Waterville is a small coastal village between the Atlantic and Lough Currane, on the Ring of Kerry along the Wild Atlantic Way. Here, waterside walks sit alongside a distinctive local history: the Commercial Cable Station transmitted telegrams around the world, and memorials recall the area’s maritime and technological past. When planning a stay, you can weigh up walks, heritage and activities on the lake according to your time and interests.

Walks and Hikes

The Waterville Heritage Trail starts and ends in the village and is accessible on foot. For walks with a specified return distance, there are shorter options: the Waterville–Golf Links walk leads to Inny Beach; the return distance is two miles. Along the way, there are views of Ballinskelligs Bay and Carraig Eanna.

The Waterville–Waterlily Bay–Waterville circular route is longer, with a return distance of five miles, and runs along the lakeshore. Water lilies may bloom there in season. The two walks therefore differ in both their stated distance and their destination and character: one leads to the beach, while the other runs along the shore, where water lily blooms are seasonal.

A much longer hiking option is the Lough Currane Loop Walk. It is 22.5 kilometres long, takes an estimated eight hours and is classified as hilly and difficult. These details make it a different choice in terms of time and challenge from the shorter walks; factor the estimated duration into your day’s plans.

Local History and Monuments

The Commercial Cable Station began operating in 1884 and transmitted telegrams around the world. At its peak, it was one of the largest cable stations in the world. A plaque in the Cable Station quarter commemorates the laying of the transatlantic cable and recognises Waterville as an “Electrical Engineering Milestone”; it was presented by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Another notable monument is the Árthach Dána, also known as the Amergin Memorial Sculpture & Sundial. The repoussé bronze sculpture stands over 6.2 metres high and incorporates a large sundial. It was commissioned by Kerry County Council and created by Holger C. Lönze; it commemorates seafarers and explorers. St. Michaels and All Angels Church of Ireland was built in 1861 and consecrated in 1866. The ruins of a medieval Christian monastery stand on Church Island in Lough Currane near Waterville. Tech Bhride is a museum on Lake Road.

Lough Currane, Nature and Cycling

Sea Synergy offers guided SUP and kayak tours on Lough Currane near Waterville. The eco-tours offer views of County Kerry and its wildlife, and help develop paddling skills. Check the current booking and operating arrangements before your trip. Salmon and sea trout can also be fished for on the lake.

From the Waterville waterfront, visitors can spot gannets, terns, ravens, jackdaws and seals; with a little luck, dolphins may also appear. Sightings depend on the season and conditions. The cycling routes offer different perspectives too: a loop of about 30 kilometres runs from Waterville into the Inny Valley and back, with views of the mountains. Cycle Route 1 runs partly along the shore and offers views of Lough Currane, Capall Lake and the mountains. Views of the landscape depend on the weather.

Discover more destinations: Dunquin, Dromod, Gortrelig, Milltown, Aughrim, Knight's Town, Killorglin, Ballynaskreena.

For the main travel overview: County Kerry.