Doon Cottage in County Kerry

Nestled within 4 acres of pristine Irish countryside along the historic Kerry Way, Doon Cottage stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich architectural heritage. For over 125 years, this enchanting stone cottage has witnessed generations of Irish rural life, perfectly positioned with stunning views across to the magnificent Beara Peninsula, where rugged mountains cascade into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Cottage’s Story

Built in the late 1800s, Doon Cottage takes its name from the historic Doon Townland, where it stands as the first dwelling ever constructed in this remote corner of Kerry. The cottage has weathered the changing seasons of Irish history, originally home to local farming families who carved out a life in this pristine landscape.

Geographically, Doon Cottage sits within Ireland’s traditional administrative hierarchy: County Kerry → Barony of Dunkerron South → Civil Parish of Kilcrohane → Electoral Division of Tahilla → Townland of Doon. This nested system reflects centuries of Irish territorial organization, where each level served specific administrative and social functions.

Counties are Ireland’s primary administrative divisions, established by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. Baronies were medieval subdivisions used for taxation and legal purposes. Civil Parishes originated from ecclesiastical boundaries and became civil administrative units. Electoral Divisions were created in the 19th century for local government elections and census enumeration. Finally, Townlands represent the smallest and most ancient land divisions in Ireland, often reflecting Gaelic territorial boundaries that predate written records.

Doon Cottage’s position within this hierarchy places it firmly within Ireland’s rich administrative heritage, where each level tells part of the story of how Irish communities were organized and governed through the centuries.

The Foley Family Legacy

The 1901 Irish Census provides a remarkable window into the lives of Doon Cottage’s early inhabitants. Patrick Foley, a 44-year-old farmer, lived here with his wife Mary (40) and their six children: Nano (12), Timothy (10), Mary (8), Maurice (6), Kate (4), and baby Patrick (2). Also sharing the cottage was Patrick’s elderly mother, Johanna (75), who served as assistant housekeeper.

Click the image above to view the original 1901 Census document (PDF)

What makes this family particularly notable is their literacy and bilingual abilities - both Patrick and Mary could read and write in Irish and English, as could their school-age children. This suggests the Foleys were progressive for their time, valuing education in an era when many rural Irish families remained illiterate. The family’s agricultural lifestyle, combined with their commitment to learning, paints a picture of determined resilience in the face of Ireland’s challenging 19th-century conditions.

The 1901 Census Forms

The 1901 Census was conducted using three distinct forms, each capturing different aspects of Irish life at the turn of the century:

Household Return (Form A) - This primary form (shown above) recorded detailed information about each family member, including names, ages, relationships, occupations, literacy levels, and languages spoken. For the Foley family, this form reveals their remarkable bilingual abilities and Patrick’s occupation as a farmer.

House and Building Return (Form B1) - This architectural survey documented the physical characteristics of each dwelling, including construction materials, number of rooms, windows, and overall condition. For Doon Cottage, this form provides invaluable insights into the cottage’s original structure and the living conditions of rural Irish families.

Numerator’s Abstract (Form N) - Completed by census enumerators, this summary form provided statistical overviews of each district, recording totals for population, housing, and key demographic information. These abstracts help us understand how the Doon Townland compared to other rural areas in Kerry.

Together, these three forms create a comprehensive snapshot of Irish rural life in 1901, making the census an invaluable resource for understanding the social, economic, and architectural heritage of places like Doon Cottage.

A Landmark Survey of Irish Society

The 1901 Census of Ireland, conducted on April 5, 1901, was a landmark survey that offers an unparalleled snapshot of Irish society at the dawn of the 20th century. It was the first comprehensive census of the century, aiming to capture detailed information about every household and individual across the country. Enumerators collected data on each resident, including their name, age, gender, marital status, religion, literacy, occupation, birthplace, and even knowledge of the Irish language.

