Location: Kenmare
Top Things to do in Kenmare
10 Things to do in Kenmare That You Shouldn't Miss
The “little nest” of Kenmare is part of the famed Ring of Kerry, making it a prime stop for a spot of lunch and a pint. But before you go on your merry way, check out the area’s Bronze Age stone circle, one of the largest in southwest Ireland. The peaceful glens and streams of Gleninchaquin make a wonderful backdrop for a picnic, which you can work off on a walk along the Kenmare section of the Beara Way.
Restaurants in Kenmare
1. Beara Way Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
2. Verart Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By 909ciarar
We luckily just stumbled upon a sign on the main road from Kenmare to Glengarriff while cycling the Beara peninsula for the week. Although it took us way off our original route we were so happy to discover this little paradise hidden in the most scenic parts of Ireland. The talented owner Vera was a delight and a true inspiration! I fully intend to return again. Ciara
3. Old Kenmare Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By michaellynch310855 - Caherconlish, Ireland
The forecast was excellent and the skies were blue so we packed our hiking gear on All Ireland Football Saturday and headed for Killarney. It was a surprise day out for my wife and two sons who are in their early twenties. Our starting point was Ross Castle where we had pre booked a boat to take us on the one and a half hour trip to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. A hugely memorable trip and our boat man Daniel feasted us with the history,geography,flora ,fauna and folklore of the majestic lakes. En route we had time to photo the wild goats and even feed the lake’s tame/wild pheasant. €20 pp and worth every penny if it. At Lord Brandon’s Cottage we feasted on freshly prepared salad sandwiches and soup before heading on our hike. Here you follow the signs for the Old Kenmare Road and the adventure begins. Breathing views of the lakes and surrounding mountains ease us into the first leg of the 16 k walk. After approximately three and a half kilometers take the right hand fork to get you up to the main road at Derrycunnihy Church. Time for a snack maybe before continuing. Again follow the OKR for a little over half a kilometer and be vigilant and watch for the signpost which directs you left to a single uphill track which leads you to a magical ancient Oak plantation. After three kilometers you arrive at the waterfall and pond in Esknamucky Glen. Continue again along the path with wonderful views of Mangerton Mountain on the right and Torc Mountain on the left. A couple of km on and you are at Torc waterfall for a couple of photo opportunities. Downhill on a busy stone step path and under the bridge to arrive at Muckross House. We taxied to Ross Castle as it was an extra seven km but if you were energetic it’s possible on the Jarvey track. Into Killarney for a well deserved Murphy’s ice cream where Aishling treated us to a sampling of the yummmmmeeee ice cream. Tired bodies but a wonderful memorable day. Sunshine and blue skies were the foundation for the day. Get those boots on. Five hours at a relaxing pace with two short tea breaks and lots of photo stops. No cars just a few bikes.
4. Holy Cross Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By Imelda49 - Colorado, United States
Holy Cross Church is a rare gem in Ireland. It was built in the 1800s but looks fresh and well-kept. The interior has not been gutted to make it modern which is what sets this church apart from so many others in the country. The beautiful reredos, statues and altar are beautifully carved and there is a sense of serenity and peace because everything is in order. The stained glass windows are beautiful with rich colors and lots of detail. Please remember to be respectful when visiting this church. It is an active church and Christ is present there.
5. Gleninchaquin Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 690 reviews
Gleninchaquin Park provides breath-taking landscapes and scenery in which it is a sheer delight to wander around over streams with log bridges, mountain paths with carved steps, through rock passages, along glens and lakes to higher altitude. Marvel at the views overlooking the lakes, delicate green meadows, a spectacular rock face waterfall, it’s force dependent on the amount of rain of the previous days. This magnificent valley makes for a great day out for the experienced walker – high level routes, to those more inclined to the gentler terrain. Ample parking facilities are provided close to the waterfall and the picnic areas. The walks around the waterfall, cascades, streams, woodlands and lakes are accessible for all ages. Admission fee applies, payable by cash only please. ADMISSION Adults: €6 Students / Seniors: €5 Children age 6-12 €4 Family: (2 adults 2 children) €15 Children under 6 years are free.
Reviewed By 678michellec
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Gleninchaquin park and it did not disappoint. Tucked away from the main road, this is a hidden gem that delivers a feast for the senses....the stunning green valleys, the roaring sound from the gushing waterfall and the nearby bleating from the free roaming herds of sheep and goats, the landscape is like nothing I've seen before. We were lucky enough to get to do a photoshoot here and the people managing the park could not have been more obliging. David has recently taken on his managerial role and the changes he has made to this park within a few short months are incredible. He is so welcoming and has such a passion for the place. We were also looked after by Eileen. Another amazing lady who embraced us from day one. David's family are also on site and are just as fantastic. We didn't want to leave. David mentioned how the park looks so different with every season and I can't wait to revisit in the winter months to see the change. He also is arranging picnic tables to be made from the parks own trees that fell during the storm, which will be a great addition for visiting families. I cannot rate this place enough. Go and see for yourself, this little slice of heaven!
6. Molly Gallivan's Cottage & Traditional Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,006 reviews
Molly Gallivan’s cottage and traditional farm invites you to take a step back in time to experience the simple country lifestyle in rural Ireland before the days of electricity and modern conveniences. Molly’s enchanting cottage is over 200 years old and her farm is complete with animals, fowl and traditional farm machinery. Molly’s old Tea Shop is very unique in Ireland, here you will taste locally made foods cooked and baked in the traditional fashion. We also hold traditional Irish evenings at Molly Gallivan’s cottage, these are nights of Irish food, music, song, dance and story telling, re-enacting the old customs that took place in Irish homes. Advanced booking is required for our Traditional Irish Evenings please contact us for availability and prices.
Reviewed By SubieGirls
Molly Gallivan's is every bit worth your time to stop and take in the history of rural Ireland. You get to experience what it was like to live a farm life in the old traditional way. On the farm, there are animals, orchards, gardens, a poitin still (Molly's Mountain Dew), and a house that is over 200 years old. There is a tea room and local crafts are sold. This was by far my favorite store to purchase handmade and quality gifts.
7. Reenagross Park
8. Cromwell's Bridge
9. Derreen Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 189 reviews
Derreen is a woodland garden that has a selection of narrow paths leading to the sea. You can choose a short stroll of about 40 minutes or take all day discovering the 8 miles of paths. Many of the plants were brought back from the Himalayas by the Victorian plant hunters. There is a cafe selling lunch or a selection of delicious hand made cakes during the summer months.
Reviewed By pfgtravel
Great walks, could easily while away some hours and the cafe is really good. Had a coffee and cake post walk - in the September sun - and would gladly return
10. Stone Circle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 618 reviews
Reviewed By CastleDbee - Castledermot, Ireland
Really interesting little place, well worth stopping off to see if you are passing through Kenmare. I was greeted by a very charming Patrick who was manning the honesty box. Recommended fee €2 well worth it. The small fee is spent on maintaining the beautiful shrubs and upkeep of the site. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did, and I do hope you get a chance to meet Patrick.
