Kenmare: Stone Circle, Lace Art and Kenmare Bay

Kenmare combines distinctive cultural sites with a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. An oval stone circle, historical themes and traditional lacework give the town a distinctive cultural character. If you prefer walking or spending time on the water, there are plenty of experiences to choose from, ranging from a short loop on asphalt to guided tours on Kenmare Bay. This variety helps you decide what to focus on during your stay before looking for a suitable holiday rental in Kenmare.

An unusual stone circle and Kenmare’s history

The Kenmare Stone Circle is the only oval stone circle in Munster. Measuring 17.4 × 15.8 metres, it has a clearly defined shape and consists of 15 large boulders. At its centre is a stone chamber burial with a large capstone. The unusual oval layout and burial site make the stone circle a specific point of interest for anyone interested in early history and archaeological sites.

The Kenmare Heritage Centre focuses on Kenmare’s history and historic sites. Other topics covered include the effects of the Great Famine on Kenmare and the Landlords of Kenmare. The Kenmare Heritage Trail leads to historic sites within walking distance of the Heritage Centre; allow about 40 minutes for the walk.

Walks with a choice of routes

For a short walk after dinner, the Kenmare Town Loop Walk is one option: this 1 km asphalt loop starts at The Square. The Pier & Penninsula Walk also starts at The Square, but is described as an easy, 2 km return walk on asphalt. Together, the two routes offer a clear choice of distance and route type. The Reenagross Park Loop Walk offers a different experience: the easy 3 km trail follows a mixed surface through woodland and along the shores of the Kenmare River. If you prefer a route with woodland and shoreline sections, it is quite different from the two asphalt routes.

Experiences on Kenmare Bay

With Kenmare Bay Boat Tours, you can take a guided trip around Kenmare Bay. Along the way, you can see wildlife, seals and the mountain landscape. Star Outdoors offers a one-hour boat trip aboard the Star of Kenmare, a cruise boat with 45 seats. For independent activities on the water, Emerald Outdoors offers guided kayaking and paddleboarding tours on Kenmare Bay from its base in Kenmare. Star Outdoors also offers kayaking, boat trips and the Wild Atlantic Water Park in Kenmare. These options offer different kinds of experiences, from guided tours with views of the bay to a one-hour cruise and other water activities.

Lace art, events and local produce

At the Kenmare Lace and Design Centre, you can see antique lacework from the Poor Clare Convent in Kenmare, as well as original lace designs painted by nuns in the 19th century. Live demonstrations of various types of lace may also be available, subject to demonstrator availability: Kenmare Lace, Irish Crochet Lace, Carrickmacross Lace, Borris Lace and Bobbin Lace. The Kenmare Heritage Centre also has an exhibition about Kenmare Lace. Alongside the centre’s historical themes, this offers another way for culture enthusiasts to explore the town’s history.

The Kenmare Butter Market is an exhibition and events venue for contemporary art, as well as a music venue hosting classical, folk and jazz performances. For a culinary experience, Tom Crean Brewery Kenmare offers a brewery tour with tastings of four different beers. The Kenmare Market takes place every Wednesday at The Square, selling fresh local produce, homemade foods and crafts. Kenmare Golf Club rounds out the selection with an 18-hole parkland golf course designed by Eddie Hackett.

More town pages: Caherdaniel, Ventry, Anascaul, Glencar, Aughrim, Cahersiveen, Castlemaine and Dromod.

For the broader travel guide: County Kerry.