The Irish village of Waterville was a favourite with Charlie Chaplin, especially when it came to fishing on Lough Currane. Lying on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, this small seaside village is often referred to as the ‘jewel’ on the famous Ring of Kerry. Chaplin, along with his wife Oona and their children, was a regular visitor for many years. According to local reports, Chaplin was happy to spend time in relative anonymity in this quaint village.
People of Waterville honoured the comedian and filmmaker by erecting a bronze statue of the legendary actor and director in the village centre. In 2011, with permission from the Chaplin estate, a film festival was mooted here.
The seventh edition of the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival will be held in 2017 from August 24-27. There will be art exhibitions, animation and comedy workshops as well as film screenings and film competitions, and Chaplin-themed street entertainment. Waterville is nearly 350km from Dublin and the Kerry International Airport is about 80km away. For information on the festival, visit chaplinfilmfestival.com. For more information on Waterville, go to visitwaterville.ie
There are various accommodation options, ranging from hotels to camping facilities. One of the most famous hotels is The Butler Arms Hotel, which opened its doors in 1884, a favourite with Chaplin. In 2014 and 2015, the Butler Arms welcomed the cast and crew of the Star Wars movie franchise. Over the years, some other notable guests have included Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas, American football player Dan Marino, ice hockey player Wayne Gretzy and cricketer Sir Ian Botham.