10 Things To Do In Kenmare, Ireland (For 2024)

Kenmare is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Ireland. It is part of the popular tourist trail Ring of Kerry. The word Kenmare is an anglicized form of Ceann Mara which means the “head of the sea”.

This is because the town is located at the head of Kenmare Bay where the Roughty River flows into the bay in between Iveragh Peninsula and the Beara Peninsula.

This panoramic location of Kenmare is what attracts the tourists into it. There are also lots of awesome things to do in Kenmare aside from admiring its natural beauty.

Kenmare is also more quiet and tranquil than its neighbors – Killarney and Dingle. Although beautiful in their own way, if peace is what you prefer, this town tops our Ring of Kerry destinations.

10 Things To Do In Kenmare, Ireland (For 2024)

1. Learn the history from Kenmare Heritage Centre

Kenmare Heritage Centre provides an integral insight into the history of the town.

The tours cover several themes including famous people who visited this little town, the history, and heritage of Kenmare and the effects of the Great Famine to the local people.

Opening Hours

Jun-Aug: 9am-6pm; Easter-May and Sep: daily except Thu and Sun 9.30am-5pm – closed in low season

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Location: Tourist Information Centre, The Square, Kerry

Phone: +353 64 6641233

2. Feel the magic in Kenmare Stone Circle

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Known locally as The Shrubberies this is one of the largest stone circles in southwest Ireland measuring 17.4 x 15.8m and it is the only egg-shaped stone circle in Munster province.

Stone Circles were built during the bronze age believed to be used for ritual and ceremonial purposes.

Opening Hours

The stone circle is accessible all year round and no gate or barrier so you can come anytime.

Admission Fee

€2 through honor donation

Contact Information

Location: 52 Market St, Co. Kerry, Ireland

3. Try angling in Sheen River

The Sheen River flows into the head of Kenmare Bay and it’s known as a salmon fishery area. The Sheen is subject to violent floods, which can disappear just as quickly as they arrived.

4. Join a Seal Watching Cruise in Kenmare Ireland

Watching seals from their own habitat is one of the best things to do in Kenmare. The boat cruises to one of the largest seal colonies in Ireland with over 300 seals to observe in their own habitat.

Aside from the seals, you will also witness several birds and animals in the area. Along with the scenic view of castles, coastlines and rugged cliffs from the boat

Opening Hours:

For sailing times, it is advisable to contact the cruise company using the phone number below.

Admission Fee

Adults: €25.00

Children Under 12: €12.50

Teenagers: €15.00

Family 2 Adults & 2 Children €60.00

Contact Information

Location: No. 3 Pier Road, County Kerry

Email: book@seafari.ie

Phone: +353 (0)64 664 2059

5. Shop at Kenmare Farmers Market

If you want to try local food, crafts, plants, and other local delicacies, visiting Kenmare Farmers Market is a must. The farmers market offers wide selections of locally produced products.

Opening Hours

Every Wednesday from  10 am-4 pm

Admission Fee

Free except what you buy

Contact Information

Location: An Cro, Bridge Street

Email: N/A

Phone: +353 64 6682926

6.Kissane Sheep Farm

 

 

 

 

 

 

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If you want to meet sheep in their own environment, watching the sheepdog demonstration will make your day.

Even better if you have children with you as it’s one of those must-dos with kids while in this area. Kissane Sheep Farm is a large mountain sheep farm that offers this unique activity in Kenmare.

Opening Hours

For the opening hours,  click here.

Admission Fee

Adults: €7.00 Per Adult.

Students: €6.00 Per Student.

Child Under 5 – Free of Charge.

Child Over 5 and under 11 years of Age: €5.00

Contact Information

Location: Kissane Sheep Farm, Moll’s Gap

Email: info@kissanesheepfarm.com 

Phone: +353 87 260 0410

7. Relax at Reenagross Park Kenmare

Reenagross Park is a small park along the banks of Roughty river. This park has over a 3km walking trail with a scenic view of the beautiful landscape of Kenmare Bay.

Opening Hours:

Open 24 hours

Admission Fee

Free

Contact Information

Location: Killowen, Co. Kerry

Phone: +353 83 318 9517

8. Take a picture of Cromwells Bridge

This historical bridge was built and paid by Catholic Sir Richard Shireburne to help Protestants cross the river to attend the service in nearby Protestant church.

However, Protestant Cromwell arrived on the north and subdued the Catholics and renamed the bridge after him.

9. Have a picnic Kilmakilloge

Kilmakilloge is a discovery point in the banks of the Kenmare river. This scenic spot is a good place to just relax and spend quiet time with your family or friends. And it also offers a great place for a picnic.

10.Join The Kerry Hills Traditional Music School

Music is a big part of Irish culture. And you can find several pubs offering Irish traditional music up to this day.

If you want to take your trad music knowledge a notch, joining this traditional music school can help you with that. 

The Kerry Hills Traditional Music School provides one on one session or group classes for trad music and instruments.

For more information, contact the trad music school directly.

Contact Information

Email: music@seangarvey.ie

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Christine Rogador

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.