This estate was the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, the prominent statesman and Irish political figure known as The Liberator. Derrynane National Historic Park comprises 320 acres of beautiful parkland on the Kerry Coast. The natural beauty surrounds the O’Connell family house, which now serves as a museum for The Liberator’s many valuable historical artifacts.
Daniel O’ Connell was born in Cahirciveen to modest beginnings, and left his parents while still very young to live with his uncle. ‘Hunting Cap’ O’Connell died in 1825 after making his fortune in smuggling deals with Spain and France. Upon his death, Daniel O’Connell inherited the estate, and members of the family occupied the house until 1958.
O’Connell was educated as an attorney, and founded the Catholic Association in 1823. He worked for increased religious tolerance, organizing events called ‘Monster Rallies’, protests that were peaceful in nature and ultimately effective.
When O’Connell was elected to Parliament in 1828, Catholics were banned from holding public office, so he could not actually sit as a member. Nevertheless, he was reelected the next term, and was instrumental in forming legislation that revoked the British prohibition, known as the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829.
Derrynane House became a museum in 1967. It features a display that includes the pistols used in O’ Connell’s Duel of 1815 with John D ‘Esterre. Also on display are many writings, portraits of family members, and the golden chariot that carried the Liberator through the streets of London upon his release from prison. The history-changing events of this great man’s life have been chronicled and are displayed to visitors in a video presentation shown regularly at the museum.