Visitor Attractions - Waterville

Charlie Chaplin Statue

Sir Charles Chaplin was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer, most famous for his silent films. He had a genuine affection for Waterville as the town was the favourite destination for his famiy's holidays for over 10 years. His statue (erected in 1998), is one of many around the world but has a special place on the promenade in Waterville, the town he loved. Each year Waterville celebrates the great man with the annual Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival.

Skellig Michael

A World Heritage Site the Skellig Isles rise steeply from the sea some 12km to the west of Bolus Head. Boat trips are available from various locations, running between April and October. Colonised in the 6th century it was a centre of monastic life for Irish Christian monks. Their habitation of beehive dwelling are well preserved as well as two oratories, stone walls, a stone cross and parts of other buildings. It's a don't miss archaeological attraction.

Little Skellig

The little sister to Skellig Michael, Little Skellig is the home of some 20,000 pairs of breeding Gannets, making it the second largest colony of this species in the world. On a much smaller scale there are Storm Petrels, Puffins, Kittewakes, Gulls, Guillemots, Razorbills, Terns, Manx Shearwaters and Cormorants. Landing on the island is not allowed but circular boat trips around the island are available.

Derrynane House

It was once the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell (The Liberator) a lawyer, politician and Irish statesman. Today some 300 acres of the lands of Derrynane, together with Derrynane House, make up Derrynane National Historical Park. The House was officially opened to the public as a museum commemorating Daniel O’Connell in August 1967. Many relics of O’Connell’s life and career are preserved in Derrynane House, but the House is more than just a museum.