Top Things to do in Waterville
What to do and see in Waterville, Ireland: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Waterville, Ireland including Waterville Golf Links, Derrynane Beach, Skelligs Chocolate Co., Skellig Gift Store, Ballinskelligs Beach, Derrynane House, Charlie Chaplin Statue, Eagle Rock Equestrian Centre, Waterville Beach, Derrynane Walk.
Restaurants in Waterville
1. Waterville Golf Links
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By Jeff A - Bath, United Kingdom
I was really looking forward to playing at Waterville but was very dissappointed. We paid 200 euros each to play which is expensive by most peoples standards. However the service you get for the price is underwhelming; electric trolleys that are like antiques, no complimentary water, old fashioned range balls, no half way house facilities etc. Notwithstanding that the course is in fairly sad condition; its a great old fashioned layout with some really good holes but the condition is woeful. The tees are scruffy, the fairways are unkempt and patchy (even for a fast draining links course) and greens are very average . Locals say the greens staff are trying to get rid of the foreign grasses but that means there are large bald areas, patches with no grass and a generally poor surface - definitely not 200 euros worth. If you are thinking about golf in Ireland give Waterville a miss , its over priced and pretty poor. July 2017
2. Derrynane Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Sydney
Whilst driving the WAW, we were looking for somewhere to stop for a picnic, we stumbled across this very secluded beach. As it was raining we ate in the car, looking out over the sea, and to Abbey island, which we later visited and became the highlight of the day.
3. Skelligs Chocolate Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Skelligs Chocolate is a family run business overlooking the magnificent Skelligs Rocks, on the south west coast of Ireland. Our factory opened its doors in 1996, consisting of two little production rooms; one for making chocolate and the other for packaging. The factory has since expanded to a state of the art production facility with adjoining cafe which serves delicious hot chocolate, tea, coffee and homemade treats. With the only open plan chocolate production facility in Ireland, we encourage you to call in to see our chocolate being made, taste the delicious treats and ask the friendly staff all about where chocolate comes from and how it is made.
Reviewed By strangersblog - Los Angeles, California
After our trip to Skellig Michael was cancelled due to stormy weather, we stopped in for a look at this working artisan chocolate factory. We had to wait a few minutes behind a tour group, but it was worth it when we took our turn at tasting. The friendly hosts serve up the chocolate samples in a pre-determined order so you can savor every bite. (No photos of the tasting allowed, but you can photograph everything else.) There is no way you will leave without buying something for the road, or as a gift to take home. Loved the Irish Whiskey truffle.
4. Skellig Gift Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Waterville Heritage Gallery at The Skellig Gift Store provides a great introduction to the wonderful array of local heritage sites and stories, not only in Waterville, but also across the Ring of Kerry and Iveragh Peninsula on Kerry's Wild Atlantic Way. It is a super showcase of the culture and heritage of the South West region of Ireland. The unique outdoor Heritage Gallery is where you will learn about South Kerry heritage, culture, archaeology - stone forts and circles, geology, birds, flora and fauna, and local folklore and mythology. The Gallery also showcases the range of local sea life and farm life of the Skellig Coast region, an outdoor farm machinery display, a history of Kerry's transatlantic cable stations, an introduction to Kerry's International Dark Sky's Reserve, the Skellig Rocks - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the South Kerry Gaeltacht - Uibh Rathach, Bygone days and local heroes both past and present, local and international. There are 150 information panels beautifully displayed on locally sourced Valentia Island Slate and over 300 photo exhibits and archives both in the Gallery and Craft Market. You will also read about the many beautiful places there are to visit and interesting things to see and do while on the Ring of Kerry in the Skellig Coast region. There are two audio visual screens in the adjoining Craft Market. Admission is free and there are several picnic benches in the Gallery for you to relax and take in the magnificent scenery of Waterville and Ballinskelligs Bay. Waterville village is only a five minute walk away too!
Reviewed By triphailme - triphailme
I have been shopping at the Kellin Gift Store every yeR since 1994. The variety, the home, local knitted goods, the prices, the quality and most importantly the owners and staff are unmatched. The recent bonus is the outdoor history exhibit is informing and very well done. The best and friendliest place to find a wonderful momento to bring home from your memorable visit to Waterville and South Kerry.
5. Ballinskelligs Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By Tania D
If the weather is good Ballinskelligs is an idillic place to pitch a tent and explore the surrounding countryside , it's part of the Wild Atlantic Way route , their are various campsites, B & B's and a bustling pub in the village overlooking the sea , with a lovely beach! Also in the area their is the famous Skelligs Chocolate Factory -a visit and tasting session is a must! Then a 5 minute walk from their is St Finan Bay a small spot if you want to relax and take in the views looking out to Skellig Michael little skelligs and the lemon , Puffin Island ! All around their are hiking trails for the fit and adventurous , I say that because the countryside is bordering on mountainous !
All in all a gorgeous spot in Kerry!
6. Derrynane House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By Betula103 - Australia
This was the O'Donnell family property and Daniel lived here for part of his life. The Gardens are most attractive and the excellent guide we had told us much of interest about O'Donnell's life. There is some interesting and beautiful furniture including his large impressive chair, a table supported a large central base carved from one tree and a clavichord he donated to some nuns. Also you see a large gilded chariot which was specially built for him on his release from Richmond Prison in1844 and then later carried his coffin after his death in Genoa, Italy. The hotel bed he died in is displayed in the house. When he was in prison he was treated royally and even invited his friends in for dinner parties. There is also a chapel.
7. Charlie Chaplin Statue
Overall Ratings
4 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By LilyLighthouse - Bruges, Belgium
Never expected to find a statue of Charlie Chaplin in Waterville. Apparently he also lived there for a while. Nice found.
8. Eagle Rock Equestrian Centre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Lorna R
Our family had a few days in Ireland and decided on a whim to go horse riding. I had never been in a horse in my life (55). I was put at ease and kitted out with boots and a hat. My horse was called Cinders and was lovely. We went slowly along a country lane in a group of about 8 beginners with a tutor leading and a student at the rear. We went down a small track and my breath was taken away with the stunning scenery and beach. We walked through shallow water and dunes and even had a go at a trot! I will never forget it. Will definitely do again.
One complaint. " my bum really hurt the next day"
9. Waterville Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Betula103 - Australia
On the Atlantic coast and part of the 'Ring of Kerry, Waterville is a popular holiday resort which unlike many places has a proper sandy beach. It's a most relaxing place for walks and the path along the beach is named Charlie Chaplin Walk after the famous actor-comedian, film maker and composer who use to holiday here.
10. Derrynane Walk
Overall Ratings
5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By BenOntarioCANADA - Ontario Canada
We stopped here with every intention of visiting the house but it was a beautiful sunny day and we decided to take a walk on the beach. It was almost deserted and you could walk for hours on the beach and smooth rocks. The view over the Atlantic was remarkable and a long walk to the old ruins and cemetery was well worth it. Ended the walk with a cup of tea at the cafe.
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