Daniel O’Connell site owners tight-lipped over asking price

THE owners of the birthplace of Daniel O’Connell yesterday refused to comment on reports that an excessive price was being asked for the property.

Michael and Sheila O’Connell confirmed that the site at Carhan, Caherciveen, Co Kerry, was being advertised for sale at home and overseas.

But Ms O’Connell, of Knockpogue, Mastergeehy, Killarney, refused to reveal the asking price.

She said offers had been received and they would like to see the property being purchased by locals. Sums well into six figures are being asked for the property, according to local reports.

Over the years, calls have been made on various governments to acquire the property and the State has again been called upon to purchase the ruins which stand on about two acres.

Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue lives in Caherciveen and said the State was still interested but would first have to get a valuation from the Commissioner of Valuations to ensure the taxpayer got value for money in the event of a purchase.

His brother, Cllr Paul O’Donoghue, said he had been a long-time advocate of the State acquiring the ivy-covered ruins but any such proposals had not come to fruition.

He said: “This is a place of huge historical significance with the potential to be developed into a heritage centre which would be an immense attraction in Caherciveen.”

The site is a well-known landmark on the popular tourist route, the Ring of Kerry, and tour coaches regularly stop there.

The other O’Connell home, at Derrynane, Co Kerry, is a national monument and park run by Dúchas and is visited by thousands every year.