Once the home of Daniel O'Connell, Derrynane House is open to the public after a major refurbishment.
Daniel O'Connell MP, lawyer, and the Great Liberator spent much of his life in Derrynane. Writing in 1829 of his beloved south Kerry homeplace he said,
This is the wildest and most stupendous scenery of nature and I enjoy residence here with the most exquisite relish.
Born in Cahirciveen in 1775, Daniel O'Connell came to live in Derrynane at the age of four when he was adopted by his uncle Maurice 'Hunting Cap' O'Connell. Derrynane remained close to Daniel O'Connell's heart for the remainder of his life. The former O'Connell family home is open again to visitors following a refurbishment at a cost of €1.25.
Brian Crowley, curator at the Office of Public Works, the house contains one of the most important collections relating to Daniel O'Connell from the bowl he was christened in, to the bed in which he died in Genoa in 1847.
As well as being a home of national historical significance, it was also a family home.
The house also contains a chapel which O'Connell built. The carriage that carried him in triumph through the streets of Dublin in 1844 also forms part of the collection.
His career as an advocate for equal rights has made Daniel O'Connell a national icon. Among those in attendance at the official opening of the house was Michael Ring TD.
Derrynane House will be open to visitors seven days a week until 1 November. During the winter months, the house will be open at weekends.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 June 2015. The reporter is Geraldine Harney.
