Daniel O'Connell's rise to becoming the 'King of Ireland' and noted in history as a founding father of peaceful revolution will be celebrated in 2025, the 250th anniversary of his birth. Known as The Liberator, The Counsellor... the Agitator, Daniel O'Connell's remarkable legacy for Irish history, politics and independence is matched by his worldwide legacy as an arbiter of peace where he believed that liberty should not be worth one drop of blood.
NEW DOCUMENTARY
A new documentary premiered in 2025 and narrated by Domhnall Gleeson celebrates the story of Daniel O’Connell - visionary statesman, reformer, and fearless champion of human rights. He dedicated his life to Catholic Emancipation, pioneered non‑violent mass mobilization, and inspired democratic movements across the globe.
A Gala Kerry Premiere hosted by Kerry County Council takes place in Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday 10th December. Book your tickets directly here.
The documentary is a Create One production (Ruán Magan) in association with, RTE, University of Notre Dame & University College Cork with the support of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Monster Meetings & COMMEMORATIONS
Places well known for their connection to O'Connell continue to celebrate his legacy with festivals, music trails, symposia and summer schools taking place in Kerry, Dublin and beyond. From Culture Date in Dublin 8 to Discover Derrynane, Daniel O'Connell 250 in Cahersiveen, the O'Connell 250 Symposium at Trinity College Dublin to the Daniel O'Connell Summer School (Derrynane and Caherisveen), fans and followers of O'Connell will delight in this range of conferences and festivals.
Culture Date in Dublin 8 organised the first Monster Meeting of the 21st Centure at Goldenbridge Cemetery for a bold, poetic, and powerful tribute to O’Connell, as well as honouring Frederick Douglass and a host of change-makers past and present. This special and unique event celebrated the life and legacy of O'Connell's campaign for civil rights, liberty, and equality which has since resonated across the globe.
The Irish state is proudly celebrating and supporting a wide ranging programme following four commemorative pillars: Historical Exploration, Artistic & Creative Response, Community Led Commemoration and State Ceremonial.
Wednesday 6th August 2025 marked the 250th anniversary of O'Connell's birth at Carhan near Cahersiveen. Communities from Cahersiveen and its surrounding areas are presented a varied programme of events O'Connell 250 from the 5th - 7th August from celebrations of O'Connell's and Cahersiveen's heritage. Derrynane House & Gardens, which O'Connell inherited from his uncle Maurice 'Hunting Cap' O'Connell, was the site for a State Commemoration in August 2025 also.
CELEBRATING CONNECTIONS
Music, song, story and nature have been brought together for a unique experience at Derrynane House & Gardens, through the Daniel O'Connell Heritage Trail. This self-guided tour through the gardens of Derrynane is a collaboration between the Binneas Collection and the OPW. The trail works by scanning a QR code on each point of discovery along the trail, where a beautiful piece of music connected to O'Connell plays, providing a most immersive experience.
Combined with the experience of a self-guided tour around Derrynane House and its surrounding gardens, coast line and areas managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), a visit to Derrynane House and Gardens is a must-do for all those who are intrigued and follow O'Connell.
