Local Area

Derryclare is on the Ring of Kerry, between Waterville and Caherdaniel. We are 30 miles from Kenmare (1 hour’s drive) and 50 miles from Killarney (1 hour 45 mins).

Derryclare’s location on the south western corner of the Ring of Kerry makes it a perfect base from which to explore the area. There is so much to do and see that the following is just a suggestion. The Ring of Kerry is a world famous touring route and although its renown is justified, parts of it can get crowded. But, with some local knowledge, it’s very easy to avoid the crowds and the coaches and discover the best bits, just off the beaten track.

Boats to The Skellig Rocks leave from Bunavalla Pier, 5 minutes walk away, and for many people a trip to the Skelligs is the highlight of their holiday.

Also within walking distance of Iskeroon is the Derrynane National Park which has wonderful gardens and a museum about Daniel O’Connell, known as the Liberator for winning Catholic emancipation, who lived at Derrynane. Both Derrynane Harbour and Derrynane Bay have fantastic beaches, and there are watersports, diving and fishing centres in the harbour. The local pub, Keating’s Bar, is a fifteen minute walk from the house, over the Mass Path.

Five miles away in the car (or three miles by foot) is the village of Caherdaniel. The Kerry Way, (the old road, now used by walkers) passes through the village, beside an ancient ring fort.

Seven miles way is Waterville, famous for its golf links and salmon and trout fishing. We can arrange ghillies on the lakes. There are four golf courses within an hour’s drive from Derryclare: Waterville, Parknasilla, Kenmare and Dooks.

Valentia Island, from where the first telegraphic messages were sent from Europe to America, via an undersea cable, is definitely worth visiting. The cable houses still stand and the village of Knightstown (Valentia was the home of the Knights of Kerry) is wonderful, with a unique character. If it’s too rough to go to the Skelligs by sea, there is a visitor centre on the Island, as well as antique shops and good places to eat.