A walkway along the river in Caherciveen

Daniel O’Connell Heritage Trail

Distance: 3.5km
Time: 1.5 Hours
Bike Hire and Guided Tours Available.

The O’Connell’s were one of the ancient families of Ireland. After being ousted from Ballycarbery Castle by the Cromwellian forces they moved to Tarmons near Waterville and Derrynane. Morgan and Catherine, Daniel O’Connell’s parents, farmed 600 acres at Carhan near Cahersiveen and it was here that Daniel was born on August 6th 1775. He was the eldest of 10 children.

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The O’Connell trail consists of 10 Boards and begins at the Old Barracks Heritage Centre, where Board No.1 is situated. This building was constructed by the British Government in the 1870’s following the Fenian Rising. It was the headquarters of the Royal Irish Constabulary until 1922.
Board 1

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Heading in an easterly direction along the old railway line is Board number 2. Crossing the River Fertha is the old railway bridge. it spans 940 ft – 7 spans of 100ft and 6 spans of 40ft.
Board 2

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Entering into the town park, Board number 3 appears, here lies the fort of Sive. Sive was a princess that gave her name to the town of Cahersiveen.
Board 3

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Arriving at Reenrusheen Road, we find Board number 4. Locally the road is known as Primrose Walk. Along this road is the race course and the first national school brough about by O’Connell. On the north side of the road is Carraig Na gConnaill, also present here is the remains of a church that O’Connell initiated in the 1830’s.
Board 4

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Board number 5 is at Carhan Bridge in close proximity to Carhan House the birthplace of O’Connell. The park here was donated to the people of Cahersiveen by local farmer John ‘Kitty’ O’Sullivan.
Board 5

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The Rocky Road has Board number 6. Here is the home of John Primrose, O’Connell’s agent in the area. The road was the main thoroughfare for Daniel O’Connell on his many journeys to Dublin and throughout the country.
Board 6

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The Fair green has Board number 7. This land was given to the local people by O’Connell.
Board 7

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At Cahersiveen Library is Board number 8. This property belonged to O’Connell and in 1860 it became the headquarters of the Christian Brother School.
Board 8

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At the O’Connell Memorial Church is Board number 9. This church opened in December 1902.
Board 9

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On O’Connell Street is Board number 10, and here was the Presentation Convent. Three nuns were invited to set up a school by O’Connell in 1840.
Board 10

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Travelling through the town car park we arrive at the Abbey of the Holy Cross and Board number 11. The Penal Church where O’connell was baptized in 1775 is also located in this area.
Board 11