Uncover the beauty of Derrynane at ‘Discover Derrynane’ Family Festival (6-8 June 2025)

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

The festival kicks off on Friday afternoon with a tour of the plant collection in the gardens led by OPW foreman, Chris Maguire. Visitors can expect a series of exciting events including music performances, astronomy sessions, food tours and much more. There is something to capture the interest and imagination of all.

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Daniel O’ Connell, a range of walks and talks take place over the weekend discussing the life ‘The Liberator’. Dr, Connie Kelleher, Senior Archaeologist, provides an insight into the world of Daniel O’Connell and his maritime connections. While Professor Maurice Bric discusses the ‘The Worlds of Derrynane’ focusing on the home of the O’Connell’s.

Niall Hogan, the Derrynane Herbalist, takes visitors on a wild plant medicine walk along the woodlands. Many of the plants and trees of the surrounding woodlands possess potent medicinal properties, learn how all four seasons produce plants of therapeutic value.

Visitors can try their hand at wet felting at the Wise Wool workshop or delve into the world of photography with Patrick and Theresa Kavanagh. For music lovers, join Peter Mullarkey on his musical heritage trail or soak up the sounds of Anna Mieke and Brian McGloin.

On the subject of marine dwellers, Natahsa Howard from Sea Synergy, explores the rock pools at Derrynane and uncovers the secret of many creatures living along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Kevin “Boxer” Moran, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works said: “I am delighted to announce the return of ‘Discover Derrynane’ family festival. The action packed programme has something for everyone to enjoy, from informative talks and walks to sea safaris to music. 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 Derynane and all that is on offer across the weekend.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historic park, learn about the local heritage and enjoy a range of family friendly experiences.

Join us at ‘Discover Derrynane’ from the afternoon of Friday, 6 June to Sunday, 8 June to celebrate Derrynane’s heritage and experience all that this stunning location has to offer. For a full list of activities, read our brochure.

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 2025.

Derrynane House and National Historic Park

Derrynane House, located 3.5km from Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry, is the family 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 Daniel O’Connell’s historic demesne, to which he was much attached, now forms Derrynane National Historic Park. Spanning 300 acres (120 hectares), the park boasts beautiful gardens, extensive coastline and beaches, natural oak woodland, and archaeological sites and is 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 heritageireland.ie.