The Southwest
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1. Derrynane House
The Ring of Kerry has very few historic country houses, so many visitors here enjoy making a special excursion to Derrynane House. Famed as the home of Daniel O'Connell ("The Liberator," 1775–1847), the man who fought for liberal reform and easing of the often cruel penal laws imposed by England on Roman Catholics and those involved in the slave "industry" (his surname appears on major street names in most of Ireland's cities). He campaigned for Catholic Emancipation (the granting of full rights of citizenship to Catholics), which became a reality in 1829. The house's south and east wings—which O'Connell himself remodeled—are decorated with original furniture and fittings. Take a self-guided tour: every piece has a genuine connection to O'Connell. The 300-acre estate of Derrynane House is freely accessible and has trails (including a woodland fairy trail) running through mature woodland, bordering on rocky outcrops that lead to wide sandy beaches and dunes. At low tide, you can walk to Abbey Island offshore. Look out for the chariot built by his supporters to draw him through Dublin streets upon his release from jail in 1844 for his efforts to repeal the union with England. Signposting is poor.
Off N70, Sneem, Co. Kerry, Ireland066-947–5113Sight Details
Rate Includes: €5, Closed mid-Dec.–mid-Mar.; weekdays Nov.–mid-Dec. -
2. Staigue Fort
Take a 4-km (2½-mile) detour off the N70 Ring of Kerry road to visit Staigue Fort. Approximately 2,500 years old, the mortar-free stone fort is almost circular and about 75 feet in diameter, with a single south-side entrance. From the Iron Age (from 500 BC to the 5th century AD) and early Christian times (6th century AD), such "forts" were, in fact, fortified homesteads for several families of one clan and their cattle. The walls at Staigue Fort are almost 13 feet thick at the base and 7 feet thick at the top; they still stand 18 feet high on the north and west sides. Within them, stairs lead to narrow platforms on which the lookouts stood. Private land must be crossed to reach the fort, and a "compensation for trespass" of €1 is often requested by the landowner. The site has free parking and is freely accessible, but it has no facilities.
Sneem, Co. Kerry, Ireland -
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