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Description

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Kenmare is a haven of tranquillity gourmet food superb accommodation and breathtaking scenery in one of the most natural unspoilt environments in Europe Cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay the picturesque town of Kenmare is the perfect location from which to discover the South West of Ireland linking the internationally famous Ring of Kerry with the rugged Ring of Beara

Founded in 1670 though many generations have passed since then the unique charm and inherent beauty of the town remains unchanged The Tourist Board Boacuterd Faacuteilte officially recognised the historical cultural and environmental significance of Kenmare by bestowing upon it the title of Kerrys first Heritage Town

The Ring of Kerry known all over the world follows the coastline of the Iveragh peninsula It is one of the most dramatic scenic drives in the country and makes a most exciting day tour Along the 175km route are picturesque villages an abundance of historical landmarks sandy coves and beaches

To the north of Kenmare is the Killarney National Park 10000 hectares of woodland and magical mountains with spectacular views of the lakes of Killarney

The unspoiled Ring of Beara lies to the south of Kenmare Its rugged beauty is beyond compare traffic is minimal and it abounds with archeological sites and spectacular views

Whether it is walking on the mountains cruising on the bay horse riding golfing fishing touring or soaking up the best of music you will not be disappointed in Kenmare

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History

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History
The Irish Language

Irish is an IndoEuropean language a member of the Celtic language group The Celtic language family is made up of the Continental Celtic languages consisting of Celtiberian Gaulish and Galatian and the Insular Celtic languages of the socalled British Isles

Kenmare Suspension Bridge

In the early nineteenth century Irelands primitive road network was being greatly expanded and improved As part of this improvement a direct road from Kenmare to Bantry was proposed The first official reference to this direct route appears in the report on Public Works in 1833

Carnegie Hall Kenmare

The Carnegie Trust built Kenmare library like many others throughout the English speaking world shortly after the outbreak of the First World War of 1914 18 Read more about the Kenmare Carnegie Hall

The connections

A nice article about the past The American Connection The Dublin Connection Sir William Petty etc

The Kenmare Stone Circle by Fr Aquinas

The Kenmare Stone Circle is reported to be the biggest in the south west of Ireland Stone Circles were built during the Bronze Age 2200500 BC for ritual and ceremonial purposes They were often orientated on certain solar and lunar events

Kenmare Lace

In 1864 the Poor Clare nuns under the leadership of Mother Abbess OHagan set upon a practical course to help the needy to help themselves by establishing an industrial school in the convent building There young girls were chiefly employed in producing lace

Cappanacuss Castle

We have all heard the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the many songs associated with him the Skye Boat song My Bonnie lies over the Ocean My Ghile Mear etc His companion during the campaign in Scotland 174546 was John OSullivan of Cappanacuss Castle near Kenmare