Kenmare Ireland: Things To Do, Hotels, Food + Pubs

The lovely little town of Kenmare in Kerry is one of our favourite villages in Ireland.

This small vibrant town is a great base for tackling the Ring of Kerry or for exploring some of the many mighty places to visit in Kerry.

Kenmare is home to colourful streets, lined with great pubs and restaurants, and there’s also plenty of things to do in Kenmare, if you don’t fancy leaving the town.

Visiting Kenmare

Although a visit to Kenmare is fairly straightforward, there’s a few quick chunks of information worth knowing in advance of your trip.

1. Location

Located by Kenmare Bay in County Kerry, Kenmare is a great base for discovering Killarney National Park and offers easy access to popular hillwalking destinations such as MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Mangerton Mountain and Caha Mountains. 

2. Name

The name of this small town in the south the county means “the little nest”. It comes from the anglicised form of Ceann Mara, which means “heads of the sea”. 

3. Ring of Kerry Town

Kenmare is one of the key Ring of Kerry towns. It’s a very convenient staring point for the Ring of Kerry drive (or cycle) and you can continue clockwise from Kenmare and follow the route around the coast, taking in countless attractions along the way.

4. Kenmare vs Killarney

If you’re choosing between Kenmare vs Killarney, one question usually helps—do you prefer a small-town feel or something livelier? If it’s the first, go for Kenmare. If it’s the second, Killarney is the spot!

The history of Kenmare

Long before Kenmare’s colorful streets and lively pubs, the land was home to ancient settlers who left behind one of Ireland’s largest stone circles.

These towering stones date back to the Bronze Age, a silent testament to a time when rituals and gatherings shaped life here.

Viking raiders and Cromwell

By the early medieval period, Kenmare—then Ceann Mhara (Head of the Sea)—caught the attention of Viking raiders, drawn to its sheltered waters and strategic location. They came and went, but the town’s name remained, echoing its maritime roots.

Centuries later, in the 1650s, Oliver Cromwell granted the area to Sir William Petty as payment for mapping Ireland. Petty laid out the town’s streets, unknowingly shaping what would become one of Kerry’s most charming destinations.

Famine and Kenmare Lace

Like much of Ireland, Kenmare was devastated by the Great Famine, leaving behind a mass grave as a grim reminder. But resilience prevailed.

In 1861, a group of nuns arrived, including the formidable Sister Mary Frances Cusack. They introduced Kenmare Lace—delicate, intricate designs that became famous worldwide, providing much-needed income for local women.

Ireland’s first suspension bridge

In 1841, Ireland’s first suspension bridge was built here, connecting communities long before modern roads. By the early 20th century, Kenmare found itself entangled in the Irish Civil War, briefly occupied by the Anti-Treaty IRA before being retaken by government forces.

Today, Kenmare blends history with charm—its streets mapped by an English economist, its name echoing Viking times, and its ancient stones standing as Ireland’s earliest storytellers.

Whether you’re here for the scenery, the seafood, or a pint in a historic pub, you’re walking through a town shaped by centuries of resilience and reinvention.

Things to do in Kenmare

I go into the various things to do in Kenmare in detail in this guide, but I’ll give you a speedy overview of the different places to visit, below.

From the Ring of Kerry drive/cycle to Moll’s Gap, seal watching and much, much more, there’s plenty to see and do close to Kenmare.

1. The self-guided walking tour

Kenmare might seem compact, but it’s surprisingly easy to wander aimlessly and miss its many attractions.

To make the most of your visit, follow the walking route on the map above.

This trail guides you through the best of Kenmare, including the stone circle and the scenic Reenagross Park.

The route is a leisurely 3.6km loop on mostly flat terrain, taking about 1.5 hours to complete—perfect for a relaxed exploration.

2. The Ring of Kerry drive/cycle

This 179km-long circular route is without a doubt one of the most scenic drives in southwest Ireland.

Expect to see gorgeous coastal landscapes, as well as rural seaside villages along the way. There is also the option of cycling the Ring of Kerry. 

3. See the Seals with Seafari

Hop aboard Seafari for a relaxed eco-cruise through Kenmare Bay, where seals bask on the shore and sea eagles soar overhead.

This stable, eco-friendly vessel glides through the water with minimal noise, ensuring a smooth ride and a peaceful wildlife experience. Wrap up in Kerry wool blankets, sip complimentary tea, and enjoy expert commentary as you spot seals, seabirds, and stunning coastal scenery.

With indoor and outdoor seating, onboard maps, and a small bar, it’s a comfortable and informative way to explore one of Ireland’s most beautiful bays. A must-do for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a scenic escape.

4. Kenmare Stone Circle

Tucked away in the heart of Kenmare, this ancient stone circle has stood for over 3,000 years, a silent witness to Ireland’s deep past.

