Waterville's Hidden Gems

Where Charlie Chaplin Used to Stay - Charlie Chaplin loved to stay in The Butler Arms Hotel when he was on Holidays in Waterville. You can come in and see some of the photos of Charlie on their walls and enjoy some of their food in the restaurant that Charlie loved to dine in.

Waterville Lake Walk - If you are walker then we have a beautiful walk around Lough Currane. It is a seven hour walk with spectacular scenery of lakes and mountains. It’s an ideal opportunity to take some great photos if you are a budding photographer.

Waterville Heritage Trail – Starting and ending in the village of Waterville, the Heritage Trail is easily accessible by foot and a visitor can experience the rich heritage that Waterville has to offer.

Our 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.

Auntie Bridies Award Winning Brown Bread in An Corcan Restaurant 

This recipe has been handed down through generations. This bread is crafted rather than being mass produced All loaves made by hand rather than machine which leads to a better loaf, this is why sometimes we refer to it as a "cake" of brown bread which gives us a fair idea of the texture to aim for, moist and crumbly.

Dinner or Tapas - overlooking the Atlantic or sit and enjoy Waterville’s fabulous sunset in our many establishments.

Golfing - Play a round of golf and Bow your head at The Mass Hole, the par-3 12th, where the local Catholics risked execution by celebrating Mass in secret in the hollow short of the green, and genuflect on Mulcahy's Peak, the 17th tee, Jack Mulcahy’s favourite spot on the links, and enjoy the 360-degree view.

Golfing in majestic surroundings – 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 Golf Club.

Horse Riding - In Waterville enjoy Horse Riding on Golden Sandy Beaches or Ride Out in Spectacular Mountain and Moorland with Ring of Kerry Equestrian Centre.

Traditional Irish Music and Set Dancing - This can be enjoyed in local pubs like The Waterville Inn on a Saturday night.

Dark Skies Reserve - Waterville is situated in the middle of one of the three dark sky reserves in the world. It is the only Dark Sky reserve in the northern hemisphere. Stay a night in Waterville and you could see some spectacular night skies.

Spectacular Sunsets - Setting sun over Carraig Eanna which can be seen from many locations in Waterville

Waterville Craft Market - Here there is a Heritage trail with stories on Waterville’s hidden myth & history.

Fishing - Whether you are an avid fisherperson or a beginner and would just like to fish in Lough Currane or one of our quieter lakes. This can be arranged for you.

Church Island - Why not take a boat trip to Church island where you can enjoy a picnic. 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 Fininas Cell believed to be associated with the sixth century saint known as Fionan Cam (Fionan the Squint-eyed).

Sunrise on Lough Currane - Wake up in one of Waterville's many establishments which overlook Lough Currane and see the way the colours of the mountains and lake change as the light changes .

Football - If you are a football fanatic, you might be lucky enough to see our Sporting icon Mick O'Dwyer training the local football team.

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