Historically, the 1901 Census is significant because it reflects Ireland in the decades following the Great Famine, during a period of substantial emigration and social change. Today, it remains the earliest fully surviving Irish census, providing a rich resource for tracing family histories, studying local communities, and exploring Ireland’s cultural and social landscape at the turn of the century. The records are fully digitized and freely accessible online through the National Archives of Ireland.

Generations of Foley Ownership

The cottage remained within the Foley family for generations, creating a remarkable continuity of ownership that spans over a century. After Patrick Foley’s time, ownership passed to his son Timothy “Tim” Foley, who maintained the cottage as the family home and continued the agricultural traditions established by his father. Tim eventually sold the property to his nephew, Pat Foley, keeping the cottage within the extended family network.

This multi-generational connection - from Patrick to Tim, and then to Pat - demonstrates the deep roots that Irish families often maintained with their ancestral homes. The cottage served not just as a dwelling, but as the heart of family heritage, passed down through the generations until it was eventually purchased by the current owners, who now continue its story as a welcoming home and occasional retreat for visitors from around the world.

County Kerry - The Kingdom

County Kerry, known as “The Kingdom,” is Ireland’s most celebrated destination, renowned worldwide for its dramatic landscapes, vibrant Gaelic culture, and warm hospitality. Doon Cottage sits in the heart of this magical region, perfectly positioned along the world-famous Ring of Kerry - Ireland’s most scenic driving route that attracts visitors from across the globe.

The Ring of Kerry Experience

The Ring of Kerry is a 179-kilometer circular route that showcases the very best of Irish scenery, and Doon Cottage occupies a prime position in its most coveted stretch between Kenmare and Sneem. This section is considered the jewel of the Ring, where ancient mountains meet pristine coastline, and where every turn reveals breathtaking vistas that have inspired poets, artists, and travelers for centuries.

From your cottage, you’re minutes away from some of Ireland’s most spectacular attractions. The majestic MacGillycuddy’s Reeks - Ireland’s highest mountain range - dominates the northern horizon, while the Wild Atlantic Way stretches endlessly to the south. Ancient stone circles, medieval abbeys, and traditional Irish villages are scattered throughout the landscape, each with its own story to tell.

Kenmare & Sneem - Gateway Towns

Kenmare (18 minutes away) is a vibrant heritage town renowned for its gourmet restaurants, traditional Irish music sessions, and artisan shops. Known as the “Jewel of the Ring of Kerry,” Kenmare offers world-class dining, from Michelin-recommended restaurants to cozy pubs serving fresh seafood caught daily in Kenmare Bay.

Sneem (15 minutes away) is a picturesque village famous for its colorful houses and friendly locals. This charming village has welcomed visitors including Charlie Chaplin and continues to embody the warmth of traditional Irish hospitality. Its location on the Sneem River estuary provides stunning coastal walks and opportunities to spot seals and dolphins.

Adventures at Your Doorstep

Doon Cottage’s strategic location places you at the heart of Ireland’s most spectacular natural and cultural attractions:

Killarney National Park (45 minutes) - Ireland’s first national park encompasses 26,000 acres of ancient oak forests, pristine lakes, and Ireland’s highest mountain range. Home to the country’s only wild red deer herd, the park features the stunning Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House and Gardens, and countless hiking trails through landscapes that have remained unchanged for millennia.

Skellig Michael (1.5 hours to Portmagee) - This UNESCO World Heritage site rises dramatically from the Atlantic, crowned with a 6th-century monastery that served as a filming location for Star Wars. The boat journey to this remote island offers encounters with puffins, gannets, and seals, while the ancient stone beehive huts tell stories of early Christian monks who chose this isolated sanctuary.

Derrynane Beach & House (30 minutes) - Golden sand dunes stretch for miles at this pristine beach, once home to Daniel O’Connell, “The Liberator.” His ancestral home is now a museum celebrating Ireland’s fight for Catholic emancipation, while the beach offers some of Kerry’s finest swimming and surfing conditions.

