosed fields, and a stunning coastal backdrop that includes the sand dunes of the Fenit Island Tombolo, saltmarshes, meadows, and seagrass lawns. This picturesque setting is complemented by a sheltered harbor, coastal islands, and the vast open sea.
Such is the significance of the Fenit Island Tombolo and the surrounding Barrow Harbour that they fall within the boundaries of a Special Protected Area (SPA) for wildlife and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for natural habitats, including sand dunes, saltmarshes, and seagrass lawns. This 10 km stretch of coastline, encompassing the Akeragh, Banna, and Barrow Harbour area, is a designated Natura 2000 site, recognized for its highest level of conservation importance within the European Union (EU).
