Ferriter, or Firtéar in Gaelic, is a well-known family name on the Dingle peninsula, especially in the western Gaeltacht or Irish-speaking area. This name stretches back to a Norman ancestor, Walter le Fereter, who is mentioned in historical records of 1252. It is likely that he came into Kerry, probably from Dublin, with the Norman lord Geoffrey de Mareis. His manor was known as Dunurling. One of the rights accorded to the le Fereters was 'the liberty of gallows' – the right to hang criminals caught in the act. Not all knights possessed such rights in their manors. In 1295 another Norman was hanged by Philip le Fereter for stealing barley. Philip Senior next inherited, to be followed by Philip Junior, who was living in 1325. Later generations are represented by Nicholas of 1355, Thomas of 1375, and several Nicholases during the 15th century. The Ferriters held their lands until the 17th century. The village of Ballyferriter takes its name from the family, and their manor house was located there. The ruins of the Ferriter tower house at Ferriter's Cove, two miles west of the village, are still standing. This tower house was probably built during the 15th century, reflecting a period when the old manor house was no longer sufficiently secure.
