About Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Many things have been said about Kenmare, located in Co. Kerry in the picturesque south-west of Ireland.

Kenmare has been described as the Jewel in the Crown of the Kingdom, a Gourmet Town, a Five Star Location and a designated Heritage Town. It is the winner of numerous Tidy Town Gold Medals and its pretty streetscape, dating back to 1670, together with the magnificent location on Kenmare Bay at the foot of the Cork and Kerry mountains draws visitors back year after year. Situated on both the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, and easily accessible by air (Kerry Airport 48km, Cork Airport 96km), sea (ferries from France arrive in near-by Cork) and road, Kenmare makes an ideal touring centre from which to discover the famed beauty of the rugged coastline and mountainous hinterland.

Activities & Sports

• Sightseeing
  Ring of Kerry, Ring of Beara, Killarney with its National Park, Wildlife Cruises on Kenmare Bay, Bonane Heritage Park, Derreen Gardens.
• Hill Walking
  Discover the unspoilt Cork and Kerry mountains via well marked walking routes, the Kerry Way and the Beara Way. Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntouhill at 1039 metres, lies to the north of Kenmare within the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
• Angling
  Fresh and salt water fishing including deep sea angling is available in a variety of locations. Permits can be obtained locally.
• Watersports
  Swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, diving and much more, as well as the famous ‘ Seafari' tour of Kenmare Bay.
• Horse Riding
  Lessons for beginners and advanced riders, and 1-3 hour and day treks.
• Golf
  Kenmare boasts two 18-hole golf courses and a pitch & putt facility. The Kenmare course which is adjacent the town, and the Ring of Kerry course which is 4.5 miles from Kenmare.
• Other Outdoor Pursuits
  Archery, laser clay shooting, orienteering, cycling, bird watching, Kilgarvan Motor Museum.
• On Rainy Days...
  ... while your time away with the locals in one of Kenmare's many pubs, visit The Bay indoor pool and gym, the Kenmare Lace & Design Centre, the many art galleries in town, the chocolate maker in near-by Bonane or enjoy a beauty treatment in The Secret Garden, or a short drive to Muckross House, where you can enjoy an experience of olden times.

Dining & Nightlife

Kenmare has long been acknowledged as a haven for gourmets and its seaside location guarantees that Kenmare's seafood and fish is always fresh and plentiful. There is a vast range of restaurants to suit all tastes, from traditional Irish to Indian and Chinese, and for the small appetite, enjoy Kenmare's renowned "pub grub" which is anything but grub nowadays, check O' Donnabhain's Gastro Bar & Guesthouse on Henry Street out it certainly is worth a taste.

Nightlife in Kenmare offers everything from traditional Irish to contemporary music to fully fledged night clubs. During the summer, national and international performers visit local venues - watch out for posters around town.