The 9 Best Things to Do in Kenmare, Ireland

September 7, 2017 Jana Sager

The “little nest” of Kenmare is part of the famed Ring of Kerry, making it a prime stop for a spot of lunch and a pint. But before you go on your merry way, check out the area’s Bronze Age stone circle, one of the largest in southwest Ireland. The peaceful glens and streams of Gleninchaquin make a wonderful backdrop for a picnic, which you can work off on a walk along the Kenmare section of the Beara Way.
Restaurants in Kenmare

1. Molly Gallivan's Cottage & Traditional Farm

Glengarriff Rd | Releigh, Bonane, Kenmare, Ireland +353 64 664 0714
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 737 reviews

Molly Gallivan's Cottage & Traditional Farm

Molly Gallivan’s cottage and traditional farm invites you to take a step back in time to experience the simple country lifestyle in rural Ireland before the days of electricity and modern conveniences. Molly’s enchanting cottage is over 200 years old and her farm is complete with animals, fowl and traditional farm machinery. Molly’s old Tea Shop is very unique in Ireland, here you will taste locally made foods cooked and baked in the traditional fashion. We also hold traditional Irish evenings at Molly Gallivan’s cottage, these are nights of Irish food, music, song, dance and story telling, re-enacting the old customs that took place in Irish homes. Advanced booking is required for our Traditional Irish Evenings please contact us for availability and prices.

Reviewed By Joanne H

Had a tour of Molly's farm with a garden,donkey,pigs,chickens and grain.The original house,farm buildings still standing.Had an Irish Stew with bread made with soda and Apple crisp for desert.The wool for sweaters where beautiful..merino I think.The man and his wife were amazing and also had some moonshine.

Tuosist, Kenmare, Ireland +353 64 662 3200
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 528 reviews

Gleninchaquin

Small business. We also have a passion for nature, the countryside and conservation. We embrace both business & tourism in an effort to make your experience of Ireland a memorable one. We are a private park, we maintain everything at our own expense which is why we make a small charge on entry. There is much of Kerry that is inaccessible, our park offers access through well maintained paths together with facilities as you may expect at any attraction, washrooms, wheelchair access and much more. All of this takes funds to maintain and to enhance your experience here on Beara. We do however take exception to people who flout our not unreasonable requests such as not paying and arriving assuming they can drive straight in, ignoring our signage. If this is your attitude then you are not at all welcome and will be politely but firmly told to leave. B McCabe.

Reviewed By jbrover - Alicante, Spain

After an 8km drive on a narrow winding (donkey and cart) road with spectacular views, water, plantation, etc. we arrived at the parking lot of the reception area. Whilst we arrived with a blue/sunny sky half way on our 1st trail the heavens opened and we got quite soaked. Nevertheless, we were able to complete 1-1/2 trails prior to seeking refuge in the small tea room for a nice hot cup of coffee to warm up. Unfortunately, we were not equipped with the appropriate foot-wear (trainers) to continue on the other more challenging trails. Would highly recommend heavy duty wellies and/or trekking boots. The whole area is absolutely spectacular but, in my opinion, best enjoyed on a dry and sunny day to be able to utilize the picnic spots et al.

3. Holy Cross Church

Kenmare, Ireland 353-64-41233
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 88 reviews

Holy Cross Church

Reviewed By pasowine - Paso Robles, California

We stopped by here after Reading the reviews, even though it was nearly 6 PM and the church was open. I was impressed at the beautiful design and the stained glass windows. One of the nicest and simplest churches we saw on our Ireland trip - a very pleasant sanctuary.

4. Norman McCloskey Photography

4 Main Street, Kenmare, Ireland +353 87 274 4879
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 40 reviews

Norman McCloskey Photography

Photography gallery in the heart of Kenmare, showcasing the work of local landscape photographer Norman McCloskey. Norman has been photographing the landscape of Kerry, West Cork and beyond for over 25 years and his passion is still growing for working here. The gallery shows a selection of beautifully printed and framed limited edition work and all are welcome to come and browse !

Reviewed By abbeybchase - Chicago, Illinois

I visited Kenmare on a typical cold, wet, and dark August day the likes of which can only be found in Ireland. I noticed Norm's amazing photo of Skellig Michael in the window from a block away and immediately stopped in. I'm so glad I...MoreHi Abbey, thanks for your kind words. Lovely to meet you and I hope you enjoyed the rest of your travels ! Norman

5. Beara Way Walk

Kenmare, Ireland 353-64-41233
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
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0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 56 reviews

Beara Way Walk

Reviewed By shaneshowth - Dublin, Ireland

Good weather , though a little tricky getting oriented on the map. Off road and at the higher levels the trail was very wet, boots needed. No one else out , beautiful silent Valleys and invigorating vistas over Mountains lakes and the sea

6. Stone Circle

Market Street, Kenmare, Ireland 353-64-41233
Excellent
33%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 499 reviews

Stone Circle

Reviewed By enriquee737 - Mexico City, Mexico

Nice place to see if in Kenmare. Small stone circle, 5 minutes walking from downtown. Expensive for a 10 min visit.

7. Cromwell's Bridge

Bridge Street, Kenmare, Ireland 353-64-41233
Excellent
35%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 113 reviews

Cromwell's Bridge

Reviewed By CalcuttaJim - New York City, New York

This is a charming and mysterious ca. 11th-century arch bridge, which somehow still stands. It actually has nothing to do with Cromwell as the name may derive from an Irish word. If you appreciate ancient architecture, this is well worth a visit. One can walk up over it, but even a close stroll is rewarding.

8. Reenagross Park

Kenmare, Ireland
Excellent
49%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Reenagross Park

Reviewed By Ingrid J - Cincinnati, Ohio

The driveway of our rental house was directly across from the side entrance to this amazing park. Such a beautiful layout of paths - one along the bayside and one along the golf course. Unbelievable amount of foliage and greenery and trees. Also runs behind the lovely Park Hotel Kenmare which is also worth a stop into if only to enjoy the tranquil hotel lobby and sitting area that looks out over the park. We walked here several times during out 1 week stay and enjoyed it thoroughly. Definitely a hidden gem.

9. Derreen Gardens

Lauragh | 1.6km off R571, Kenmare Co Kerry, Ireland +353 64 668 3588
Excellent
41%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
9%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 127 reviews

Derreen Gardens

Derreen is a woodland garden that has a selection of narrow paths leading to the sea. You can choose a short stroll of about 40 minutes or take all day discovering the 8 miles of paths. Many of the plants were brought back from the Himalayas by the Victorian plant hunters. There is a cafe selling lunch or a selection of delicious hand made cakes during the summer months.

Reviewed By Deirdre o c - County Cork, Ireland

I would suggest the walk along the waters edge, not too long walks but definitely bring a picnic this place is beautifulI'm so glad you enjoyed your visit. We have a tea room too if you want a piece of cake next time?

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