In the Heart of Kenmare town on
the Ring of Kerry & Wild Atlantic Way
With elegant guest rooms, superb restaurant, bar and intimate live music venue, all wrapped up in graceful contemporary decor and delivered with an attentive personal service.
About Kenmare
Activities
Kenmare has many must do activities. Kenmare is a walkers' paradise and caters for every level of walking enthusiast. The Kenmare Walking club has its own website where you can find details of walks and walking events planned for the year. Many walks are possible in the area and are well signposted. The famous Kerry Way is amongst them.
See below a list of endless Activities in and around Kenmare!!
Touring around Kenmare brings you to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The town is a perfect base from which to experience all that the south west of Ireland has to offer and Kenmare Coach and Cab with 60 years’ experience, provides guided tours in appropriate vehicles for small or large groups. Probus, another local touring specialist, also offers ‘The Porsche Experience’, a 4 wheel drive carrier which allows guests to sample the lesser known byways of the area – tracks which other vehicles may not be able to negotiate
Play the Fiddle whether you’re a novice or a concert violinist! At Kerry Fiddles you can take an Irish fiddle holiday, with a planned itinerary including lessons and free time for sightseeing. All playing ability levels are accommodated.
Retail Therapy is a pleasure in Kenmare with such a wealth of quirky shops to visit. Surely there isn’t a town in Ireland with such diverse gift, clothing and craft stores. And, when you need a breather, there are plenty of cafes, delis and coffeehouses to relax in.
Go to the Theatre in Kenmare at the town’s Carnegie Arts Centre. There’s a broad selection of events to be found on its schedule, with something for all ages and interests - concerts, plays, films and exhibitions.
The Rolls of Butter is the local name for a distinctive multi-bullaun stone, situated adjacent to the Drom-Fiachna Cemetary in the town land of Garranes. It’s one of the most significant Stone Age monuments in western Europe. Bonane, the parish in which this stone is found, has a wealth of history and informative tours can be arranged from Molly Gallivan’s. - Phone: 064 66 40714/41455
Chocolate Making at ‘Bonane’s Chocolate Factory’ is well worth a visit. Lorge Chocolatier is the name of the business and Benoit Lorge produces the most delicious home-made chocolates which are distributed nationally. Both dark and milk chocolates in a range of rich, mouthwatering flavours are available.
Visit Sneem on the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy a wonderful drive along the north side of Kenmare Bay to reach the village of Sneem. This is an unusual and picturesque Irish village with two greens and a wealth of bars and pubs. There are a number of walks to enjoy in and around the village - particularly the ‘Garden of the Senses’ and activities at the Resource Centre.
Wine Tasting With Alain Bras, one of Ireland’s top celebrated wine experts. Tastings can be serious or fun depending on the group and the occasion. A great way to celebrate a birthday, pre-wedding party or other special event. This is a unique way to surprise the guest of honour or simply to increase your knowledge on wine, in a relaxed atmosphere in the remarkable town of Kenmare, with a multi-award winning wine lecturer. Wine tastings are for approx. 2 hours and include a selection of fine wines specially chosen for your group by Alain Bras and an assortment of canapés can be provided.
Adopt a Sheep at the Kissane Working Sheep Farm with around 1,000 sheep and lambs. Watch sheepdog and shearing demonstrations and have a go at shearing yourself! There are mountain walks and a Treasure Trail for kids. Kissane’s is at Moll’s Gap.
Reenagross Park was laid out as an idyllic oak island just 3 minutes from town by Lord Lansdowne in the early 1900s. It’s a beautiful walk by the water which leads you out into the middle of the Roughty River with of course, beautiful views in every direction.
Dereen Gardens is at Lauragh and is a magnificent water-side estate, full of unusual shrubs, trees and plants. There are a number of named walks to explore with subtropical vegetation all around and beautiful views at ever turn. There’s also a tea-shop to relax in after your exertions.
Pancakes on the mountain is known as ‘the biggest little treat in Kerry’ and are the speciality of The Strawberry Field pancake restaurant, near Moll’s Gap. The restaurant offers a big range of delicious savoury and sweet pancackes, each named after a local area. You can also buy interesting and original wrought-iron work, and plaster designs here.
Lace is a commodity for which Kenmare is justifiably famous since the Poor Clare nuns first established a lace room at their convent in 1864. Now the tradition is maintained at Kenmare Lace and Design Centre of the Courthouse Building in the Square, where you can watch demonstrations and buy lace products.
Pottery making demonstrations and indeed courses are available at Anam-Cre Arts Centre which is located in a very peaceful location not far from Kenmare town. In the creative atmosphere of Anam-Cre [which means ‘world of clay’ in Irish], you can design, make and fire your own pieces. Booking is essential though.
Market Day is every Wednesday in Kenmare. The stalls and traders appear early in the morning each Wednesday and soon there’s a busy, bustling atmosphere around the square as people inspect the produce. There’s a great range of locally- produced and international products, artefacts and antiques
Local Heritage
The Heritage Park at Bonane is a fascinating place to visit. It’s steeped in archeological history, well laid out and signed. In fact Bonane Heritage Park is such a success for the small community that established it, that it won the national ‘Pride of Place’ competition in 2008. The Park is located about seven miles out of town and is signposted from the N71 Glenngarriff Road.
The Motor Museum near Kenmare was established in 1985 and is a treasure trove of historical motor memorabilia. Kilgarvan Motor Museum, a family-run business has supplied vehicles for major films and regularly offers antique limousines for weddings throughout the county. - Phone: 064 66 85346 Visit
The Mass Rock at Baurearagh is hidden away across a river and high up among forestry below the N 71 Glengarriff Road. It’s a place where the Catholic Mass was secretly celebrated in penal times. A priest caught saying mass there was once taken and executed in front of his congregation. Mass is still celebrated there each year in commemoration of its history. Details and directions from Molly Gallivan’s. - Phone: 064 66 40714/41455
Go back in time at a very attractive old homestead in a stunning position on the N71 in Bonane. Its name is Molly Gallivan’s Cottage and Traditional Farm and you’re invited to enjoy an audi-visual presentation explaining how life was lived years ago and tour the cottage which is furnished exactly as it was when Molly Gallivan lived there. Next you can visit the craft shop with its beautiful selection of locally-made pottery and gifts and have a bite to eat in Molly’s kitchen. - Phone: 064 66 40714/41455
Visit the Highest Pub in Ireland called appropriately enough ‘Top of Coom’ because it’s perched high on a mountain in Kilgarvan named Coom. There have been some challengers for the title but this is the real McCoy – it’s 121 feet higher than its nearest rival and has Ordnance Survey approval for its claim. Cameras are a must on this trip, for the landscapes and to prove you’ve been there! - Phone: 064 66 85373
The Heritage Centre is located at the rear of the Tourist Office in the Square and explains in words and pictures the history of modern Kenmare since it was established by Sir William Petty around 1670. Kenmare Heritage Centre is well worth a visit. Its opening hours coincide with those of the Tourist Office and are seasonal. - Phone: 064 66 41233
Visit the Traditional Farm at Molly Gallivan’s Cottage and Traditional Farm. On a 500 metre walk you’ll see the way farmers used to work and exist before the invention of electricity and other modern methods. You’ll encounter antique farm machinery and see demonstrations of sheep shearing and dipping. [By prior appointment]
The Stone Circle at Kenmare is a particularly fine example and is the largest stone circle in south west Ireland. Over 3,000 years old, it consists of 15 stones enclosing a circle measuring about 17metres in diameter. It’s known locally as the Druid's Circle and features a capstone which must be around seven tons in weight.
The Stone Circle is very close to the centre of town and is signposted from the Square.
