Location: Kenmare
Top Things to do in Kenmare
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Kenmare, Province of Munster
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. Blackwater Woodturners
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
3. Kenmare Soap Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Here at Kenmare Soap Shop we make natural soap & beauty products in small batches using old fashioned methods & organic ingredients right here on the premises. All our products are vegan. Come on in for natural moisturiser, soap, hand cream, body butter, scrubs, salts, foot care, shampoo, our range of dog shampoos & balms & lots more. Our lovely shop also holds handmade jewellery, ceramics, original art & prints & is home to Native Irish Faeries.
Reviewed By kevino437
Tucked away in a mews-style property on Henry Street, the Kenmare Soap Shop is a really welcoming and interesting place. All kinds of soaps, therapies and skin care, and some terrific art and craft products too - the cheeky greetings cards are worth a look on their own! I bought a bottle of the house's home-made liquid dog soap and it's brilliant. Our little minpin's coat has come up brilliantly!
4. Skyline Gallery
5. Ring of Beara
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By 720adelinem
I can honestly say this is superior to Dingle tour and Ring of Kerry! Stunning. Would return. Just follow the signs from Kenmare and enjoy the trip. We stopped in Castletownbere fir lunch and then onto Glengarriff which is quaint. Boat trips to garden places on offer but unfortunately we ran out of time. Bring a picnic. Great for cyclists and hikers this whole trip.
6. Norman McCloskey Photography
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Photography gallery in the heart of Kenmare, showcasing the work of local landscape photographer Norman McCloskey. Norman has been photographing the landscape of Kerry, West Cork and beyond for over 25 years and his passion is still growing for working here. The gallery shows a selection of beautifully printed and framed limited edition work and all are welcome to come and browse !
Reviewed By CiaranDesmond - Celbridge, Ireland
If you are looking for excellent photographic material on Ireland to hang in your home or office this is a must, really brilliant photographer and so well sized and framed.
7. 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.
8. O'Connors Bar
9. 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.
10. Kenmare Lace and Design Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
At the Kenmare Lace and Design Centre we demonstrate the making of Kenmare Lace and many other Irish Laces. Here you can see Antique Lace from the Poor Clare Convent Kenmare from the 19th and early 20th centuries. A group half hour demonstration can be booked for a small fee. We also run workshops and teach lacemaking mainly during the off season (winter) We sell locally made handmade lace, lacemaking materials, kits, books and other souvenirs As well as learning about the technique of lacemaking at the Lace Centre you will learn about our heritage of Irish lace and how Irish women supported and kept their familys going during hard times.
