Derrynane Abbey now in ruins, is on an island appropriately named Abbey Island. It is believed to have been built in the 6th century. Derrynane Abbey must be one of the most beautiful possible locations for a graveyard. It looks out onto the Atlantic Ocean and can only be accessed when the tide is out. Coffins are shouldered across the beach onto the burial ground on the Abbey.

The village of Caherdaniel gets its name from the old stone fort “ stone fort of Caher” or Caherdaniel Fort which can be found just north of the village. The fort is typical of the many stone forts found in South Kerry. Staigue Fort, located just a few miles beyond Caherdaniel, is by far the most impressive of the stone forts on the peninsula.

Derrynane was also home to the famous Irishman Daniel O’Connell. While O’Connell was born close by in Cahirciveen he resided for most of his life in Derrynane House. The house is now a museum.