Kenmare Fair
A traditional street fair in Kenmare on 15 August, with roots dating back to the 1760s. Market stalls line the streets and people come from far and near to buy and sell.
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Kenmare
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ℹ️Practical info — Kenmare
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Kenmare's colourful triangular street plan-comprising Main Street, Henry Street, and Shelbourne Street-makes it wonderfully easy to navigate on foot.
- As a junction for both the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, summer traffic can be heavy. Start your driving tours early in the morning to beat the coaches.
- Unlike many other towns, Kenmare has a history of fine lace-making. Look out for the heritage centre to learn about this delicate craft.
- The town has a lively food scene. Reserving dinner tables in advance during the summer months is highly recommended.
🍽 Food
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Artisan Chocolates
Stop by the local chocolatiers and bakeries along Henry Street for high-quality, handcrafted sweet treats.
🍽
Fresh Atlantic Seafood
With the coast nearby, look for seafood chowder or fresh mussels in the acclaimed restaurants along Main Street.
🍽
Gourmet Pub Fare
Kenmare elevates pub dining; many local establishments serve fantastic modern Irish cuisine alongside a pint of stout.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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Kenmare Lace
Visit the Kenmare Lace and Design Centre to purchase authentic, handmade lace or watch a demonstration.
🛍
Independent Boutiques
The colourful shopfronts of Henry and Main Streets host excellent boutiques offering local knitwear, tweeds, and art.
🧘
Kenmare Stone Circle
A short, peaceful walk from the town centre takes you to this ancient stone circle, one of the largest in south-west Ireland.
🧘
Reenagross Woodland Park
Wander along the tranquil trails of this park which hugs the shoreline of Kenmare Bay, offering beautiful water views.
Water temperature…
Kenmare, meaning 'head of the sea' in Irish, is a carefully planned 'Heritage Town' in County Kerry. Tucked away at the foot of the Kenmare Bay, the town is renowned for its wide streets, high-quality hotels, and fine craft shops, particularly for the traditional Kenmare Lace. Kenmare serves as a well-suited base for exploring two of Ireland's most spectacular coastal drives: the world-famous Ring of Kerry and the more rugged Ring of Beara. The town's architecture features colorful Victorian buildings that create a harmonious contrast with the surrounding mountain scenery. for history enthusiasts is the Kenmare Stone Circle, one of the largest stone circles in southwest Ireland, located just a short walk from the town center. Nature lovers can enjoy boat trips in the bay for seal watching or hike in the nearby Killarney National Park. Kenmare is reached via the scenic N71 from Killarney, a drive that passes through the famous 'Moll's Gap' viewpoint. The town is quieter than neighboring Killarney, offering a more upscale atmosphere with excellent pubs and restaurants. The best time to visit is from May to September when the gardens and landscape are in full bloom. Kenmare is a great destination for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and cultural richness.
- Location: Ireland, Ireland
- Top sights: Kenmare Stone Circle · Mucksna Nature Reserve · Strickeen
- Nearby: Glengarriff (15 km)
- Population: ~2.175
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 138 | 104 | 95 | 84 | 91 | 94 | 105 | 110 | 101 | 128 | 142 | 143 |
Live webcam – Kenmare
See what it looks like near Kenmare right now.
Kenmare Municipal District › North-east: Misty Bay · 2.6 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Junction of Ring of Kerry and Beara
- Official Heritage Town
- Famous for Kenmare Lace
- Large prehistoric stone circle
- Planned town structure since 1670
- Located on Kenmare Bay
- Award-winning dining scene
- Gateway to Moll's Gap
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→15:461.6 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Our walking tour begins in the colorful center at Market Square. After visiting the Heritage Centre and the majestic Holy Cross Church, we delve into the mystical past at the ancient stone circle. The afternoon is spent relaxing in the picturesque Reenagross Park.
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🚶 6'0.16 km
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10:03 · 47'
Kenmare Heritage Centre
Learn all about the town's history and the local order of nuns.
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11:55 · 84'
Steinkreis von Kenmare
One of the largest stone circles in the south-west of Ireland.
🚶 6'0.16 km
🚶 17'0.68 km
09:00→15:461.6 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Start your day at Market Square, where colorful facades brighten the grey sky. The Heritage Centre provides the perfect escape from typical Kerry showers. At noon, visit Holy Cross Church to see its impressive stained glass. The Stone Circle feels especially mystical in the rain, before ending your walk under the sheltered canopy of the Reenagross Park trails.
