Activities In Waterville Visitwaterville.ie

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Activities In
Waterville
Visitwaterville.ie
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Loads to do in Waterville, Co. Kerry
There’s plenty to do in Waterville, from Walking to Cycling or if
you are a Foodie we have a delicious Food Trail. If you like to
pamper yourself or just spend a day on our Golf Links Beack with
the kids. Read on to see whats on offer in Waterville
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Fishing
Lake, River or Sea?
Lake Angling
Sea Angling
Lough Currane is situated on the east side of
Waterville village. It is 2500 acres in size. It
is regarded as the leading sea-trout fishery
in Ireland. The fishing season begins on
January 17th and ends on October 12th.
If you wish to add variety to your fishing or
the summer heat is too over-powering,
then a days fishing on the sea is
recommended. There is excellent sea
fishing from the shore or boat with a large
variety of fish. Many records for the
heaviest types of fish are held in our
waters.
It is famous for its large sea trout and over
90% of specimen sea trout caught in Ireland
are caught on Currane. They begin
entering the Currane system in early April
and continue until October. It is also well
know as a spring salmon and grilse fishery
with good numbers of spring salmon being
caught from January to May. The grilse run
starts early June and continues through to
September. Anglers wishing to fish on the
lake can hire a ghillie/guide. Boat hire is
also available. Many anglers return to
Currane year after year.
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Shore Fishing
There are many parts of Ballinskelligs Bay, which are suitable for beach, rock
or surf fishing. Flatfish, Ray, Dogfish, Tope, Mackerel, Wrasse, Bull Huss,
Pollack are just some of the varieties caught from the shore.
River Angling
River angling for salmon and trout can be arranged
Ghillies and Tackle for Hire.
Anyone interested in any of the Fishing Activities above, please contact one of
the Ghillies below.
Vincent Appleby +353 66 9475248
[email protected] www.salmonandseatrout.com
Kevin Brain – KB Fishing Ireland +353 66 9474942
[email protected] www.kbfishingireland.com
Frank Donnelly, Lakelands House +353 66 9474303
[email protected] www.lakelandshouse.com
Sylvester Donnelly +353 87 7642527
Dominic McGillicuddy +353 87 2051515
[email protected] www.fishingwithdom.com
Mike O’Dwyer +353 66 9474081 or +353 87 6666873
Neil O’Shea +353 87 9942792 Tom O’Shea +353 87 9228659
[email protected]
www.oshealoughcurrane.ie
Tom O’Shea +353 66 9474146 OR +353 87 922 8659
E: [email protected] W: www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com
Brod O’Sullivan +353 66 9474249
Vincent O’Sullivan +353 87 286983
Bob Priestly +353 87 9228662
Junior Scully +353 66 9474270
Terence Wharton +353 87 2100064 (Jnr) +353 87 0638231 (Snr)
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Golfing
Waterville – A Golfers Paradise
Waterville Golf Links
Over 100 years old, Waterville is rated among the top 5 courses in Ireland and the
top 20 links courses in the world.
For more information visit www.watervillegolflinks.ie or
Call +353-66 947 4102
Skellig Bay Golf Club
Situated overlooking the majestic Ballinskelligs Bay and set among natural
megalithic stonework and indigenous bog deal, there can be few more visually
stunning locations for a golf course than Skellig Bay in Waterville.
For more information visit www.skelligbay.com or
Call +353 66 9474102
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Heritage
Waterville, a village steeped in Heritage
Heritage Trail
Anyone who knows Waterville can see we have a vast and rich heritage, with stories and
experiences going back centuries, buildings with a myriad of tales attached, and layers
upon layers of fascinating happenings that have helped shape our village as we know it
today. We want to share that heritage with you – and invite you take your own self-guided
tour to discover our local heritage. Brochures can be picked up in Waterville Village or
can be downloaded from www.watervilleheritagetrail.com
Heritage Gallery
This unique outdoor Heritage Gallery is where you will learn about South Kerry heritage,
culture, archaeology – stone forts and circles, geology, birds, flora and fauna, and local
folklore and mythology. The Gallery also showcases the range of local sea life and farm
life of the Skellig Coast region, an outdoor farm machinery display, a history of Kerry’s
transatlantic cable stations, an introduction to Kerry’s International Dark Sky’s Reserve, the
Skellig Rocks – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the South Kerry Gaeltacht - Uíbh Ráthach,
Bygone days and local heroes both past and present, local and international. There are
150 information panels beautifully displayed on locally sourced Valentia Island Slate and
over 300 photo exhibits and archives both in the Gallery and Craft Market. There are two
audiovisual screens in the adjoining Craft Market. Admission is free and there are several
picnic benches in the Gallery for you to relax and take in the magnificent scenery of
Waterville and Ballinskelligs Bay.
For more information +353 87 1241645 www.watervillecraftmarket.com
Teach Bhride Museum - Waterville
Take the scenic drive past Loch Currane into the valley of Glenmore.
View the old time lifestyle of crafts and trades. Learn the folklore and history of the
area in peaceful surroundings.
Open: Monday – Friday 10:00 – 18:00 Sunday 14:00 – 18:00
Admission €3 Children Free For More information +353 66 9478736
Submerged Castle
The tops of low stone walls just showing above water level a short distance offshore in
Lough Currane are all that remain of this medieval tower house of the Mac Carthy
rulers of this area.
They are visible near Waterville from the road to Glenmore Museum and Heritage
Centre. A rising water level submerged the castle.
Eightercua Standing Stones
The Eightercua Alignment in Waterville looks west to Ballinskelligs Bay and the open
ocean, to the east is Lough Currane and the mountains of the Ring of Kerry.
The mound on which it sits was likely a ritual enclosure dating circa 1700BC,
Eightercua consists of four stones, the tallest of which nears 10 feet in height.
The stones could possibly be the remnants of a tomb suggesting a ritual purpose.
Lohar Stone Fort
Situated halfway between Caherdaniel and Waterville. On the N70 at Loher if you look
towards the sea you will see the fort below.
The Stone Fort, which was recently reconstructed and was built in the early Christian
period around the 9th century as a defended Farmstead.
The circular outer walls are over 2 meters high.
The inner part is made up of a large round house and a smaller rectangular house.
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Boat Trips
Skellig Islands
Cruises to Skellig Rock daily
from Portmagee. April –
October (Weather
Permitting). Boats Certified
by Dept. of Marine.
For more information or to
make a booking contact
Michael O’Sullivan +353 87
2202355
Church Island
Why not take a boat trip to
Church Island, which is
situated in the centre of the
picturesque Lough Currane.
On the island you will find
the remains of an old Irish
monastery dating back to
around the 12th century built
in Romanesque style. You
don't have to be into
architecture to appreciate
the craftsmanship and
dedication that went into the
building of the church. Also
located on the island is St
Finians Cell believed to be
associated with the sixth
century saint known as
Fionan Cam (Fionan the
Squint-eyed)
To arrange a visit and to
check Boat Availability,
contact any of the following:
Neil O’Shea +353 87
9942792, Tom O’Shea +353
87 9228659, Frank Donnelly
+353 87 4160200
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For the Kids
Enjoy Family time in Waterville
Spend a Day at the
Beach
Sea Synergy
Located in the beautiful seaside village Waterville, on the Ring
When the weather is nice there of Kerry, Sea Synergy enables people to discover what lies
is nowhere nicer than The Golf beneath the Wild Atlantic Way through an informative and
Links Beach, located along the interactive marine interpretive centre and lots of activities for all
ages. The centre also supports wildlife charities such as
coast road 1 mile from
Birdwatch Ireland and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.
Waterville Village. The shore
is essentially a giant sandbox
Sea Synergy Awareness Centre
with free rocks and shells for
the kids to collect, and the
The interpretive centre holds some very rare whale and dolphin
waves are more fun than any
skulls and bones, models of fish, live animals in the tanks, a
pool. If you fancy a walk you
touch pool, an Irish marine life audio visual, exhibits on Irish
can walk along the shoreline to whales and dolphins and lots more interactive displays for
the ferry and back. So pack a
everyone to enjoy discovering Irelands fantastic marine life! A
picnic and sunblock and don’t marine biologist is available to explain the amazing sea life
forget the camera for those
found in the centre and in Irish waters.
memorable family snaps.
Fore More Information contact Lucy +353 87 785 0929
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For the Kids
Enjoy Family time in Waterville
Horse Riding
When we reach adulthood, we often look back with fondness on memories of carefree, playful
times in our childhood. Through a variety of riding experiences children improve their riding and
gain confidence on the horses. For more information Contact +353 66 9478948 or +353 87 6353999
E mail: [email protected]
Children’s Playground
located 2 mins from the centre of the village behind the Community Centre. Open all day
Children’s Festival
Waterville Children's Festival is held in July each year. Ireland's only Children's Festival. Face
painting, jewellery making, glass painting, bouncy castles, pillow wars, sumo wrestling,
gladiators, mad hatters tea parties, fancy dress parade, yummy burgers/bbq, pottery, puppet
show, magic show and on and on.
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Walking
There are many walks in the Waterville Area. From the nearby Kerry Way Walk, we have loop walks just a short
drive away and for those who prefer a short stroll, we have lovely screnic road walks by the lake and sea.
Emlagh Loop Walk
A-B. Starting from the mapboard on Inny Strand, follow the
purple arrow along a wire fence in the direction of Inny
Strand. After 30m pass a stile on your left – you will return to
this point at the end of your walk. After 200m cross a small
stream and continue to follow the strand for over 1.5km to
reach a roadway at the entrance to Inny Estuary. Turn left
here.
B-C. Follow the minor roadway for 500m to reach a T-junction
with the main R567 - turn right and, almost immediately, turn
left onto another minor roadway. Continue to follow the
purple arrows along this roadway for over 1km to reach a
junction with a track on your left. Turn left here.
C-D. Now the loop takes you along a track through an area of
bog – it turns right after 200m and exits through forestry to
reach a junction with a bog road. Turn left here. Continue to
follow the bog road for 1.3km (crossing a number of stiles) to
reach a point where the loop leaves the bog road and turns
left through a metal gate. Cross a short section of bog to exit
onto the R567. Turn right here.
D-A. Follow this surfaced road for approx 200m to reach a
stile (and gateway) on your left. Cross the stile to join a farm
roadway and enjoy the last 400m back to the trailhead.
Bolus Head Loop Walk
A-B. Starting from the trailhead, follow the purple arrow
along the surfaced road for 1.5km to reach a Y-junction - the
roadway to the left is a cul-de-sac. This is the point from
where the loop ‘proper’ begins - you will return to this point
later - for now veer right. Follow the road to a gate into a
disused farmhouse. Cross the stile and proceed to the back of
the house.
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Walking
There are many walks in the Waterville Area. From the nearby Kerry Way Walk, we have loop walks just a short
drive away and for those who prefer a short stroll, we have lovely screnic road walks by the lake and sea.
B-C. Behind the house the loop turns right and zig-zags along
a line of dry ditches, crosses a stream, and starts an angular
ascent onto the ridge from where you have superb views of
the Skellig Rocks and the broad Atlantic! Turn left on the
ridge - and be aware of the high cliffs on your right as you
follow the purple arrows along the official track on the ascent
to reach an old stone hut. From here the loop ascends again this time along the left of a wire fence - to reach the ruins of a
military barracks and lookout post. From the barracks the
loop turns left.
C-D. Follow the purple arrows on the right of a wire fence as
the loop decends gently to a pass at Ducalla and reaches a
green road at a stile (on your left). Turn left here.
D-A. Follow the green road downhill into the townland of
Ducalla. After 1km you rejoin the outward section at the Yjunction in B above. Turn right and enjoy the 1.5km back to
the trailhead.
Kerry Way Mastergeehy - Waterville
Start: Mastergeehy Post Office (V 5525 7210)
Finish: Waterville (V 5030 6605)
OS Map: No. 83
Grade: Hard
hwww.kerryway.com/trail-description/mastergeehywaterville.php
Kerry Way Waterville – Caherdaniel
Start: Waterville (V 9655 8475)
Finish: Caherdaniel (V 9145 8025)
OS Map: No. 83 or 84
Grade: Moderate
www.kerryway.com/trail-description/watervillecaherdaniel.php
Horse Riding
Waterville is a haven for the Horse Riding Enthusiast. Discover and explore the diverse
landscape and terrain, intimate river valleys, beaches and breathtaking views of the
Waterville Area on horseback.
