Fodor's Essential Ireland 2020 by Fodor's Travel Guides

Author:Fodor's Travel Guides
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2019-09-23T16:00:00+00:00

Kenmare

34 km (21 miles) south of Killarney, 336 km (209 miles) southwest of Dublin.

Located slightly inland without a clear view of Kenmare Bay, Kenmare is a natural stopover for Ring of Kerry buses and travelers as it is the closest town to Killarney. Set at the head of the sheltered Kenmare River estuary, this small but bustling market town makes a lively touring base for those who wish to skip hectic Killarney altogether. The town was founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty (Oliver Cromwell’s surveyor general, a multitasking entrepreneur), and most of its buildings date from the 19th century, when it was part of the enormous Lansdowne Estate—itself assembled by Petty.

Kenmare offers an amazing number of stylish little restaurants, tearooms, and cafés for a town its size, as well as top-notch fine dining in the Park Hotel and Sheen Falls Lodge. It also boasts the top-rated Kenmare Market, with purveyors of organic goods and foodstuffs (March to December, Wednesday 10–5). The shopping is pretty good, too, with Irish high fashion, crafts, and original art vying for your attention.

GETTING HERE AND AROUND

Kenmare is at the intersection of the N71 road that links Bantry and Glengarriff with Killarney, and the N70, which continues around the perimeter road known as the Ring of Kerry. Killarney and Glengarriff are both about 40 to 45 minutes away on scenic mountain roads. Kenmare is a natural stopover between Glengarriff (21 km [13 miles] south) and Killarney (34 km [21 miles] to the north). The mountain pass (N71) from Kenmare to Killarney via Ladies’ View is a scenic highlight, offering a stunning first view of the lakes. There is ample parking in Kenmare town center.

A bus route, operated by Bus Éireann, connects Killarney to Kenmare; it continues on around the Ring of Kerry, stopping in all the villages between Kenmare and Killorglin before returning to Killarney. Otherwise, there is no public transportation in this area.

TOURS

Kenmare Coach and Cab

You can opt to base yourself in Kenmare and take a guided tour of the Ring by minibus (June to August) with this local taxi company. Its minibuses depart from the square for the Ring on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 am. Other destinations include the Ring of Beara and Glengarriff (Tuesday and Thursday). It is best to reserve by 10 pm the night before. P064/664–1491 wwww.kenmarecoachandcab.com.

VISITOR INFORMATION

CONTACTS Kenmare Tourist Office. EThe Square P064/664–1233 wkenmare.ie.

s Sights

Kenmare Heritage Centre

INFO CENTER | Come to this center in the tourist office to learn about the town’s history. They can outline a walking route to Kenmare’s places of interest. EThe Square P064/664–1233 AFree CClosed Nov.–Easter; Easter–Oct., closed Sun.

Kenmare Market

MARKET | About 15 outdoor vendors offer local organic produce and a few exotic imports to an appreciative local clientele. Look out for Knockatee cheese (from Tuosist down the road), Olivier’s smoked trout from Killorglin, organic veggies, homemade pâtés, fresh fish, and French soaps and sweets. EThe Square CClosed Jan. and Feb.; Mar.–Dec., closed Thurs.–Tues.

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