Discover Derrynane: Free activities, talks, and tours for all ages at Derrynane Family Festival (14-16 June 2024)

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to announce the return of the weekend festival, ‘Discover Derrynane’ The family festival is set to showcase the rich, natural and cultural heritage of Derrynane National Historic Park and the surrounding community of South Kerry. Curated, programmed, and funded by the OPW, the festival offers a fun filled programme of free activities, walks, talks, and tours for all ages.

Kieran O’Donnell, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works said:

>“It is with great pleasure that I announce the return of ‘Discover Derrynane’ family festival. The action packed programme has something for everyone to enjoy, from informative talks and walks to photography, music and yoga. There are so many opportunities to explore nature and marine life and take part in some superb activities. The festival also provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the spectacular landscape and culture of Derrynane. Why not come down and explore Derrynane and all that is on offer across the weekend.”

Many of the activity providers are based locally and attendees can enjoy a wide range of topics including marine life, wildlife, crafts, photography, yoga, heritage walks and tours. Some of the exciting activities include, Seashore Discovery Walks with Vincent Hyland, Forest Bathing and Sunset Yoga with Louise Weinzweig and Photography Workshops with Patrick Kavanagh to name a few. For a full list of activities, see brochure.

Join us at ‘Discover Derrynane’ from the afternoon of Friday, 14 June to Sunday, 16 June to celebrate Derrynane’s heritage and experience all that this stunning location has to offer.

Most of Daniel O’Connell’s historic demesne at Derrynane now forms Derrynane National Historic Park, managed by the Heritage Services section of the OPW. Spanning 300 hectares, the park boasts beautiful gardens, extensive coastline and beaches, natural oak woodland, and archaeological sites.

If you would like to speak with a nominated spokesperson on the event, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie to arrange.

For further information, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie

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Discover Derrynane Weekend – full details on the free activities and events, including guided walks, workshops and family activities are available on Discover Derrynane 2024.

Derrynane House and National Historic Park

Derrynane House, located 3.5km from Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry, is the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell and the house is now a museum dedicated to the life of Daniel O'Connell and his great achievements. Derrynane was transferred to the State in 1964 and most of the old demesne of Derrynane is now included in Derrynane National Historic Park, an area of approximately 120 hectares under the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Derrynane National Historic Park, which is on Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way route has 1.5km of shoreline with sand dunes and beaches, including a Blue Flag beach. There are a variety of trails throughout the grounds, including a section of the Kerry Way, a Mass Path and a seashore nature trail.

Further information and opening times are available on the Heritage Ireland website.