Description
KENMARE
Kenmare is located on the Wild Atlantic Way and is known as the jewel in the Ring of Kerry. No wonder with its location between two of the most beautiful touring routes in Europe - the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara. These make for very enjoyable day trips from Kenmare.
Kenmare is a designated Heritage Town of Ireland and the town offers a huge selection of places of historical interest to visit. Even strolling around the town is itself a pleasure with Kenmare having received awards from Entente Floral and the award for the Tidiest Town in Ireland in the year 2000. Kenmare was recently awarded the accolade of Ireland's best kept town on the whole island of Ireland and deservedly so!
Killarney is a 40 minute drive and Cork City is just over an hour's drive.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
The town of Kenmare, noted for having the cleanest air in Europe, is a mecca for some of the finest restaurants in Ireland. You really will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out, from bar food to seafood and a range of other types of excellent restaurants to experience. The nightlife in Kenmare suits all ages and the hospitality with which you will be greeted is second to none. There is a great selection of pubs and late night bars to choose from with many featuring live music from traditional Irish to rock and modern styles.
LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Kenmare lies approximately 30 minutes drive from a host of sandy beaches and it has a very pretty harbour from where you can swim, fish or take a trip on the wildlife cruise.
Kenmare Bay Cruises
Hop aboard the 'Island Explorer' for a family friendly cruise on Kenmare Bay with both indoor and outdoor seating. Watch seals and sea birds in their natural habitat and enjoy spectacular scenery, castles and coastlines along the way. For full details and to book your cruise from Kenmare pier, go to www.kenmarebaycruises.com
Bike Hire
Bicycle hire is available from Finnegan's Bike Hire & Toy Shop in the centre of Kenmare
Another option would be to get in touch with Sidetracked Kenmare. You have the option to rent an eBike and take a self guided tour or to take a guided tour and take in some of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most dramatic scenery.
Star Sailing & Adventure Centre
Star Activity and Adventure Centre is a purpose-built Activity Centre and Bar/Restaurant is fast becoming an essential part of a family holiday in Kenmare. The centre itself is situated on the shores of Kenmare Bay and surrounded by the Caha Mountains just a five minute drive from Kenmare Town Centre. The activities on offer include kayaking, sailing, canoeing, sea kayaking, hillwalking, team games and a Wildlife Safari Cruise on Kenmare Bay. Also available are the children’s playground, American pedal boats, water trampoline and slide, archery range, soccer pitch with changing facilities and the family walking trail. OPEN SEASONALLY.
Bonane Heritage Park
The Bonane Heritage Park provides visitors with an 1600 metre walk on gravel paths through 5000 years of history while enjoying some breathtaking scenery. Bonane Heritage Park is situated 10Km from Kenmare on the N71 and is open to visitors all year round.
Golf
Kenmare boasts two super golf courses. The Ring of Kerry Golf Course is located two miles outside of the town and offers spectacular views of Kenmare Bay from the course itself and also its newly renovated Club House. Dream Ireland guests may avail of special discounted green fees.
Kenmare Golf Club is located in Kenmare Town and follows the shores of Kenmare Bay Estuary.
Angling
There are lots of great fishing spots to choose from around Kenmare including Clonee Lake, Kenmare Bay and the Black Valley. Permits can be obtained locally.
Hill Walking
The Kerry Way and Beara Way walking routes are ideal for those with an interest in trekking or you could even join the annual summer hike to Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntouhil. The foothills of the famous MacGillycuddy Reeks are right on Kenmare's doorstep.
Pony Trekking
Pony Trekking is the ideal way to explore the hidden treasures of Kenmare and its hinterland. Professional lessons are also available for beginners.
Other activities in the area include children’s playground, paddle boarding, kayaking and so much more…
