Cahersiveen / Cathair Saidhbhín – the town that climbs the mountain and looks upon the sea

Cahersiveen is a picturesque market town with a rich history. It lies at the foot of Beentee Mountain, on the river Fertha and overlooks Valentia Harbour. The 10km Beentee Loop Walk starts and ends at the Fair Green in the town and offers views over the surrounding farmland, distant islands, Valentia Harbour and the area known as 'Over the Water' across the river from Cahersiveen town. Just a short walk along this path are Carhan Woods - a surprisingly wild native woodland home to a range of wildlife throughout the seasons- across the river from Cahersiveen town.

The town's main street is lined with shops and restaurants, some of which stock local food, drinks and crafts. Across the river, you can visit two ancient stone forts, Cahergal & Leacanabuaile, swim in the safe harbour of Cuas Croom, stroll the Kimego and Castlequinn Loop Walks, and explore the distant volcanic history of Iveragh from the beach at White Strand.

The unique Old Barracks, built in the Schloss style, a German term for a building similar to a château or manor house, houses an interpretive centre and is quite the sight.

Have a look at our Cahersiveen Itinerary here.

Find out everything Cahersiveen has to offer here: www.cahersiveen.ie

Waterville (An Coireán, meaning 'little cauldron') is a small coastal village, with Lough Currane on the east side of the town and Ballinskelligs Bay on the west, and the Currane River connecting the two. The town itself is fronted by the sea, with a boardwalk stretching from end to end. A bench on this seafront is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset or view the waves crashing onto the beach below.

Historically Waterville has been known as a seaside resort for quite some time, boasting Charlie Chaplin as one of its regular visitors. Golf was a predominant feature for many past tourists, and while the local golf course is still an attraction in itself, there are many other draws to the town these days. Watersports, which take place on Lough Currane and nearby Inny Beach, are popular pastimes, and hiking enthusiasts will find the Kerry Way on their doorstep here - for example the Waterville to Caherdaniel Walking Trail. For those who fancy a gentle stroll or fancy giving surfing a try, nearby Reenroe is worth a visit- this is also a popular spot for birdwatching; during the winter, many migratory birds and waders consider this beach home.

Waterville is also home to a number of local businesses and services, including hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops, and a village market.

Find out more about Waterville here.

Portmagee, An Caladh, meaning 'the harbour', is a vibrant village located on the peninsula's western coast and is known for its colourful village and connection to the Skellig Islands, which are located just off the coast. The name Portmagee (Port Magee and Magee's Port as it was formerly known) comes from Captain Theobald Magee, a notorious 18th-century smuggler. The smuggler's tale, along with that of the local seine boats, is told in an interpretation centre near the entrance to the village.

A short walk out of the village will take you to the Kerry Cliffs, which offers fabulous views over the Skelligs. The cliffs themselves are a fantastic representation of the region's geological history, with the various earth layers visible from the edge. On the Cahersiveen side of the village, you can find two loop walks, the Pound and Knockenawaddra loops, while on the seashore there is a charming park with information about the various birds often seen along the strand.

We mentioned the connection Portmagee has to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael. Currently, most boats landing trips to the islands leave Portmagee Harbour. These trips also incorporate a 'drive by' of the other rock, Skellig Beag, which serves as Ireland's largest breeding gannet colony.

Valentia Island, Oileán Dairbhre, meaning 'isle of oak', is a large island off the Iveragh peninsula. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge from Portmagee and a ferry from Renard, just outside Cahersiveen, that operates seasonally.

Those arriving by bridge to the island can spot Bray Head to the left side; this Napoleonic watch tower marks the top of a nice uphill walking route. From the top, you may be lucky enough to spot some Whales or Dolphins below and will certainly see seabirds nesting on the cliffside. On the walk back down the hill, you may spot the seaward side, low on the hill, where there are some medieval dwellings suggesting that this area of the island has been occupied for a very long time!

Making your way back through the island towards the main village of Knightstown, you will find plenty of spots to stop and take in the views around you. Knightstown was home to pioneering marine biologist Maude Delap, and a stroll through the village will take you past many places that featured heavily in her life. Also in the village is the newly refurbished Transatlantic Cable Station which tells the fascinating story of the first cable across the Atlantic, linking communication between Europe and America.

Find out more about Valentia here: https://valentiaisland.ie/.

Derrynane (Doire Fhíonáin, meaning 'oak-wood of Fíonán'), in the southwest of the peninsula, is renowned for its spectacular sandy beaches and the historic Derrynane House and Gardens. Not far from Caherdaniel, the area around Derrynane is very popular with visitors.

There are still remnants of oak and native woodland bordering Derrynane House and the extensive dunes and beaches. The area provides a mix of options for walking and exploring, regardless of the season. An excellent place to watch the seasons change and woodland flora and fauna flourish here. The House and Gardens, once home to Daniel O'Connell, are also worth visiting, for the history alone and the immaculately kept gardens. Walkways weave through the grounds and woodland so exploring the outside can be a whole day affair.

The sheltered dune-packed beaches are perfect for sea sports, swimming, kayaking, diving, beach strolls and all the activities normally associated with a sandy beach; however, many people find Derrynane to be particularly special. The water around Derrynane often seems to be particularly turquoise, and the dunes around the beach are home to the endangered Natterjack Toad. On a calm evening, you will hear them as you stroll through the dunes.

The Derrynane Mass Loop is a 7 km looped walk that takes all the areas around Derrynane and offers visitors a chance to step back in time and follow a route long taken by locals. Visit www.derrynanehouse.ie for more information on Derrynane and Derrynane House.