The Rich History of Tuosist and the Beara Peninsula

The Beara Peninsula is a land of rugged beauty, and Tuosist, located on its northern edge, is steeped in history, folklore, and tradition. When you stay at The Lake House Kerry, you’re not just visiting stunning landscapes — you’re stepping into a living story.

1. Ancient Beginnings Long before modern Ireland, the Beara Peninsula was home to early settlers who left their mark through stone circles, wedge tombs, and standing stones. Near Tuosist, you’ll find the Derrynafinchin Stone Circle — a testament to ancient communities who worshipped the land and skies.

2. The Legend of Saint Kilian Tuosist is closely tied to the story of Saint Kilian, a missionary who left Ireland in the 7th century to bring Christianity to Germany. The local Kilian’s Well and annual pattern day celebrations honour his legacy, blending faith and folklore in a uniquely Beara way.

3. The O’Sullivan Beara March One of Ireland’s most powerful tales of resilience is the O’Sullivan Beara march. After defeat at the Battle of Kinsale in 1602, Donal Cam O’Sullivan led 1,000 followers from the Beara Peninsula to Leitrim — a brutal winter journey with few survivors. The spirit of Beara's people — stubborn, proud, and enduring — was born here.

4. Farming, Fishing, and Fortitude Life in Beara has always been tough yet beautiful. Fishing, farming, and mining shaped local life for centuries. Tuosist remains a place where traditional ways of living survive alongside modern comforts.

5. A Haven for Artists and Dreamers In recent decades, the Beara Peninsula has attracted artists, writers, and dreamers. Inspired by the wild coastline, the misty mountains, and the tight-knit communities, they find a creative refuge here — just as visitors do.

Stay Where History Lives At The Lake House Kerry, you’re surrounded by this rich tapestry. Wander the trails, visit the ruins, or simply sit by the Cloonee Lakes and feel the centuries unfold around you. Every stone has a story.