Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
stroll atmosphere. Its fresh appearance won it Ireland's “Tidy Town” award in 2000, and
the nearby finger of the gentle sea feels more like a large lake (called the Kenmare River,
just to confuse things). Far from the assemblyline tourism of Killarney town, Kenmare
(rhymes with “chair”) also makes a great launchpad for enjoying the sights along the road
around the Iveragh (eev-er-AH) Peninsula—known to shamrock lovers everywhere as the
Ring of Kerry.
Planning Your Time
All you need in compact Kenmare is one night and a couple of hours to wander the town.
Check out the Heritage Centre (in the back rooms of the TI) to get an overview of the re-
gion's history. Visit the Kenmare Lace and Design Centre (above TI, entry next door) to
get a close look at its famously delicate lace. A five-minute walk from the TI gives you
hands-on access to an ancient stone circle at the edge of town. Finish up by taking a peek
inside Holy Cross Church to see the fine ceiling woodwork. Don't stay out too late in the
pubs if you'd like to get an early start on the Ring of Kerry in the morning.
Carefully planned Kenmare is shaped like an “X,” forming two triangles. The upper
(northern) triangle contains the town square (colorful markets Wed and Fri in summer),
the adjacent TI and Heritage Centre, and a cozy park. The lower (southern) triangle con-
tains three one-way streets busy with shops, lodgings, and restaurants. Use the tall Holy
Cross Church spire to get your bearings (next to the northeast parking lot). Public WCs
across the street are vile...if possible, wait to use one wherever you settle for lunch.
