Kenmare & Surrounding Area

No matter what your interest Kenmare offers something for everyone. Its natural beauty offers many outdoor pursuits whether you are Historian or Sports Fanatic, Golfer, Walker, Cyclist, Tri Athletic, Runner, Water Enthusiast Kenmare has it all. Kenmare is a walkers’ paradise and caters for every level of walking. Kenmare and its surrounding hinterlands are located on the Beara Way and the Kerry Way offering visitors an extensive choice of graded walks.

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. Seafari Cruises and Star Outdoors Accommodation and Adventure Centre offer much entertainment for all the family. You can take a boat trip to see the areas surrounding Kenmare, you might spot some seals. The scenery seen from the water is breathe taking ­ and well worth a visit.

The town of Kenmare is ideally situated on two famous tourist trails – The Ring of Kerry and The Ring of Beara. The Ring of Kerry is known all over the world and follows the spectacular coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula. It’s one of the most dramatic scenic drives in Ireland and makes a most enjoyable day tour. Along the 175 kilometre route are picturesque towns and villages, like Sneem, Caherdaniel and Cahirciveen, an abundance of historical landmarks, sandy coves and beautiful beaches. Just south of Kenmare is the unspoilt and less commercialised Ring of Beara. This is less well-known than The Ring of Kerry but no less impressive. Its rugged beauty is beyond compare, traffic is minimal and there’s a wealth of archaeological sites and spectacular views waiting to be discovered.

To the north of Kenmare is the Killarney National Park – 10,000 hectares of woodland, magical mountain scenery and of course the infamous Lakes of Killarney. These, you’ll encounter from above, as you travel the Kenmare/Killarney Road and the staggering beauty of it all will take your breath away. Not only is Kenmare a unique and desirable tourist destination in its own right with its rural beauty, style and service, but it’s a perfectly-positioned base from which to experience everything that the south west of Ireland has to offer. Whether it’s walking, cruising on the bay, fishing, golfing, touring or just ‘chilling’ that interests you, come and do all those things and more here in Kenmare. You won’t be disappointed.