Golfing in Kenmare
There are 2 golf courses in Kenmare, the Kenmare Golf Club, which is located in town next to the prestigious Park Hotel and The Ring of Kerry Golf and Country Club, located 5 miles out of Kenmare on the road to Sneem.
Kenmare Bay Diving, Seafari Cruises and Star Outdoors, Accommodation and Adventure Centre offer much entertainment for all the family. Also, you get to see the areas surrounding Kenmare and you might spot some seals. The scenery seen from the water is stunning and breathtaking - well worth a visit.
Golf is synonymous with the natural beauty of south west Ireland and there are two beautifully appointed 18 hole courses in Kenmare. Kenmare Golf Club is two minutes from The Lansdowne Arms Hotel in the heart of Kenmare Town with fairways at the water’s edge and The Ring of Kerry Golf and Country Club a few miles out of town on the Sneem Road enjoys an elevated, spectacular position high above Kenmare Bay. Both clubs welcome non-members.
Sports Kenmare
Archery can be fun at the Faungorth Activity Centre and there’s lots more to do there too! Pitch and Putt, Tennis, Fishing, Camping - the list goes on!
Cycling is the ideal way to really experience the atmosphere, sights and scenery and a range of bicycles for hire can be found at Finnegan’s Bicycle Hire at the top of Henry Street. Book in advance by e-mail or when you arrive in town. - Phone: 064 66 41083
Pitch and Putt and give all the family a go, at Faungorth Activity Centre on the Killgarvan Road. It’s a beautifully situated activity centre with mountains overlooking the activity areas. Lots of other sport and leisure pursuits are available here too. - Phone: 064 66 41770
Hill Walking is organised from Star Outdoors, Accommodation and Adventure Centre. There’s a beautiful hill walk behind the Centre which links up with the Kerry Way. As always at SOAAC, your safety is paramount so experienced walkers are on hand to advise or accompany hill walking participants.
Horse Riding is just one of the many outdoor activities available in the Kenmare region. Local riding schools and stables include Eclipse Ireland and Blackwater Stables Blackwater Stables and Dromquinna Stables
Eclipse Ireland located in Blackwater Bridge just a few miles from town offers a multitude of activities for visitors including: an assault course, fishing in a private lake stocked with brown trout, archery, team building, pony camps, cycle centre as well as off road horse riding treks horse riding lessons and vaulting ( gymnastics on horses ).
Mud Surfing Action and adrenaline… with mud at no extra charge! Why not let Eclipse Activity Centre drag you around a field at 20KM/hr on a modified surf board with a 650CC Honda ATV Quad Bike… this unique activity will have you begging for more! -
Walking in the mountains around Kenmare is one of the most rewarding activities you could imagine. Every step seems to bring a different view and there are many fantastic routes of which ‘The Kerry Way’ is one. The Kenmare Walking Club website will provide more details.
Orienteering means exploring and finding your way with just a compass and map co-ordinates, across often remote terrain. It’s offered at Star Outdoor, Accommodation and Adventure Centre under the guidance and supervision of professional team-leaders.
Tennis games on long summer evenings amid spectacular mountain scenery is what you can enjoy at Faungorth Activity Centre on the Killgarvan Road. With a choice of hard or grass courts and indeed many other outdoor activities, it’s ‘Advantage Kenmare!’
Experience Kenmare
A delightful little town of some 2000 people dating from 1670, Kenmare is one of Ireland’s few planned towns. Surrounded by both the coastal drives of the Ring of Kerry and Ring of Beara, Kenmare is blessed with such an idyllic location. The town is listed as a Heritage Town and its many pubs, bustling cafés, art galleries and shops are traditional with brightly coloured facades that just make you want to surrender and browse.
To experience Kenmare truly, you must come and sample it yourself. Uniqueness is difficult to describe but truly special to experience. Whether you are escaping for a few days away with a loved one or with family and friends Kenmare will leave you wanting to return.