Valencia Island (1 hour) - Connected to the mainland by bridge, this historic island was the eastern terminus of the first transatlantic telegraph cable. Explore the Tetrapod Trackway - 385-million-year-old fossilized footprints - and enjoy spectacular views from Geokaun Mountain.

Dursey Island (1.5 hours) - Ireland’s only cable car transports visitors to this remote island at the tip of the Beara Peninsula. With no shops, pubs, or permanent residents, Dursey offers unparalleled solitude, dramatic clifftop walks, and views across to the Blasket Islands.

Glengarriff (1 hour) - This sheltered harbor town on Bantry Bay boasts a unique microclimate that supports subtropical vegetation. Take a boat to Garnish Island’s world-famous Italian gardens, or explore the ancient oak woods of Glengarriff Forest Park.

Gap of Dunloe (1 hour) - This spectacular glacial mountain pass winds between MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain. Traditional jaunting cars carry visitors through this narrow valley of lakes, waterfalls, and towering peaks, offering one of Ireland’s most iconic scenic experiences.

The Kerry Way - Ireland’s Premier Walking Trail

One of Doon Cottage’s most extraordinary features is its position directly on the Kerry Way, Ireland’s longest and most spectacular waymarked walking trail. This 214-kilometer circular route is considered one of Europe’s finest long-distance walks, and the trail runs right through your property, making you part of this legendary hiking experience.

From your front door, you can step directly onto the Kerry Way and embark on some of its most beautiful sections. The trail between Kenmare and Sneem - which passes through Doon Cottage - is widely regarded as one of the most scenic stretches, offering breathtaking views across Kenmare Bay to the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains beyond.

Walking Highlights from Doon Cottage:

• Blackwater Bridge (45 minutes) - Historic stone bridge over crystal-clear mountain waters
• Tahilla Cove (1 hour) - Secluded coastal inlet perfect for picnics
• Templenoe Church (2 hours 15 minutes walk) - Ancient ruins with panoramic bay views
• Sneem Village (2.5 hours) - Complete a section of the Kerry Way to this charming village
• Kenmare Town (3 hours) - Walk the trail in reverse to reach this heritage town

The Kerry Way follows ancient paths once used by Celtic chieftains, medieval pilgrims, and generations of local farmers. As you walk these historic routes, you’ll pass through landscapes virtually unchanged for centuries - stone-walled fields, ancient oak woodlands, and traditional Irish farms where sheep and cattle graze peacefully.

Whether you choose a gentle morning stroll along the mountain stream or embark on a full day’s hiking adventure, the Kerry Way offers endless possibilities right from your doorstep. The trail is well-marked with distinctive waymarker posts, and detailed maps are available at the cottage to help you plan your perfect Kerry Way experience.

Whether you’re seeking adventure in the Kerry mountains, planning to explore Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, or simply wanting to experience the tranquility of rural Irish life, your location places you at the center of it all. Each season offers its own magic - from spring wildflowers carpeting the hillsides to dramatic winter storms crashing against the Atlantic cliffs.

The Natural Setting

A crystal-clear mountain stream meanders through the property, providing a soothing natural soundtrack and perfect spots for quiet contemplation. The cottage sits directly on the historic Kerry Way walking trail, allowing you to start your adventures right from your doorstep.

The Surrounding Landscape

• Kerry Way Trail - Historic walking route runs directly through the property
• Beara Peninsula Views - Stunning vistas of rugged mountains meeting the Atlantic
• Mountain Stream - Crystal-clear water flowing through the grounds
• Ancient Heritage - Stone circles, ring forts, and medieval sites nearby
• Nearby Towns - 18 minutes to Kenmare’s gourmet restaurants, 15 minutes to Sneem’s colorful houses
• Natural Wonders - MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range
• Island Adventures - Valencia and Dursey Islands within easy reach
• Coastal Treasures - Derrynane’s golden beaches and Glengarriff’s subtropical gardens

Experience authentic Irish country living where the sound of the mountain stream and Europe’s darkest skies create the perfect backdrop for your Kerry adventure.