Derrynane

The village

Darrynane is the official name, though most people just say Derrynane. The Irish name, Doire Fhíonáin, translates to “oak-wood of Fíonán”. It sits in the civil parish of Kilcrohane, County Kerry. The village is tucked on the Iveragh peninsula, just off the N70 national primary road near Caherdaniel. Derrynane Bay forms the front of the settlement. It’s a wide, shallow sweep of sand and rock where the Iveragh opens onto the Atlantic.

The history in the ground

Human presence here predates the current village. A dolmen, a Stone Age passage grave, may date back to 3000 BC. Sites from 2000 BC link to the Beaker people, who mined for copper in the area. Saint Fionan founded a monastery in the 6th century. By the 18th century, the harbour had become a thriving centre for trade with France and Spain. Smuggling and legitimate commerce moved through the same small harbour.

What stands here

Derrynane Abbey and Derrynane House anchor the area. The house was Daniel O’Connell’s home. It is now a National Monument and part of a 320-acre (1.3 km²) national historic park. About 7 kilometres east lies Staigue Fort, one of Ireland’s finest examples of an ancient ringfort. Loher Cashel, another stone ringfort, sits 4 km to the northwest. Derrynane Head projects into the bay to the south. Its lighthouse marks the entrance. In summer, sightseeing trips to the Skellig Islands leave from Bunavalla daily, weather dependent.

Practical

The N70 passes near Caherdaniel, just off the village. The headland and bay are a short walk away. The national historic park is on the way in. Pair the visit with Kenmare at the other end of the Iveragh. Or head to Bunavalla for the Skellig boats for a sea day.