The Irish Tourist Board, Bord Failte, officially recognised the historical, cultural and environmental importance of Kenmare by designating it Kerry's primary Heritage Town.
The Ring of Kerry, which is well-known all over the world, follows the coastline of the Iveragh peninsula. It is one of the most stunning scenic drives in Ireland and makes a most exciting day tour. Along the 175km route are some picturesque villages, numerous historical landmarks including castles, ogham stones and ring forts, as well as sandy coves and beaches.
To the north of Kenmare is the Killarney National Park, with its 10,000 hectares of forest and mountains, with truly spectacular views of the lakes of Killarney. The unspoiled Ring of Beara lies to the south of Kenmare. Its rugged beauty is legendary and it abounds in archeological sites and spectacular views many of which are remote and as yet untouched by commercial development. There are memorable views at places like Blackwater, Rossdohan Pier, Gleninchaquin, Clonee Lakes and the beaches at Allihies and Castlecove, to name but a few.
For the more energetic visitors, there is an abundance of activities. The surrounding countryside is dotted with many marked walking trails. Walking Festivals which take place on Easter and May and June offer walkers of all grades guided walks of various lengths. Watersports are in abundance with pleasure trips of Kenmare Bay to spot the seals, dolphins and other wildlife and there are many organised fishing trips where sea angling is available. Canoeing, windsurfing, sailing and water-skiing are available a short distance from the town. You can even charter a yacht tour the beautiful coastline of South-west Kerry and Cork. In the vicinity of Kenmare town there are a number of horse riding stables which have guided treks up the mountains, along the coast or through the woods. Treks of varying degrees of difficulty are available for both the novice or skilled rider. Both the Kenmare Golf Club and the Ring of Kerry Golf and Country Club are good class golf courses offering a challenging game over their 18 holes, and for the less experienced golfer there are numerous pitch and putt facilities in the Kenmare area.
The town itself is dotted with vivid coloured buildings, full of character, where there is genuine pride and concern for the immediate surroundings. The spotlessly clean streets boast a number of very artistic shopfronts with multi-coloured flower arrangements and hanging baskets adorning many of the buildings. Kenmare has won overall prize in the prestigious Tidy Towns competition in 2000 and 2008 and has retained the gold medal for tidiest small town in the intervening years.
There is a multinational feel to the town of Kenmare as it attracts visitors from all over the world and also very many people from Britain and Europe, attracted by its beauty and peacefulness, settled there throughout the past thirty years.
This small town has numerous excellent restaurants serving great quality food in Irish, French, Italian, Spanish and Chinese styles (to specify but a few) and it also hosts a weekly street market specializing in fresh fish, meat and vegetables as well as art, crafts and antiques. Traditional Irish music can be heard regularly on the streets and trad music sessions are a regular feature of night life in Kenmare.
Kenmare is a real delight for visitors of all ages.
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