Post by Office of Public Works

Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran visited Derrynane on Friday 5th June to launch the OPW’s tenth annual Discover Derrynane family festival along with three projects that were carried out in 2025 to mark the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Daniel O’Connell, and which are now fully open to the public following the installation of signage and interpretation: ➡️ The Daniel O’Connell Heritage Trail showcases traditional tunes, songs and spoken word that are associated with O’Connell. The material was collected from around South Kerry by Peter Mullarkey for the Binneas project, which is dedicated to collecting, preserving and promoting the rich musical and oral traditions of the Iveragh Peninsula. Some of this material is now incorporated into a short walking route through the gardens of Derrynane, with signage and QR codes that enable visitors to read about, listen to, and enjoy this aspect of our shared local heritage. ➡️ The Meadow Walk is part of a historic route described in a poem written by Daniel O’Connell’s daughter Ellen. The walk passes through part of the O’Connell estate, offering visitors a chance to reflect in the same surroundings that shaped Daniel O’Connell and inspired his daughter. Ellen’s poem paints O’Connell not just as a political leader, but as a man of deep thought, faith, and love for Ireland. ➡️ The restoration of a caiseal (stone ring fort), which dates back to the 7th Century, was carried out over a number of years. What makes this ring fort unique is how it was adapted and modified by the O’Connell family as a landscape feature within the historic estate. The restoration was progressed jointly by OPW National Historic Properties and OPW National Monuments in conjunction with the National Monuments Service (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage). ➡️ The launch of the 10th annual 'Discover Derrynane' family festival. Discover Derrynane showcases South Kerry’s unique cultural and natural heritage and encourages visitors on what is usually a quiet weekend. It is fully funded and programmed by the OPW. A diverse range of local and regional partners are involved in the weekend event, one of many examples of the OPW working in partnership with local communities and other stakeholders at our heritage properties to provide the optimum visitor experience, educate people, promote local employment, learning and involvement in our heritage. The annual weekend festival drew a large crowd of locals, visitors and several of Daniel O’Connell’s direct descendants, including Daniel and Catherine O’Connell, Johnny and Natalie Cunningham, and Nicola Fitzsimon.