15 Best Things to do in Kenmare (2025 Visitor Guide)

Kenmare in Kerry is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left.

Nestled between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, this charming town blends centuries of history with breathtaking scenery and a mighty food and pub scene.

From ancient stone circles and woodland walks to seal-spotting cruises and lively traditional music sessions, there’s no shortage of things to do in Kenmare.

The best things to do in Kenmare

You’ll find Kenmare in County Kerry where it’s finely plonked between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara (Cork).

It’s a mighty little base to explore many of the best things to do in Kerry from and it’s also a handy spin from Killarney, too!

In the guide below, you’ll discover what to do in Kenmare regardless of when you visit.

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. Kenmare Stone Circle

Remember those ancient roots I was talking about? The first stop in our guide to Kenmare is a pretty good example of the towns rich past.

You’ll find Kenmare Stone Circle a handy walk from the town centre. Here you’ll discover 15 heavy boulders in an ellipse-shaped circle that’s thought to date back to the Bronze Age (2,200 to 500 BC).

Known locally as ‘The Shrubberies’, it’s believed that it was used for various rituals or ceremonial purposes.

This is the perfect place to visit if you’re after a bit of peace and quiet. Grab a coffee from Puccini’s Coffee And Books and head for a stroll.  

3. Reenagross Woodland Park

Now if there’s something of an old romantic in you then you could do a lot worse than taking a walk through Reenagross Woodland Park.

Lying just to the south of Kenmare town centre, this green oasis of calm is wonderful for getting away from it all for an hour or two.

And if you’re with your special someone then you’d be foolish to miss the chance to take a lovers walk through the Rhododendron forest.

Forming a strikingly bright purple tunnel at certain times of the year, the path is as popular with photographers as it is couples and dog walkers.

If you’re wondering what to do in Kenmare on a fine morning, you can’t go wrong with a ramble around this place.

4. Seal-spotting in Kenmare Bay

Who doesn’t like seals? The wide-eyed marine mammals are always popular at zoos but here you’ve got the chance to see them in their natural habitat.

At 30 miles long and 12 miles wide, Kenmare Bay dominates south Kerry and is listed as a Special Area of Conservation thanks to its rare species and habitats.

These cruises offer you the chance to get up close with the seals and plenty of other interesting scenery and marine life.

5. A post-adventure pint and some live music

There are some mighty pubs in Kenmare, but I find myself returning to two of them more often than any others.

The first is Crowley’s, pictured above. This is a fine example of a traditional Irish pub with no distractions—just great Guinness, live trad music, and lively conversation. 

The second is Florry Batt’s. This is a small, old-school pub on Henry Street that serves one of the best pints of Guinness in town. Two brilliant pubs that never disappoint.

Fancy a bite to eat? There are looooooads of incredible restaurants in Kenmare that you can drop into for a casual feed or for a bit of fancy dining.

6. Star Outdoors Adventure Centre

Perched on the shores of Kenmare Bay, Star Outdoors is the ultimate adventure hub, offering a thrill-packed mix of land and water activities for all ages.

Take to the sea with kayaking, boat tours, or the high-speed Sea Safari, or tackle the Wild Atlantic Water Park’s slides and trampolines

On land, test your aim at archery and paintball, challenge yourself on The Gauntlet obstacle course, or enjoy a round of crazy golf.

If you’re looking for things to do in Kenmare with family or friends, this is a great shout!

7. Tom Crean Brewery

Step into the world of Tom Crean Brewery, where craft beer meets the legacy of one of Ireland’s greatest explorers.

This immersive brewery tour blends history, adventure, and innovation, celebrating Tom Crean’s Antarctic expeditions while showcasing the art of sustainable brewing.

Learn about the Crean family’s Centenary Expedition to South Georgia, see the state-of-the-art brewing process, and enjoy a guided tasting of four distinct beers, each crafted with the same bold spirit that fueled Crean’s legendary journeys.

This is a very handy option if you’re wondering what to do in Kenmare when it’s raining!

8. Molly Gallivan’s Visitor Centre

It’s not just ancient history that Kenmare specialises in. Located a 15-minute drive south of the town, Molly Gallivan’s Cottage and Traditional Farm offers a unique window into rural Irish life 200 years ago.

