Activities

Explore South Kerry on Two Wheels South Kerry cycles would like to warmly welcome you to Waterville. We know first hand the best way to enjoy the beauty of South Kerry on two wheels. Whether you’re here for some sightseeing, to play golf or to simply kick back and relax, don’t miss out on the opportunity for some leisurely exploring on one of our comfortable e-bikes. We have curated some of our favourite cycling routes, all on safe country roads, each one taking in breathtaking scenery for you to experience. Try something new and let’s go explore! Book now via reception or on the number below. To get a glimpse of your cycling adventure, visit the South Kerry Cycles website here.

The Ring of Skellig The Skellig Ring, extension of the famous Ring of Kerry, is a real hidden gem route that will show you the gorgeous wonders and beauty of Ireland. Explore Valentia Island, Portmagee, St.Finian’s Bay and Ballinskelligs. By Car or by boat (you might see Atlantic Dolphins), Valentia Island can be discovered by different means and covers many sites: Skellig Experience and Valentia Heritage Centre are most definitely visits recommended, and Bray Head is an amazing walk to do. Along the Skellig Ring, you can also discover Ballinskellig Abbey, Skellig Chocolates Factory (Reception team can organise a tour for you), Glanleam Gardens, Geokaun Mountain (accessible to young and old for the pleasure of all!), Fogher Cliffs and Cill Rialaig Arts Centre, which is a good example of the rich history to be witnessed on the Skellig Ring. Find the best rates for Hotels near Skellig Ring at Butler…

Surf Spots in Kerry For the best surf spots Kerry has to offer, visit Waterville in Kerry. Skelligs Watersports Surf School, based on this beautiful sandy bottom beach located between Waterville and Ballinskelligs, caters for surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing enthusiasts. This is the best to have a fun session and improve your watersport skills at the same time.

Beach Horse Riding Kerry Horse Riding is available at The Ring of Kerry Riding School, located just outside Waterville village. The Riding School caters for all abilities, including beach horse riding in Kerry. From Trekking along quiet country roads, beach rides or lessons in flatwork, jumping and dressage, the school provides many different options. Our Reception Team at Butler Arms can make arrangements for you shall you wish to book prior your stay with us! Check out our special offers and book direct for best rates.

Hotels Near Skellig Michael Take a trip to the Unesco World Heritage Site Skelligs Rock, located 12kms aways from the coast of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most important Christian Site. Also known by all the Star Wars fans, the Skellig Rock is famous for being featured in the film “The Force Awaken”, Breath-taking views of the bay will surround you on the boat trip from Portmagee Harbour. Once landed, you’ll make your way up to the great Skellig where the monastic settlement is located. The small Skellig is easily viewed from here with all its puffins, razorbills, and others. A wonderful spot where we can discover many threatened species of sea birds and where botanists can marvel at the abundant local flora, much of which cannot be found anywhere in Ireland. For best rates on hotels near Skellig Michael, check out our special offers and book direct.

Cycling Routes in Kerry Waterville offers a myriad of options for cyclists of all types. From Fair weather cyclist wanting an easy spin, to cyclists looking for a challenge, Waterville and its surroundings have many different routes with incredible views. Shall you have your own bicycle or wish to hire one, we have you covered, make sure to contact our Reception team and they’ll be able to help you organise your trip. The best part about cycling in Waterville is coming back at the end of the ride and enjoying a relaxing and well-deserved pint at Fishermen’s Pub! Route 1 Leave Waterville going towards Caherdaniel, just about 1km approx take a left for Waterville Lake Hotel and this road will carry you approx 16km to a dead end and return same route. Parts of it runs along by the lake shore where you will get a scenic view on…

Waterville Walking Trails Situated as it is between the sea shore and the majestic mountains and headlands, the area offers many interesting routes for strolling, walking or hill climbing. The following are some suggested Waterville Walking Trails. The more adventurous visitor will find, of course, that these will only what the appetite. Golf Links in Waterville Leaving Waterville Village follow the road to the left at the Huntsman Restaurant. This brings you along the cliff road. It is a very spectacular, pleasant walk. You have a view of the whole of Ballinskelligs Bay and Carraig Eanna, a reef of rocks less than a mile from the shore. Continue to the end of the road until you come to the Inny Beach, a long sandy beach alongside the Golf Course. Return Distance – 2 Miles Baslicon  Using Waterville as a starting point, head towards Caherdaniel. Continue for about 1.25 miles until…

Rough Shooting in Waterville, Co. Kerry Shooting begins 1st of November through to 31st of Janurary. Waterville is an excellent area for rough shooting snipe, woodcock and duck. At Butler Arms, we help organise shooting guides with dogs etc. Gun licenses can be arranged.

Waterville's Lough Currane is world renowned for the quality of its Salmon and Sea trout fishing. Lough Currane is a short distance from the sea and is separated from it by a small river. It has a beautiful backdrop of mountains and spruce forests. Big spring salmon and vast numbers of sea trout have to travel only 500 yards through the river to reach the lough. Fly fishing is the norm and some trolling for early season sport is carried out on the lough. Ghillies will hold the boat close to underwater rocks, islands and headlands, while anglers fly fish.

The Southwest coast of Ireland is a mecca for golfers from all over the world. It boasts some very famous courses such as the Old Course and Trent Cashen courses at Ballybunion, Tralee Golf Course, Old Head Kinsale and Killeen Course in Killarney all within reach. Waterville's own Championship Links, just 1 mile from the hotel and regarded by many as the jewel in the crown, has hosted and continues to host many of the world's top ranking golfers, such as Tiger Woods, David Duval, Mark O'Meara and the late Payne Stewart. Today a life sized bronze statue pays tribute to his special relationship with Waterville.