Cahirciveen is a small rural market town situated in the southwest of County
Kerry. Lying at the foot of Benetee mountain on the River Feale overlooking Valentia
Harbour, Cahirciveen is the capital of the Iveragh Peninsula. Situated halfway
around the Ring of Kerry, it is best known for its breathtaking scenery, historical
sites and its diverse sporting activities.The shopping centre of South Kerry,
traditional fairdays are still held on the street where everyone meets and chats.
Visiting Cahirciveen you are guaranteed intimate bars, superb food and a wide
range of shops.
The town is best known for being the birthplace of Daniel O’Connell – the liberator
of Ireland and was also the birthplace of the writer Sigerson Clifford whose poem
"The Boys of Barr na Sraide" has been immortalised in song.
Cahirciveen has often been described as a 'painters' paradise' where many artists
come annually to paint some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. It is also
a 'wonderland' for historians , with historical sites to be found in abundance
throughout the area. Among these is the beautiful 19th century Daniel O’Connell
Memorial Church located in the middle of the town, it was built in 1775 to celebrate
the centenary of the birth of Daniel O’Connell. It is highly unusual for a church
to be dedicated to a statesman rather then a saint however it is an indication
of the high regard the people had for O’Connell.
Another major historical attraction of Cahirciveen is the heritage centre founded
in the Old Irish Constabulary Barracks adjacent to the town centre. This heritage
centre which contains a concise history of the town is a very unusual but picturesque
building, with a cone-shaped tower which was once used by the British as a look-out,
it looks like something which should be in the middle of India.
Outside the town the remains of Carhan Cross, the birthplace of Daniel O’Connell
can be found as can the Abbey of the Holy Cross – the final resting place of O’Connell.
Other sites that exist include Ballycarbery Castle – a 15th century tower house,
Leacanabuille and Caherine Stone Forts – both impressive examples of dry stone
masonry dating back to 800/900 AD.
For the active person there is a huge range of sporting activities on offer
including mountaineering, windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, walking, cycling,
horse riding, golf and also deep sea angling for which Cahirciveen has an excellent
reputation. This is mirrored by the Angling Competitions held in Cahirciveen annually
and indeed the International Deep Sea Fishing Festival in August.
There are plenty of lively spots to be found in Cahirciveen for an evening's
entertainment and some excellent seafood restaurants too.
