SECRET SIGHTS
Many valuable sites in the Kerry Geopark are not marked out on maps of the area. This is a guide to find those secret places.
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Caherdaniel
The Kerry Way 
Windling it's way around the whole Iveragh peninsula, the Kerry Way is a perfect means to explore the natural beauty of Kerry. The Kerry Way goes through both Caherdaniel, Castlecove and Sneem.
Ogham stone
An old Ogham stone stands on the left side of the road from Caherdaniel towards Derrynane.
Ogham was the first alphabet, used by the Irish in the 4th century and onwards.
Derrynane house
Derrynane house and gardens is a national monument for Daniel O'Connel, the man that created Irish democracy. The principal part of the house was built by Donal Mor, Daniels grandfather, in the mid 18th century. The part that is still there today is a victorian part that was built by Daniel O'Connel. The house was once the gaelic centre in Kerry.
Derrynane beach
The beach at Derrynane is great for swimming, having picnics and for taking a long walk.
Aghavore priory
This old monastery, very close to Derrynane Beach, was reputedly founded by St. Fionan, but is more likely a ninth century foundation of Flann Mac Ceallach. Some of the buildings are not so old but part of the monastery date back to the tenth century. It was staffed by Augustinian monks in those times in the 12th and 13th century. In a tomb inside "Hunting Cap" O'Connel is buried alongside his mother and father.
Castlecove
The Kerry Way
Windling it's way around the whole Iveragh peninsula, the Kerry Way is a perfect means to explore the natural beauty of Kerry. The Kerry Way goes through both Caherdaniel, Castlecove and Sneem.
Staigue fort
Staigue fort can be found about 4 km north of Castlecove. It stands on a low hill with an amphitheatre of rugged hills that opens to the sea in the south. Two hill streams surround it and coincide near the entrance. No one really knows who built the fort but one of the legends say that they were miners looking for ore and that the women carried the stones in their aprons. Others say that it was the Fir Bolg that built the fort to defend themselves against invaders. The fort has a very interesting building technique. Whoever built it didn't use any mortar and the stones were not dressed. The stones were laid with great care to make sure no water would drip through. Inside the fort are ten double staircases leading from the floor up to the summit of the walls. Inside the fort are two “cells”, probably used for storing food or the watchdogs. These cells prove the skill of the builders because without cement or mortar they are still totally waterproof. This was achieved by laying the roof in such a way that when rainwater sips down into the wall it is conveyed to the sides of the wall with diagonal stones instead of further down into the cells. The fort was probably built between the 1 st century BCE and 1000 CE.
White Strand
This is the first good strand on the Kerry Coast if one comes from the Cork direction. It is often covered at high tide but at other occasions it is a splendid bathing place. It is safe for children and gives good wind shelter.
Brodericks hospital
To the right of the Caherdaniel – Castlecove road, near Westcove a series of ruined buildings are evident, part of which belonged to a ruined coastguard station, while others were intended by the Hon. Albinia Broderick, as a tuberculosis hospital. A member of an English aristocratic family, she came to Westcove from London in the early 1900s. She lived with a family on Scarriff Island initially to learn Irish. Later she changed her name to Gobnait Ni Bhrudair. During her time at Westcove she attempted to set up an Agricultural Co-op and a hospital. However she took an extremist republican line in the Civil War and failed to obtain official approval for her hospital. She left the property to the ‘Second Dáil' and legal and political difficulties have since prevented any action in relation to the ruins.
Sneem
The Catholic Parish Church
This attractive italianate church dates back from 1865 when it was presented by the third earl of Dunraven. He also compiled a magnificent illustrated book on Irish architecture.
Sneem River
Sneem is situated a couple of miles up the river from Kenmare Bay and at high tide an evening trip up the river is worth undertaking. Sneem River is a famous salmon river so fresh fish can be bought in Sneem in the summers.
The Kerry Way
Windling it's way around the whole Iveragh peninsula, the Kerry Way is a perfect means to explore the natural beauty of Kerry. The Kerry Way goes through both Caherdaniel, Castlecove and Sneem.
Corrie lakes
There are numerous Corries in the vicinity of Sneem and most of them are accessible from either the Kerry Way or other walking routes. One good example is the Eagles Lake which has two different lakes with waterfalls, one above the other.
Rossdohan Island
The Island of Rossdohan overlooks Kenmare bay and is a very special place. The subtropical climate induced by the Gulf Stream makes a range of plants grow there that is not found anywhere else in Kerry, and in some cases not found anywhere else in Europe. Also the old burnt-down farmhouse is of interest at the far end of the island. Ask the owner before you visit Rossdohan Island.
The Old Ballroom, Killarney Road, Sneem, Co. Kerry | kerrygeopark@sccird.com | Tel: 064 75824