Ring of Kerry Equestrian Centre
We cater for all levels of Rider from the complete Novice with little or limited experience to
advanced intermediate. Situated 4.5 kms from Waterville Village on the N70 towards
Cahersiveen town.
Advance Booking is essential. +353 66 9478948 or +353 87 6353999
E mail: [email protected]
Pamper Yourself
Why not pamper yourself on a wet and windy afternoon by visiting a local Beauty Salon and
Hairdressers or have a therapist come to your Hotel or Holiday Home?
Carraig Eanna Hair & Beauty Salon, Situated in the Main Street, opposite Fisherman’s
Bar.
Dermedique skincare range & Xfol peel, Repechage body treatments, Shelac UV colour
polish, Nailtiques Pedi & Mani, Wax Logic, Tan Organic spray tan, Airbase airbrushing make
up, SLA make up, OPI Nail Polish. Sunbed also available.
For more Information contact
Trish +353 66 9478876 (Beauty)
Catriona +353 66 9478698 (Hair)
Shopping
An Tigin
Precious Gifts, Local Irish Crafts and Souvenir, Handmade Celtic Jewellery, Nicholas Mosse
Pottery, Irish Heritage Crystal, Knitwear and Leisure Clothing, Local Scenic Prints, Gold
Jewellery and Bric-a-brac
Waterville Post Office/Gift Shop & Lisa's Boutique
Open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday, the Waterville Post
Office & Gift Shop provides a full Post Office service including AIB Banking, Bureau De
Change & Tourist Information. The extensive shop also offers a wide selection of gifts
including; crafts, knitwear, maps, books, and Waterville Postcards and Calendars. If you're
looking for something for yourself or a gift for someone special, the new addition to the shop,
Lisa's Boutique offers a lovely range of Ladies Fashion including; Handbags, scarves, tops,
trousers, and dresses.
Farm Shop – An Siopa Feirme
At The Farm Shop, Waterville we aim to showcase and sell top quality food produce from local
growers and artisan producers.
Charlie Chaplin Shop
Selling Charlie Chaplin paraphernalia
Waterville Craft Market
Waterville Craft Market is a unique and extensive visitor attraction showcasing Irish heritage,
craft and design. It originated with the foundation of the Waterville Craft Workers Group and
the desire to present their hand crafted products exclusively in one place, complemented by
work from neighbouring artists and the best of Irish Crafts. Pay us a visit; you will be assured
of a “Céad Mile Fáilte” from our staff and our dogs.
Sea Synergy
Local Crafts
General Shopping
Centra , Daly’s Hardware, Grocery Shop & Filling Station, Mace, Waterville Pharmacy
Kerry International Dark Sky
Reserve
Waterville is in the Buffer Zone of the Kerry IDSR; the only Gold Tier
awarded Dark-Sky Reserve in the whole of the Northern Hemisphere.
Waterville Pier provides an excellent view of the sun setting over
Ballinskelligs Bay, and after the sun sets many stars can be seen up to
magnitude3.
The Core Zone of the Reserve is just a few minutes’ drive away (a
downloadable PDF of the Kerry IDSR is available from the website:
www.kerrydarksky.com). On clear moonless nights in the Core Zone
one can see stars up to magnitude 6/7 and many astronomical sights
without the aid of any instrument or filters; The band of the Milky Way,
Star Clusters, Andromeda Galaxy, even our own satellites sailing
through the sky, not to mention occasional ‘falling stars’ and fireballs.
In the Core Zone the star patterns of the Constellations can be viewed
in all their glory with many more stars then is depicted in the usual
star pattern.
Waterville Village is an ideal location to stay and discover the Kerry
International Dark Sky Reserve
You can hire a stargazing guide at +353 83 4489069, better to call the
day before a visit to be sure of weather conditions.
