Kenmare, Co. Kerry, a small town of 2,200 souls set in stunning scenery in south Kerry has been a ‘go to’ location for visitors for many years.
The town itself is located at the mouth of Kenmare Bay (Atlantic Ocean) and is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including The Cana Mountains (south) and The McGillicuddy Reeks (north). Kenmare is often described as a haven of tranquility. It’s prides itself in offering a choice of gourmet food to the visitor.
The origins of Kenmare go back to the Bronze Age. However the town as it is now dates back to the 17th century and is a ‘planned town’, I.e. a town designed to meet the needs of a local landlord. In earlier times the town was unfortunate to rather aggressive visitors in the form of the Vikings, today the town is more than happy to welcome the many international and Irish visitors who come to visit each year.
If Kenmare itself is a lovely place within which to spend time, its surrounding scenery to the south and north is absolutely stunning. To the north lies the Ring of Kerry, the Killarney Valley and the mountain ranges and lakes adjacent to Killarney Town. To the south lies the Beara Peninsula and the beautiful towns and villages of West Cork including Glengariff, Bantry, Schull, Baltimore and the wonderful Mizen Peninsula.
Kenmare Town boasts two 5 Star hotels and a range of other high quality accommodation. Several good quality restaurants and old style Irish pubs are with paces of the town centre. Overall, it has everything a discerning visitor would like to experience.
(Lakes of Killarney)
For the visitor anxious to explore what South West Ireland has to offer, Kenmare is a perfect gateway. For day tours the following are very enjoyable locations/attractions to visit from Kenmare –
(1) Ring of Kerry – Ireland’s best known scenic route. This tour would take in the entire Ring of Kerry route and the adjacent Skellig Ring. A route of both stunning Atlantic coast scenery (part of The Wild Atlantic Way) and internal Lakes/Mountains scenery, the Ring of Kerry never fails to satisfy as a tour to remember.
(2) Beara/West Cork – another tour incorporating jaw dropping scenery. A route that would take you over the Healy Pass on the Beara Peninsula and on to Glengariff, Co. Cork, for a optional trip to Garnish Island. The route would also involve a trip to the lovely town of Bantry, Co. Cork.
(3) Blarney/Kinsale – a trip into County Cork to visit Blarney Castle and Gardens, an opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone. From here a trip to the lovely coastal town of Kinsale, Co. Kerry, set in jaw dropping scenery on the south coast of Ireland.
(4) Killarney Highlights – a tour to the other adorable town in this area, Killarney, Co. Kerry. This tour would bring you through the Killarney Valley and visit Muckross House and Gardens, a ‘Downtown Abbey’ type manor adjacent to the Lakes of Killarney. The tour would also take in a boat trip on the Lakes at Ross Castle, Killarney and a late lunch at Kate Kearney’s Cottage at the foot of the Gap of Dunloe.
Classic Ireland Guided Tours conducts private guided tours throughout South West Ireland. All group sizes can be catered for. For more information email:
