Kenmare One Of The Most Picturesque Spots In Kerry

Kenmare carries its romantic reputation more stylishly than does Killarney and there is elegance about its handsome Central Square and attractive buildings but come summer there are still lots and lots of tourists around Kenmare.

Charmingly sited where the Roughty River opens out to where the beautiful Kenmare River meets at the estuary.

Kenmare is set among the Kerry Hills and is surrounded by the lofty peaks of the Western Mountains.

The Killarney Mountains rise in front of lofty MacGillicuddy`s Reeks to the north.

The Caba Range dominates the Cork border and the near 2,500FT Akinkeen towers above its neighbouring mountains.

Kenmare itself was founded in 1670 on land assigned to Sir William Petty by the English government and was settled on by a handful of English fighting men.

These colonists withstood almost continuous assault while building up a prosperous fishery, establishing an iron works and cutting timber to fuel the foundry.

In 1688 the town of Kenmare was besieged by 3,000 men, the defenders made their last stand on the little peninsula of Killowen, near Kenmare and finally escaped the attackers on two 30 ton vessels and sailed for Bristol.

Today Kenmare has a flourishing tourism industry and has plenty to offer the holidaymaker.

Local fishing is excellent and the area around the town is rich in antiquarian relics. An interesting old bridge spans the Finnihy River, and near the river at the Shrubberies is the Druids Circle- a circle of stones enclosing a small chamber tomb.

That’s enough about the history, how about the pub’s the Craic and somewhere to eat.

You can walk out of one place and walk straight into another next door. On the square alone there are 3 bars, Aldswell`s, The Atlantic Bar and The Atlantic. Two restaurants, J.M.Donavan and Café Indigo.

Henry Street has a shoal of bars and restaurants and then there is Main Street all of which offer excellent food at reasonable prices and the competition with the pubs makes sure they all reach the highest of standards.

In the summer months you can enjoy Irish traditional music from most of the pubs, just put your ear inside the door after about 9.00 pm.

Have you any information you could let me know about Kenmare, if so please email me and I will include it on this site, thanks, Tom.

Riverville House was in a great location for a quick walk into Kenmare, a delightful village.

The rooms were spacious and very clean, the decor was tasteful, the food was grand and the hospitality was wonderful.

Margret was quick to answer any questions and gave us great advive on travelling in the area.

We truly enjoyed our stay.

Another great comment about Riverville House from Keswick, England.

We enjoyed our stay at Riverville during the month of August and we must say it was most enjoyable.

The room was beautifully furnished and very tasteful and best of all OH so comfortable.

Breakfast was a real treat and Margaret, the hostess, landlady, guide and everything else was exceptionally helpful. Margret advised us on walks, places to visit, music aaand the craic.