Welcome To

KNOCKNAGOSHEL

Arise Knocknagoshel,
& take your place amongst the nations of the earth

About
History

Community, Heritage and Our Future in

KNOCKNAGOSHEL, Co. Kerry

Knocknagoshel (Cnoc na gCaiseal), meaning "hill of the stone ringforts” is a small rural village in north-east County Kerry, close to the borders of Limerick and Cork, home to a close-knit community with deep roots, strong traditions, and a proud sense of place.

Established as its own parish in 1916, the village has long played a role in Ireland's social and political story.
A famous banner carried to a rally addressed by Charles Stewart Parnell in 1891 proclaimed: "Arise Knocknagoshel, and take your place among the nations of the earth!" — commemorated today by a plaque in the village centre.

Known for its scenic countryside, rich folklore, and vibrant community life, Knocknagoshel offers visitors and residents alike a glimpse of Irish rural living whilst reinventing itself to thrive in the modern world.

Close-up view of the exterior of a building with a sign that reads 'Tea Wine And Spirit Merchants' in orange letters. The building has blue window frames with lace curtains and a gray wall. Electrical wires run overhead.

Local Businesses

Aerial view of a lush green rural landscape with fields, small roads, scattered buildings, and a winding river under a cloudy sky.

History & Heritage

Three smiling people behind a large display of fresh vegetables including lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini, and bananas, with a blue banner in the background.

Local Initiatives

Aerial view of a small town surrounded by green fields and patchwork farmland under cloudy sky.

News & Events

Two smiling women wearing safety vests stand outdoors next to a fence, holding garbage bags and a litter picker. They are in a rural area near a sign that reads 'Irish Shooting Sports' and piles of red trash bags are on the ground. The background includes green fields, a cloudy sky, and distant trees.

Tidy Towns

Colorful illustrated sign for Aggie's Inch in Knockingoshet Tidy Towns, depicting a river flowing through green landscape with trees, people sitting, biking, and practicing yoga, under a sky with clouds and birds.

Explore

Things To Do

Street view of a cafe with a sign reading 'Eatdie Walsh's' and decorative lighting. There is a mural on an adjacent building showing a harp and a yellow cup. A black street lamp and a small metal table and chairs are in front.

Walshs Bar
Known locally as a welcoming social hub and gathering place at the heart of village life.

Pub

A storefront with signs that read 'Tea, Wine, and Spirit Merchant' and 'D.C. Confectionery.' The building has blue windows and doors, hanging flower baskets, a Guinness sign, and a stone facade at the corner.

O'Connors Bar
Embodying the warmth and charm of a classic Irish pub.

Pub

Empty gym with weightlifting equipment, exercise bike, and mirrors in the background.

Community Gym
Local fitness hub for people of all ages and abilities in Knocknagoshel and the surrounding area.

Leisure

Close-up of a person aiming a rifle with a scope at a shooting range, with a green grassy area and targets visible in the background.

Shooting Facility
 Premier shooting ground and sporting facility bringing clay pigeon, rifle, pistol and archery shooting

Leisure

Colorful sign for Aggie's Inch, a scenic area with a river, trees, people picnicking and biking, and a bright sky with clouds.

Aggies Inch
Aggie’s Inch is a much-loved riverside space on the banks of the Owveg River, a tributary of the River Feale.

Signboard for a 5 km Bog Walk in Knocknagoshel Village, featuring a map, trail, parking, community center, picnic area, wildlife, and directions marked by colored arrows.

Leisure

Bog Walk
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Leisure

Local Groups

Knocknagoshel is a village built on community, and its local groups are at the heart of that spirit. Whether you're interested in sport, the arts, volunteering, faith, or simply meeting new people, there's a group to suit every age and interest. Getting involved is a great way to make connections, support local initiatives, and play a part in the life of the community. Explore the groups below to find out more and discover how you can get involved.

Schools & Youth

Education has long been at the heart of Knocknagoshel, with local schools playing an important role in the life of the community for generations. From the historic buildings of Knocknagoshel National School to the close-knit rural setting of Loughfouder National School, children benefit from a caring, inclusive learning environment where they are encouraged to grow, achieve and reach their full potential. Strong links between schools, families and the wider community help create a positive foundation for learning, friendship and lifelong success.

Learn more
A church with a black roof and white walls, three flags (green, white, and orange), and a cross on the roof, with a partly cloudy sky in the background. There is a small parking lot and a low fence in front.

Town Projects

Community projects play a vital role in making Knocknagoshel a welcoming, active and forward-looking place to live. Led by dedicated volunteers and local organisations, these initiatives support people of all ages, improve local facilities and strengthen community life. From health and wellbeing services to village enhancement projects and future development plans, each project reflects the pride, commitment and community spirit that continue to shape Knocknagoshel for generations to come.

2024 Community Plan

“Arise Knocknagoshel,
& take your place among the nations of the earth!"

This quote is a famous Irish slogan originating from an 1891 banner carried by supporters of Charles Stewart Parnell in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. It represents local pride from the North Kerry village of Knocknagoshel and is often mentioned in the history books for the extraordinary banner.  There is a plaque to commemorate the banner in the village to this day.

Key Facts About the Phrase:

Origin: The phrase was coined by local residents of Knocknagoshel, a village in Northeast Kerry, during a political parade to support Parnell in 1891.
Context: It was a protest banner created when the group learned Parnell might not be allowed to speak at a rally due to the "Kitty O'Shea" divorce scandal, which divided his followers.
Meaning: It served as a satirical, prideful proclamation declaring the small village of Knocknagoshel worthy of international standing, despite the political chaos.
Legacy: The slogan is still strongly associated with the village today. A plaque commemorating the 1891 banner exists on a house in the village center.
Usage: The phrase is often used for local celebrations and has appeared in school and community news to mark proud achievements.

GET INVOLVED:

We'd love to hear from you.

Whether you have a question about Knocknagoshel, want to share a story or piece of local history, or would like to get in touch with a local group or business featured on this site, simply fill out the form below and we will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.

All submissions are welcome, and if you have information, photographs or memories you'd like to contribute to the site, we'd be delighted to hear from you.