Unlike most stone circles, this one is egg-shaped, with 15 imposing boulders encircling a massive dolmen at its centre. Thought to have been a burial site, it’s known locally as “The Druid’s Circle.”

Aligned with solar and lunar events, it hints at the rituals and ceremonies of the Bronze Age. A nearby hawthorn fairy tree, steeped in folklore, adds to the mystical atmosphere. 

5. Reenagross Woodland Park

A hidden gem on the shores of Kenmare Bay, Reenagross Woodland Park is a tranquil peninsula of meandering trails, ancient trees, and stunning waterfront views.

Originally part of the Lansdowne Estate, this land was transformed from open headland into a lush woodland in the 19th century.

Today, over 3km of scenic walking paths wind through diverse habitats, home to native wildlife and archaeological remnants. Stroll beneath towering canopies, watch for birds along the shoreline, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings.

A must-visit for nature lovers, it offers a quiet escape just steps from Kenmare’s lively streets.

6. Cromwells Bridge

Tucked away in Kenmare, Cromwell’s Bridge is a mysterious relic of the past, its origins shrouded in legend. Despite the name, there’s no evidence linking it to Oliver Cromwell—it was once called Finnihy Bridge, after the river it spans.

Some believe the name comes from the Irish word croiméal (moustache), or croim maol (stooped and bald), referencing its arched, parapet-free design.

Built around 1700, this single-arch stone bridge now stands as a quiet, moss-covered reminder of centuries past.

7. Bonane Heritage Park

No visit to Kenmare is complete without spending a few hours at the lovely Bonane Heritage Park.

Tucked between the Ring of Beara and the Ring of Kerry, Bonane Heritage Park is a hidden treasure of Ireland’s ancient past.

This remarkable site is home to one of the country’s most significant archaeological landscapes, with monuments spanning over 5,000 years of history.

As you walk the scenic trails, you’ll uncover stone circles, ring forts, fulachta fiadh, and famine ruins, each whispering tales of Ireland’s early settlers.

8. Molly Gallivans Visitor Centre

Step back in time at Molly Gallivan’s, a 200-year-old cottage and traditional farm offering a glimpse into rural Ireland before electricity.

Nestled in the Sheen Valley, this family-run visitor centre brings the past to life with farm animals, historic ruins from the Great Famine, and a Neolithic Stone Row aligned to an ancient sun calendar.

A 500m walk here spans 5,000 years of history. Don’t miss the Traditional Irish Nights, where storytelling, music, and hearty food create an unforgettable experience.

9. Moll’s Gap

Located just a 10-minute drive from the small town of Kenmare, Moll’s Gap is one of the Ring of Kerry highlights.

The views from this place are breathtaking, so it comes as no surprise that Moll’s Gap is one of the most popular attractions along the Ring of Kerry route.

You also have Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, the Black Valley, Lord Brandon’s Cottage, the Gap of Dunloe and Killarney National Park a short spin away.

Kenmare hotels and accommodation

There are countless Ring of Kerry hotels and you’ll find some of the most popular tucked away in Kenmare.

There’s no end to the number of places to stay in Kenmare, as you’ll discover if you hop into our Kenmare accommodation guide.

From swanky stays at the Park Hotel Kenmare to more pocket friendly nights away in some of the town’s guesthouses, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options here.

Kenmare Pubs

There’s some excellent pubs in Kenmare in Kerry, the best of which, in our opinion, is the brilliant PF McCarthy’s.

During the summer months, you’ll find live music and mischief taking place in many of Kenmare’s public houses. Below, you’ll find three of our favourite spots for a pint.

1. PF McCarthy’s

Located on the town’s main street, PF McCarthy’s is one of the oldest pubs in Kenmare. Satisfy your taste buds with a variety of dishes and home-cooked foods ranging from bar bites and fish and chips to burgers. PF McCarthy’s is also one of the best music venues in the area hosting traditional Irish and contemporary rock live music performances.

2. Foleys of Kenmare

You will find Foleys of Kenmare right in the heart of the town of Kenmare. This guesthouse and gastropub offers great accommodation, as well as a hearty Irish fare on its food menu. With a nice selection of whiskeys, local craft beers, and traditional Irish music throughout the week, Foleys of Kenmare has everything you need for a relaxing night out in the city.

3. Davitt’s Kenmare

Welcome to Davitt’s Kenmare, B&B accommodation and pub/restaurant offering delicious set menus and an extensive list of drinks. In summer, the large outdoor beer garden is a perfect place to unwind with and enjoy a drink or two. Davitt’s Kenmare also hosts traditional Irish music events during the summer months on weekday evenings.

Kenmare Restaurants

As was the case with pubs, there’s a lot of fine places for a feed in Kenmare, ranging from relaxed and casual to some fancy fine dining.

In our guide to the best restaurants in Kenmare, you’ll find several great places to eat that’ll make your belly happy!