Long before electricity and modern tools changed everything, you’ll see farming methods and traditions as they were back then.

The thatched stone cottage is beautifully preserved and you’ll be able to meet the farm animals too. This is a solid option if you’re looking for things to do in Kenmare when it’s raining.

9. Bonane Heritage Park

The history lesson continues at Bonane Heritage Park, except this one combines hundreds of archaeological finds with some of Kerry’s most breathtaking scenery.

Not a bad pairing eh? Less than 15 minutes from Kenmare, the park is unique in that it contains sites from the Stone, Bronze and Iron ages.

And for anyone who’s sick of stone circles by now, just stand back and admire the gorgeous vistas and panoramas.

10. Kissane Sheep Farm

Perched high in the rugged mountains between Kenmare and Killarney, Kissane Sheep Farm is a true slice of Ireland’s pastoral heritage.

This family-run farm, nearly 200 years old, offers visitors the chance to see expert sheepdogs in action, herding flocks across the breathtaking landscape of Moll’s Gap.

In spring, watch newborn lambs take their first steps, and in summer, witness traditional sheep shearing up close.

A working farm at heart, Kissane provides daily demonstrations—no booking required.

11. Afternoon Tea in the Park Hotel

After all that heady stone admiring, you’re going to want to kick back and enjoy some of the finer things in life.

And where better than the Kenmare’s opulent Park Hotel? This elegant hotel has been in Kenmare since 1897 and their afternoon tea is a thing of beauty.

Indulge in loose leaf tea, finger sandwiches, freshly baked Irish scones and a selection of delicate pastries and cakes. Really push the boat out by throwing in a glass of luxurious champagne if it’s a special occasion.

Looking for places to stay in Kenmare? In our guide to the best guesthouses, B&Bs and hotels in Kenmare, you’ll find pocket-friendly and swanky places to sleep.

Things to do near Kenmare

Thanks to its location, Kenmare is a stone’s throw from a clatter of attractions, both man-made and natural, many of which sit along the Ring of Kerry route.

From scenic drives and hikes to waterfalls and plenty more, below you’ll discover a heap of things to do near Kenmare town.

1. The Ring of Kerry drive

One of Ireland’s most photographed locations and with good reason – Ladies View offers a majestic panorama of Killarney National Park.

Its quirky name is thanks to the admiration of the view taken by Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting during her visit to Kerry in 1861.

Only a 20-minute drive from Kenmare, there’s a café here too if you want to get some refreshments.

2. Molls Gap

Another gorgeous spot on the Ring of Kerry route, Moll’s Gap is a scenic viewpoint that’s just a short 11-minute drive from Kenmare.

Possibly upstaging Ladies View in the odd name stakes, Molls Gap comes from Moll Kissane, who ran a shebeen (an unlicensed pub) during the construction of the original Kenmare-Killarney road in the 1820s.

She was popular among the tough men who worked on the road thanks to her home-brewed whiskey.

Related read: Here’s how to decide between Kenmare or Killarney

3. Killarney National Park

Get your walking boots on! Home to Ireland’s tallest mountain range (the imposing McGillycuddy Reeks) as well as being its oldest national park, Killarney National Park is a rugged expanse of wilderness that’s just asking to be explored.

With lakes, trails, woodlands and waterfalls, the park is a sea of tranquillity and splendour that’s just a 40-minute drive from Kenmare.

If you visit the park, there’s a heap of other things to do in Killarney that’ll keep you entertained. Here are some Killarney guides to dive into:

• Killarney Guide
• Muckross House
• Muckross Abbey
• Killarney National Park Walks
• Torc Waterfall
• Where to stay in Killarney

4. Gleninchaquin Park

The family-owned Gleninchaquin Park has a small entrance fee to pay (6 euros) but it’s more than worth it for the idyllic walks and scenery.

In fact, the dramatic 140-metre high waterfall is worth the entrance fee alone. You’ll find the park a 30-minute drive south from Kenmare.

Gleninchaquin Park has six walks to accommodate a range of abilities so don’t worry if some of the mountains look a little intimidating. There’s something for everyone here.

What to do in Kenmare: where have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally missed out on some brilliant things to do in Kenmare in the guide above.

If you know of an attraction (or a pub, restaurant or cafe) that you want to shout about, let us know in the comments section below.