Derrynane House National Historic Park

While the house tour is fine, it was really the gardens that won me over here. They are so beautiful that I regretted not packing a picnic and spending my day here. It was so lovely to wind my way through the beautiful woods of Derrynane. And to think, I didn’t even make it to the beach! I’d definitely recommend visiting the botanical gardens here. Stop in the Blind Piper on your way out for yummy food!

Derrynane House Park encompasses 120 hectares (nearly 300 acres) of land and Derrynane House, home of one of Ireland’s most well-​loved heroes, Daniel O’Connell, aka «The Liberator.» Dun dun dun! He was a pacifist (in Ireland! gasp!) who lobbied for equal rights for Catholics. He was instrumental in the passage of the Catholic Emancipation Act, essentially granting Catholics equal rights in Ireland. Easy to understand why he is much beloved.
The Historical Park is definitely worth a visit if you are on the Ring of Kerry or staying in or near Caherdaniel (itself a ridiculously charming and non-​touristy town). The House now serves as a museum of O’Connell’s early, later, and political life. The furnishings are well-​kept and the house well-​maintained, providing a glimpse of upper-​scale Irish life from the early 19^th century.
The cherries on the cake here, however, are the grounds which are much like botanical gardens here in the States. There are lovely manicured gardens, more Romantic and wild gardens, woodlands, and an incredible expanse of beach at Derrynane Bay… with ample warnings about not venturing too near the surf for fear you might get sucked in, sucked out to sea, and never be heard from again.
A highlight of the Park is the Druid stone monument featuring the Ogham «language,» which you come across on your walk up to the Park grounds.
Admission to the whole park is also a real deal at under 3 Euros. A nice way to spend a few hours on your trip to the Ring.