Places to Visit

Kenmare is surrounded by the beauty of Kerry, is the gateway to the Beara and Iveragh Peninsula's and offers an abundance of places to visit. To the north is Killarney National Park with its glorious scenery - typically ladies view in the picture above. While in the park a visit to Tork Waterfall, pictured on the left, is a must. Killarney town offers much to the visitor including Muckross House, Muckross Abbey, Muckross traditional Farms, Ross Castle, Killarney Model Railway and the Museum of Irish Transport.

To the south west and north west are the Beara and Iveragh Peninsula's respectively. Both offer spectacular scenery. The Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula is a wonderful array of sea-coast, lake, river, blanket bog, forest and magnificent mountains. Washed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream the winters are mild and sub-tropical plants thrive in sheltered locations.

In Kenmare the Book of Kells exhibition can be seen above the Kenmare bookshop. The Kenmare Heritage Centre features an archaeological background to the town, the effect of the potatoe famine and the emigration of Kenmare citizens to America and other locations. The Kenmare Lace and Design Centre displays antique laces and demonstrations in lace making - see below.

Kilgarvan, a short drive away, houses the Kilgarvan Motor Museum, a collection of vintage and classic cars combined with an exhibition of automobile posters, pictures, motorcycles, tractors and engines.

Kenmare Seafari is a two hour discovery of marine creatures and wildlife in and around Kenmare Bay. Knowledgeable staff give information on the flora, fauna and history of the local area.

The Michael J. Quill Centre, Kilgarvan, is named after the local trade unionist who rose to fame in New York. The centre was created to aid the development of the mentally handicapped in the area of crafts. It also houses a local heritage museum.