Waterville;
Of all the destinations on the Ring of Kerry Waterville is a special place to visit. It is the only beachfront village on the Ring of Kerry and is located in South West Kerry. Here I’ll take you through a list of our favourite sites to see in Waterville. Hysterically Waterville was known as Coirean (meaning the cresent)this refers to the shape of the beach and the bay.
Beach:
The beach and promenade Waterville is located on the narrow isthmus, with Lough Currane on the east side of the village and Ballinskelligs on the west, and the Currane river connecting the two. The Beach is south west facing .It’s car park holds up to 30 cars and further parking is available in the village.
Golf course:
Waterville course is rated among the top 20 links courses in Ireland ,the earliest golf course structure at Waterville has been tracked back to 1889. This nine Hole golf course is located in an idyllic setting overlooking Ballinskelligs bay.Here you can enjoy their historic Irish pub bar and restaurant in their newly refurbished clubhouse. 2019 was the year that the clubhouse renovation was complete with a new front entrance , dining and bar area , locker rooms and golf shop. The 1889 Bar and Restaurant serves the finest of Irish Cuisine.
Hogs Head Golf Course:
Waterville’s newest golf course, an 18 hole golf course set on the natural tapestry of mountains and cliffs overlooking the Ballinskelligs Bay.Here you can dine, experience the purest in holistic therapy in Gail’s Spa,you can hike the hog ,enjoying the beauty of the rugged coastline of Waterville.Accommodation is also available here “the lodge has woven together luxurious comfort, old world charm and elegant interiors “.
Charlie Chaplin film festival:
Charlie Chaplin and his entire family chose Waterville as their summer holiday destination for over a decade. Every year Waterville holds the famous Charlie Chaplin film festival. There is a statue of Charlie Chaplin and a walk along the sea shore called after him, such was his influence on the area ,that it can still be felt today.
Mick O Dwyer:
Joining Charlie Chaplin is well known retired Kerry GAA great Mick or do you wire cast in bronze on the seafront in Waterville. Micko is most famously remembered as the manager of the Kerry senior team between 1974 and 1989 during that time he became the county’s longest serving manager and most successful in terms of major titles won. For Gaa fanatics the hotel in which he owned and ran is still in the village with lots of memorabilia throughout.
Eightercua:
Leaving Waterville while traveling the Wild Atlantic way on the left hand side there is a famous Stone Row on the Wild Atlantic way, it dates back to 1900 BC. The Eightercua Stone Row is a Megalithic tomb with four stones aligned with the September Solstice , located 1.5 km on the road to Caherdaniel. The stones are not far off 3 meters in height and the row 7 meters long. In Irish Mythology it is said to be the burial place of Scéine, wife of a Bard and Judge of the Milesian invaders, Amergin mac Míled.
Access to the site is difficult and can be best viewed from a lay by across the road.
Waterville is a Tranquill and picturesque village with stunning views of the sea and mountains. With such friendly people and outstanding hospitality, it’s no wonder that Charlie Chaplin fell in love with it .You will too!! book your tour of the ring of kerry here