Waterville & South Kerry

Ceol Na Mara is situated in the picturesque seaside village of Waterville, Co. Kerry on the Wild Atlantic Way. Waterville has welcomed visitors from all over the world for well over 100 years and we are delighted to be part of that welcoming and hospitable tradition.

Waterville has played host to royalty, heads of state and many Hollywood Actors during this time, one of its most famous and frequent visitors was none other than Charlie Chaplin. Today Waterville welcomes a new generation of visitors, star gazers. In 2014 the dark skies above Waterville were declared a reserve and have since been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status.

In recent years we welcomed the actors of Star Wars to Waterville while they were shooting the movie, Star Wars the last Jedi and the force Awakens on Skellig Michael. Our advice, keep your eyes peeled, as you never know who you might bump in to walking the promenade.

Activities in Waterville & South Kerry

 
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Fishing

Whether you enjoy lake fishing or sea angling Waterville has the unique oppurtunity to do both. If you are interested in fishing while staying with us, we are happy to help you arrange a day at sea, or on lough Currane.

Golf

Waterville has two Championship Golf Courses, Waterville links and Hogs Heads. Hogs Head is a private Course and is currently open to members only, but Waterville links welcomes visitors, and their green fees are available by clicking on the photo above.

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Historical sites

South Kerry is steeped in both Irish and world history. Derrynane House in Caherdaniel was the home of Daniel O’Connell and his family, it is now run as a museum filled with artifacts belonging to Daniel. If you prefer to stay outdoors, South Kerry has many stone forts, castles and standing stones dotted around the area many being within walking or short driving distance of Ceol Na Mara.

Water sports

You can enjoy sea kayaking, windsurfing and sailing all within the sheltered harbour of Derrynane. located a short drive away from Waterville, Derrynane Sea sports offers a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy.

Swimming

We are lucky to be surrounded by beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. There are 3 blue flag beaches to choose from in the area, Derrynane, Ballinskelligs and White Strand, as well as a number of Green coast award beaches, each offering their own individual swimming experience.

Walking

 
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Easy

The promenade is the ideal place for your morning walk or evening stroll. It is Located right in front of Ceol Na Mara, so you can grab your book or coffee and enjoy the view anytime you please. The Promenade stretches from one end of the village to the next, and is safe for all the family to enjoy.

Moderate

The coastline around Waterville is dotted with magnificent viewing points like this one pictured above in Loher (15 min walk from Ceol Na Mara) which looks out on to Ballinskelligs Bay and beyond. There is equally amazing views along the cliff road and out along hogs head. All of these walks are on roadways and can be done without equipment.

Advanced

The Kerry way which passes right along the entrance to Ceol Na Mara, is one of Europe’s most spectacular walking trails. Stretching over 200km in length it starts and ends in Killarney while weaving it’s way around the Iveragh peninsula. The trail is challenging in parts and is recommended for more advanced walkers with appropriate equipment.

 

“Beautiful house in a great location, both for enjoying the locality of Waterville and beyond.

— Eoin, Cork, Ireland

Activities to do within 30 min drive

 

Derrynane Beach&Abbey

Derryane beach is one of Ireland’s most spectacular beaches. In summer Derrynane is a hive or activity with yachts and sailing boats arriving from all over the world as well as a sea sports and windsurfing. Derryane is linked by a small spit of sand to Abbey Island, the site of Derrynane Abbey, a ruined 6th century Abbey and the location of one of the worlds most unique cemeteries.

(click on photo for location)

Coomakista Pass

From Coomakista you can enjoy views of both sides of the Iveragh peninsula, on one side you have Waterville Village and Ballinskelligs Bay and on the other side you have Derrynane Harbour and the entrance to Kenmare Bay . For those of you looking for an even better view, you can climb Beenarourke mountain located beside the parking area and from here you can take in the view for miles around.

(click on photo for location)

The Kerry Cliffs

The Kerry cliffs are located just 1 mile outside Portmagee village on the Skellig Ring Route. The cliffs stand at 1000ft above the roaring sea below, and look out on to the famous Skellig rocks. Even though there is a small fee to pay on entry, they are well worth a visit and are often a highlight for visitors to South Kerry.

(click on photo for location)

 

Day trips

 
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Bolus Head

Bolus head is one of the most spectacular drives in Ireland but equally not for the faint hearted. If you decide to go the best time to go is either very early in the morning or in the late afternoon. The road is a single track for the most part but does have small laybys situated along the way to pull in to allow others pass. Once you reach the end of the road, we recommend putting on your hiking boots to walk to now ruined outpost building at the tip of Bolus head.

 
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Skellig Michael

Skellig Micheal is a Famous rocky island featuring a Gaelic Christian monastery that dates back to the 6th century. The Skelligs have always been a popular tourist attraction for many decades but more recently they have found a renewed fame with scenes from Star Wars The Last Jedi and the Force Awakens being filmed here. Trips to the Skellig are seasonal (18th May to Oct 1st 2020) and weather dependent. The nearest available departure point to Ceol Na Mara is Caherdaniel and we have linked Skellig Tours with John O’Shea below for your convenience.

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Valentia island

“Ireland is an island off the coast of Valentia”

Valentia Island lies off the South West coast of Kerry, and is an island of great beauty and historical interest. It is joined to the mainland by bridge in the village of Portmagee, and a seasonal car ferry runs from Renard point just outside Cahersiveen. We highly recommend a a walk around the Bray Head loop, here you enjoy magnificent ocean views over the wild Atlantic ocean and out towards the famous Skellig Rocks. Knightown has a few little coffee shops and one even has an amazing book shop great for passing a wet afternoon. In recent years Tetra pod footprints were found on the northern part of the island. These magnificent imprints are the most extensive of the four Devonian track ways in the world. One of Valentia’s most famous exports is slate, the slates have been used on many famous buildings around the world including, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and in the Paris Opera House. The slate quarry is on the northern part of the island, opened in 1816 and still flourishes today.

 
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Skellig Ring & Skelligs chocolate factory

The Skellig ring can be started and ended in Waterville and takes in the villages of Portmagee, Ballinskelligs, Valentia and Cahersiveen. The route enjoys magnificent views of its namesake the Skelligs. You will find numerous beaches and viewing points along the route and If like us, you love Chocolate, Skelligs Chocolate is a must do on you trip arounf the skellig ring. Located in the Glen Ballinskelligs (25 min Drive from Waterville) Skelligs Chocolate is a family run business and the only fully ‘open plan’ chocolate production facility anywhere in Ireland. Here you can see the chocolates being made, ask questions and taste the freshly made treats.