Kenmare

Snug in the Nest

You can learn much about a place from its Gaelic name. Take for example Kenmare, which in fact has two different Gaelic names, Ceann Mara (Head of the Sea) and Neidín (Little Nest). Situated at the head of Kenmare Bay and surrounded by hills, it is well named.

The present town dates from the 17th century. A prehistoric stone ring indicates settlement here thousands of years ago. The old Kenmare seems to have evolved comfortably into the present. Old pubs, shops selling fine local craftwork, accommodation from hostels to top grade hotels, restaurants to suit every taste and pocket, touring, golf, fishing, and boating - all these have grown organically in The Little Nest, surrounded by the wild beauty of the Kerry mountains, the great bay, and the wooded Roughty Valley.

Great walking festival

If you enjoy wholesome exercise in the great outdoors, with wind and sun in your face, then Kenmare Walking Festival is for you. Walks are graded - everything from Ireland´s highest mountain, Corrán Tuathail (1,039m), to historic and environmental walks. There are buses to starting points, experienced guides, lectures, great restaurants, and nightly music sessions. No wonder it’s a huge success! The festival happens on April 3rd and 4th and from May 29th to June 7th. For details phone Kenmare Tourist Information at 064 7141233.

Discover the real Kenmare

If you want to get a penetrating insight into Kenmare town and make the very most of your visit, call to the town´s Tourist Information Office. The office has an excellent Heritage Exhibition Centre. For a small admission fee you can learn all about the nearby Druids´ Circle, the Nun of Kenmare, the Famine, landlords, and much more. A novel feature of the exhibition is the self-guiding tour to some of the actual sites featured. There is also optional sound accompaniment in several languages, at no extra charge. The tour takes about 40 minutes. We highly recommend it.

Necessity is the Mother Superior of invention

Kerrywomen are particularly resourceful in a crisis. In the last century, the Poor Clare nuns of Kenmare proved the point. Here was the scenario: the area had been devastated by the famine of 1845-47; 5,000 had died; 30,000 were subsisting on relief, with few prospects. What did the nuns do? They taught the local girls needlework and marketed the product. Soon, Kenmare Lace was the rage with ´high society´; it is now found in museums and galleries worldwide. You can see how this elegant craft has been revived in Kenmare Heritage Centre (free admission). Definitely not to be missed.

Join the seafari!

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have designated Kerry one of the best locations in these islands to watch dolphins, porpoises, and whales. Bottlenosed dolphins, sperm whales, killer whales, and even leathery turtles can all be seen on the coast. But the best place to see those most popular marine mammals the common and grey seals is in Kenmare Bay. To cater for the huge interest in marine life, Seafari Eco-Nature and Seal Watching Cruises operate two-hour cruises from Kenmare Pier. The guides are friendly and informative; there is free use of binoculars.

Jewel of a valley

The coastal road from Kenmare to Lauragh has sriking views of this rugged coast and the mountains of Dunkerron - so why leave it? Because eight miles from Kenmare a boreen leads off into the mountains. Follow this cul-de-sac and you´ll discover one of the most enchanting valleys in all of Ireland. As you enter you will see the lovely Cloonee Loughs dotted with islands. Farther in among the mountains, Lough Inchiquin laps up against the road. Four miles into the valley you reach an enchanted scene: above a sward of the purest green, overhung with trees, stands a great rounded flank of dark rock, down which three bright ribbons of water curl over a hundred feet into the valley. Here is Gleninchaquin Park. The small entrance fee opens a wonderful world of walks, unspoilt nature, and breathtaking views. And how about some tea and hot scones to finish a perfect day?

Kenmare Links

• P.F. Kelly - Gold & Silversmith
• Cleos
• Dromquinna Manor
• Seafari - the Pier Kenmare
• Park Hotel Kenmare
• Gleninchaquin Waterfall
• Sheen Falls Lodge
• Kenmare Lace
• Top of Coom - Ireland Highest Pub

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