Several hundred sites of prehistoric date (Neolithic-Bronze age c2,400-2,000BC) have been recorded on the Iveragh Peninsula. These include rock art, megalithic wedge type tombs, standing stones and stone rows as well as the presence of an ancient field system.

Artefacts from both the Bronze & Iron age have been found near Cahersiveen. Other notable pre-historic monuments such as the ringforts can be seen at Cahergal near Cahersiveen, Staigue near Castlecove and Cathair Donall near Caherdanial.

There are numerous early Christian monastic sites in the area e.g. Church Island in Valentia Harbour, Kildreelig near Ballinaskelligs, Church Island on Lough Currane near Waterville, Oilean Lochain, a small island just off the village of Portmagee, as well as the most famous of all at the top of Skellig Michael located 12 km out in the Atlantic.