There are also weekly guided walks organised by the South Kerry
Walking Club. If you would like to take part, contact Jonathon Walsh
+353 87 7172774
Food Trail
Waterville is nestled between the Wild Atlantic & the spectacular Loch
Coirean, sheltered by the southern tip of the McGillicuddy Reeks
making it a superb location to source fantastic fresh local produce.
A favourite on all the menus are our fresh local seafood straight from
Ballinskelligs Bay, World Famous Kerry Mountain Lamb & Superb
Prime Beef.
So, it is no wonder to find some of the best restaurants in Ireland in this
small village by the sea.
An Corcan
Traditional, Beautifully prepared food served in a casual relaxed atmosphere An Corcan offer a
great selection on their menu, with daily specials to choose from also, An Corcan is a firm
favourite with Locals & Tourists alike. Owned & run by Dan & Fiona this family restaurant is
guaranteed to bring you back to dine time & time again. HOUSE SPECIALITY: Fiona’s Fiery
Fruit Curry RESERVATION: +353 66 9474711
Bar Food
If your preference is the more casual approach of some pub grub & a pint Waterville also has a
great selection to offer.
The Bayview Hotel: +353 66 9474122, The Lobster Bar: +353 66 9474629, The Waterville Inn:
+353 66 9474272, The Villa: +353 66 9474248
Beachcove Cafe
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean this family run café and Takeaway is the perfect place to enjoy
freshly baked homemade scones and cakes and a Cappuccino. Open 7 days a week from 9am
till late, Beachcove Café offers a wide menu including breakfast, lunch, evening meals as well
as an extensive Takeaway Menu. A firm favourite among tourists and locals alike is the café's
Battered Fresh Fish and Chips; the perfect meal to enjoy beside the sea!
Tel: +353 66 947 4733
Butler Arms Hotel
The Butler Arms Hotel is arguably one of the finest hotels on the Ring of Kerry. Famously the
holiday favourite of Charlie
Chaplin this family run hotel offers a range of menus & eating areas to suit everyone’s tastes.
From the award winning Charlie’s Restaurant to the Fisherman’s Bar & The Chaplin Lounge the
hotel offers a wide range of menus to choose from. Locally sourced food prepared with pride
you can be assured you will not leave disappointed.
SPECIALITY: Fisherman’s Pie RESERVATIONS: +353 66 9474144
Dooley’s Seafood and Steakhouse
Dooley’s Restaurant offers a choice of top quality beef & is one of the very few restaurants in
Ireland offering Grade A dry-aged steak. Attention to detail & the best quality ingredients
create a tasty & exciting menu offering exceptionally good value & choice. Breads & desserts
are all home made & their extensive wine list complements the menus perfectly with wellchosen wine to suit any palate. SPECIALITY: Grade A Dry-Aged Steak RESERVATIONS: +353 66
9478766
Farm Shop
Lower Waterville At The Farm Shop, Waterville we aim to showcase and sell top quality food
produce from local growers and artisan producers.
+353 66 4010431
The Sheilin
Restaurant
The Sheilin has long been known as a
landmark restaurant in the village. This
friendly, family run restaurant uses the
best of locally sourced produce, which
are simply prepared with pride &
passion. When you visit this restaurant
you will notice some very recognisable
faces adorning their wall as its sumptuous
food & cozy setting has attracted a host of
golf & sporting hero’s over the years.
SPECIALITY: Pan Fried Scallops
RESERVATIONS: +353 66 9474231
The Smugglers Inn
Overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay this is a beautiful spot to watch the sun go down on the Bay while
enjoying a sumptuous meal & well-earned glass of wine. The menu tempts with international.
Inspired cuisine that highlights the finest Irish ingredients carefully selected from small local
purveyors. The Smugglers Inn Restaurants philosophy is to create a menu that is exciting &
innovative, but also sources the finest of seafood as well as grown ingredients, which are locally
sourced.
SPECIALITY: Ketafi Prawns RESERVATIONS: +353 66 9474300
Waterville Lodge
Photography Credits:
Trish Sullivan, Susan Baughman,
Aishling O’Mahony
IRD Waterville
Waterville, Co. Kerry
www.visitwaterville.ie