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11:55 · 84'
Steinkreis von Kenmare
Good waterproof shoes are essential for the grassy area here.
🚶 6'0.16 km
🚶 17'0.68 km
09:00→15:461.6 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Kenmare in winter is quiet and authentic. Start with a hot drink at the bustling Market Square. At the Heritage Centre, learn about the town weaving tradition while staying out of the chill. At noon, Holy Cross Church offers spiritual silence. Use the clear afternoon light at the Stone Circle for photos before the early 16:30 sunset in Reenagross Park.
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🚶 6'0.16 km
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10:58 · 47'
Holy Cross Church
It is often cooler inside the church than outside; keep your coat on.
🚶 10'0.33 km
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11:55 · 84'
Steinkreis von Kenmare
The low winter sun creates dramatic shadows across the stones.
🚶 6'0.16 km
🚶 17'0.68 km
09:00→16:522 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 32–44 €Entries 26€ · Transport 12€
We can effortlessly explore Kenmare by bike. From the bustling center we cycle to historical sites such as the stone circle and Cromwell's bridge. In the afternoon we enjoy nature in Reenagross Park and cycle to the holy well.
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09:00→16:522 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 32–44 €Entries 26€ · Transport 12€
Cycling Kenmare in the rain requires good gear but rewards you with quiet roads. Start carefully at Market Square. The Heritage Centre offers a long dry break. Visit the mystical Stone Circle and then pedal out to Our Lady's Well, where the nature smells especially fresh in the rain.
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09:00→16:522 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 32–44 €Entries 26€ · Transport 12€
Winter cycling around Kenmare offers crisp views of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Start at the chilly Market Square and warm up in the Heritage Centre. At the Stone Circle, enjoy the off-season tranquility. The route to Our Lady's Well follows the calm Kenmare Bay before the early darkness sets in.
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09:00→16:471.5 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 28€ · Transport 0€
By car we use the cluster method in Kenmare. We park centrally and stroll to Market Square and the museums. A short drive takes us to the southern area with the ancient stone circle. Finally, we relax in Reenagross Park.
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🚗 4'0.16 km
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11:42 · 84'
Steinkreis von Kenmare
Drive a short distance to the southern cluster and park nearby.
🚗 4'0.16 km
🚗 5'0.68 km
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14:02 · 47'
Reenagross Park
Last stop in nature. Parking is available at the edge of the park.
🚗 4'0.4 km
09:00→16:471.5 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 28€ · Transport 0€
In a car, Kenmare is a delight even in heavy rain. Start at Market Square, where parking is usually close to the shops. The Heritage Centre and Lace Museum provide hours of indoor interest. The Stone Circle is just a short dash from the vehicle, and the drive to Our Lady's Well offers dramatic views of the choppy sea.
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🚗 4'0.16 km
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10:01 · 47'
Kenmare Heritage Centre
Use the parking lot directly by the building if available.
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10:51 · 47'
Kenmare Lace Museum
Well-suited stop during persistent rain as it is fully indoors.
🚗 4'0.16 km
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🚗 5'0.68 km
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09:00→16:471.5 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 28€ · Transport 0€
Explore winter Kenmare comfortably by car. After a morning stroll through Market Square, the Heritage Centre offers warmth. The Lace Museum showcases delicate art while it is frosty outside. The drive to the Stone Circle and along the coast to Our Lady's Well is especially scenic in winter due to the clear mountain views.
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Sights in the town Kenmare (14)
Frequently asked questions
Is Kenmare on the Ring of Kerry?
Yes, Kenmare is a great starting or ending point for both the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara.
Where can I find the stone circle in Kenmare?
The ancient stone circle is located just a 5-minute walk from the town center.
Is Kenmare known for shopping?
Yes, particularly for its world-famous Kenmare Lace and high-quality local craft shops.
What water activities are available?
You can enjoy boat cruises in Kenmare Bay to spot seals and admire the mountain scenery.
Are there many pubs with live music?
Yes, Kenmare has a spirited pub scene with many venues offering live traditional Irish music.
Kenmare: where is it located?
Kenmare is located in Ireland, Ireland.
Kenmare: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kenmare Stone Circle, Mucksna Nature Reserve, Strickeen.
Kenmare: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kenmare: why is it worth visiting?
Kenmare, meaning 'head of the sea' in Irish, is a carefully planned 'Heritage Town' in County Kerry.
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