This little cove is a beautiful spot and an ideal rest stop. Listen to the waves roll in and out, hear the birdsong from the adjacent woods or watch for diving birds such as Great Northern Divers (Lóma Mór). This cove is also a great spot for a bit of beachcombing. Colourful shells, Mermaid's Purses - which are actually egg cases from species such as Sharks (Siorc) and Rays (Roc) - and all sorts of other items wash up here. Seaweeds (Feamainn) in all shapes and colours gather here so it's a great spot to see how many you can find. In fact, you can book seaweed walks at Derrynane to hone your foraging skills or recipe ideas.

Also, when leaving this area keep an eye open for ripple marks on the rocks. Point #18 on the map will reveal more....

Large swathes of Heather (Fraoch) and Gorse (Aiteann) are found along the trail, and these plants are a vital source of nectar for many of our Pollinators (Pailneoirí). The vibrant yellow flowers of gorse bloom almost year-round but gain a luscious coconut aroma and an additional burst of life in early spring. Bees (Beach), Hoverflies and Butterflies (Féileacáin) flock to both gorse and heather and the whole bush can hum with the collective buzzing of these vital workers. You should also be vigilant for more rare flora sightings such as the Kerry Lily (Lile Fhíonáin) or Orchids (Magairlín). You may also see what at first appears to be a tiny Hummingbird, but on closer inspection is revealed to be the spectacular Hummingbird Hawk Moth (Dordéan Conach), hovering from flower to flower to refuel after migrating from mainland Europe.

A tantalising glimpse of the Skellig Islands from earlier in the trail may have whet your appetite for a boat trip. Passing some of the bird rich islands en route, these tours are also an ideal opportunity for some dolphin watching before arriving at the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Booking in advance is essential due to strict control in numbers permitted to operate on and around the islands. If you're not feeling the force, you can always opt for a snack break in this once busy fishing hub of the region. From this point on the trail, the uphill section will begin so you might need that energy boost.

There is a long history of farming on Iveragh, from the coastal hills to the higher uplands. In the past, the native Kerry Cow (Bó Chiarraí) and the Scottish Blackface Sheep were the most common breeds. The smaller Kerry Cow was better suited to the boggy terrain and would eat rougher vegetation such as Bracken (Raithneach) or Gorse (Aiteann). The Blackface Sheep is a mountain specialist but has now been mixed with other breeds that produce larger weights for higher market value. Many of Iveragh's walking trails began as market routes for trading butter, wool or other goods. Farm animals were also moved along some of these trails in a seasonal grazing tradition known as 'booleying'. The animals would spend their summers grazing on the upland areas before being herded down to lower lands for the harsher winter periods. Visit our section on farmland for more information on the wildlife you can expect to encounter in Iveragh’s farming landscape.

Also, when leaving this area keep an eye open for ripple marks on the rocks. Point #18 on the map will reveal more....

Ireland has over 400,000km of dry stone walls and 210,000km of stone-earth banks. Often of ancient origins, these boundaries crisscross Iveragh, sometimes on the steepest hillsides or perilously close to cliff edges. Enclosing fields or following roadways, these banks and walls are important miniature ecosystems for flora and fauna. South-facing banks are prime real estate for sun loving Common Lizards (Earc Luachra) - don't forget to log any sightings here - while tiny mammals such as Pygmy Shrews (Dallóg Fraoigh) make homes in cracks and crevices. Bumblebees (Bumbóg) utilise holes in these habitats and a host of critters such as Spiders (Damhán Alla) can be found weaving webs between gaps. Mosses (Caonach) and Lichens (Léicean) drape over many surfaces while Ferns (Raithneach) occur in an abundance of varieties. It may also be where you find your first spring Wildflowers (Bláth Fuáin) such as Lesser Celandine (Grán Arcáin) or Caterpillars (Bolb) munching on vital food sources, such as Nettles (Neantóg) or Grasses (Féar). In autumn, Brambles (Dris) take over to provide a welcome Blackberry (Sméar Dubh) feast for birds and walkers alike! Many of the plants found in areas like this have medicinal purposes that date back hundreds of years.

The name Derrynane originates from the Irish 'Doire Fhíonáin' meaning 'Oak wood of Fíonáin' - Fíonáin being the famous St Finan who founded the monastery on Abbey Island and whose name appears in many places across the Iveragh. There is a long history of settlement in the area; various discoveries have been made over the years, including the ca. 3,000-year-old 'Derrynane Horn’, a large 'souterrain' excavated near the main house (believed to have been used to hold animals), and pre-famine ruins which are still visible in the farmland around the Mass Path. The mass rock, or 'Carraig an Aifrinn', came into being due to the persecution of Irish Catholics following the introduction of the Penal Laws (1695-1750). Many locals would travel miles to these secret mass rock locations in order to attend services and mass rocks can be found scattered across the country. In more recent times, Derrynane is associated with the O'Connell family, the construction of the house (1600s), the trade routes (and smuggling too!), and of course Daniel O'Connell himself. Tours at Derrynane House provide a wealth of information on the area’s rich history.