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Description
The childhood home of Daniel O’Connell “The Liberator,”
Irish orator and political agitator who lived from 1775-1847. A lawyer and political leader who promoted
pacifism and purely constitutional means for gaining equality for the Catholic
people. The people loved him after he
helped pass the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829, which improved the legal
status of all Catholics.
Born in Caherdaniel, Daniel and his brother were adopted by their rich and
childless uncle whose nickname was “Hunting Cap.” They came to live with him at the Derrynane
House. They were educated in Ireland and
then Paris just after the French Revolution. The political happenings in France
both inspired and sickened Daniel. He
continued his education in London then came back to Ireland to practice
law. He took the Catholic struggle for
equality as his cause.
Daniel inherited the Derrynane House from his uncle, it became his yearly
summer retreat from Dublin. The tour
includes an audio-visual presentation and tour of the house. The grounds are naturalist’s play land –
trails, tidal flats, arboretum, and ocean – a gorgeous place to spend the
afternoon. Tea house serving fresh baked
cakes opens at 11AM.
How to get there
Located on The Ring of Kerry drive, between Waterville and
Caherdaniel, 3km outside of Caherdaniel.
By car:
From Kenmare, take Ring of Kerry drive N70 west to
Catherdaniel. The House is 3km north of
Catherdaniel, follow Derrynane House signs.
From Cahirciveen, take Ring of Kerry drive N70 east to 3km
outside of Catherdaniel. Follow Derrynane House signs.
By bus:
See www.buseireann.ie
website for all current travel details and restrictions.
Opening times
November – March:
Saturday and Sunday 1PM-5PM
April – October:
Tuesday – Sunday 1PM-5PM.
Closed Monday.
May – September:
Monday – Saturday 9AM – 6PM.
Sunday 11AM – 7PM.
Admission Fees
Adult 2.90 euro
Group/Senior Citizen 2.10 euro
Child/Student 1.30 euro
Family 7.40 euro
Address
Derrynane House National Historic Park
Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry
Tel: 353 (0)66 947 5113
Email:
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My experience
I loved wandering the fabulous grounds. They are just the right balance of manicured
and wild, especially the trails maintained through woods. The beach is spectacular.
The grounds are an ideal place to rejuvenate from the city
fray.
The House itself provided just the right amount of education
about Daniel O’Connell. I felt it lacked
substance inside. Many of the paintings
noted in the tour guide had been removed from the walls. I wish there were more objects filling the
rooms, to give me a better sense of the actual man.
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