Kerry finds show grafitti is nothing new and Daniel O'Connell might even have indulged

The fashion for leaving a mark and scribbling signatures on walls in the 18th and 19th centuries even reached Derrynane in south Kerry and the historic home of Daniel O’Connell where the Liberator himself may have left his imprint.

During a survey of buildings at Derrynane, a collection of what the OPW term “graffiti” including ship graffiti, writing and inscribing was discovered.

Most of the material is in the Summer House in Derrynane. This was a pleasure building in the grounds of the homes of landed gentry.

The summer house at Derrynane known as “the tower” was a two story gothic style structure in the woods near the beach.

The graffiti found at Derrynane comprise more than “15 ship representations, selections of cursive script, signatures, numbers and doodles”. These were written onto and incised into the plasterwork within a number of buildings on the estate, especially the tower summer house.

“Some of the writing may potentially be from the hand of the Liberator,” a spokesman said.

Along with ship representations, fishing scenes are depicted, with nets and fish caught within them, and these provide a visual record of traditional fishing methods of 18th and 19th centuries in south Kerry.

The graffiti was discovered by an officer of the National Monuments Service (DCHG) while undertaking inspections of the archaeological sites within the estate, including the national monument of Derrynane Beg Ogham Stone.

Working with colleagues in the OPW, the graffiti is currently being recorded and assessed with regard to conservation and preservation. The graffiti may also be presented to the public if the summer house is opened to the public along with the main house which is closed for the winter.

Meanwhile a branch of the O’Connells at Lakeview Killarney are developing what they say will be a unique Irish whiskey entitled The Liberator.

The Wayward Irish Spirits company is based at a 300 year old stone courtyard and aims to become a premium single estate grain-to-glass distillery with a visitors' centre.