Kenmare, Ireland Guide: Top 21 Things to Do
* * *
Anyone looking to take in the gorgeous sites and scenery in Ireland should put the hidden-gem town of Kenmare, Ireland on their list of places to stay and visit.
Kenmare is the perfect destination for those looking for proximity to the Ring of Kerry and other popular southern Ireland attractions, but wishing for a quaint Irish town experience with amazing gourmet foods, friendly local Irish folk, plus quaint accommodations, shopping, and things to do.
Jump to…
Weather in Kenmare, Ireland
Top 5 Kenmare Restaurants
Where to Stay in Kenmare
Things to Do in Kenmare, Ireland
Top-Rated BEST Tours From Kenmare
What Is Kenmare Ireland Known For?
Kenmare is known for being “the jewel in the Ring of Kerry.”
It’s a small Irish country town located in County Kerry that is famous for its gourmet food, superb accommodation, and incredible scenery. Kenmare is also known for its pubs and vibrantly colored, characterful buildings.
Recently, Kenmare has been voted one of Europe’s Most Beautiful Towns (#11 according to CNN Travel).
Why Is Kenmare a Tourist Destination?
Kenmare makes for a popular tourist destination largely to its proximity and driving distance to some of the biggest tourist destinations in Ireland – The Ring of Kerry and The Ring of Beara.
Kenmare is a great place, perfectly located on the Wild Atlantic Way to provide a quaint, idyllic place to stay and explore for tourists looking to get a different perspective of Ireland’s scenery. Plus, it’s a walkers paradise and has plenty of its own incredible things to do.
For tourists looking to visit the nearby attractions, there are daily bus services in the summer months to Killarney and Monday to Friday during the off-season months.
How Far Is Kenmare From the Beach?
The town of Kenmare is on a beach with some of the hotels just a short walk away from the water. Kenmare is located at the head of the sea and the head of Kenmare Bay which stretches about 50km (31m) from Kenmare out to the Atlantic Ocean.
How Big Is Kenmare Ireland?
Kenmare, Ireland is not very big at all with a population of around 3,000 people. There are still plenty of things to do and access to all necessary amenities within the town, all while still allowing for the small Irish village feel that so many people look for while visiting or living in Ireland.
>>> RELATED POST: 21 Top-Rated Day Trips From Killarney
Weather in Kenmare Ireland
The best time of year to visit Kenmare is from late June to early September during the summer when the weather is warmest and there is less chance of rain. However, you will find spectacular scenery year round.
The weather in Kenmare typically varies in temperature from 40°F (4.4°C) to 65°F (18.3°C) and is rarely below 33°F (0.5°C) or above 71°F (21.7°C).
The summers in Kenmare are mild and partly cloudy and the winters are typically cold, wet, and mostly cloudy. It is windy and rains often in Kenmare pretty much year-round.
Top 5 Best Kenmare Ireland Restaurants
For such a small town, Kenmare Ireland is packed with delicious food and great places to eat. To pick just a few of the best Kenmare restaurants:
1. Mulcahys
Consistently one of the BEST restaurants in Kenmare and up there with some of the finest dining establishments in Ireland. Their presentation is superb and they make a tender chicken breast and incredible homemade Guinness bread.
2. No. 35 Kenmare Restaurant
By far one of the best Irish restaurants in Kenmare, and up there with the best across Ireland as well. This restaurant is family-run and uses the best local in-season ingredients.
3. Lime Tree Restaurant
This rustic-style restaurant is built in an 1832 building and includes an art gallery. Lime Tree Restaurant is known for its lamb and fish dishes and its superb, award-winning service.
4. Kenmare Brewhouse
This Kenmare, Ireland restaurant is great for more casual vibes with amazing food, beverages, and service. They have friendly staff and incredible burgers.
5. O Donnabhain’s Traditional Irish Gastro Bar
Stop by this Traditional Irish restaurant for filling, delicious, and reasonably priced meals. Plus, they serve some great beers and often have live music!
Another bonus option is PF McCarthy’s, one of Kenmare’s oldest restaurants. It’s the best place for a great atmosphere and genuine, friendly service with live music ranging from traditional music sessions to rock, folk, and singer-songwriter nights.
Need to Rent a Car?
My go-to car rental service in Ireland is Discover Cars. They compare prices across the leading car rental services to find you the lowest prices and best deals.
🚗 CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR YOUR RENTAL CAR
Top 3 Best Kenmare Ireland Hotels
Kenmare, Ireland is full of adorable and quaint accommodations to fit your needs and style of travel. Here are just 3 of the top-rated and recommended places to stay in Kenmare.
6. The Courtyard at Sheen Falls Country Club
The Sheen Falls Lodge is a gorgeous property and all rooms feature a living and dining room space. Just one mile (1.6km) from Kenmare, guests love the location, cleanliness, and incredible details such as the complimentary welcome pack of a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates.
❗CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY❗
7. The Happy Pig Kenmare, Ireland
For those looking for a B&B style stay, The Happy Pig has exceptional reviews and comes highly recommended as one of the top places to stay in Kenmare. It is a quick 0.5 miles (0.8km) from the town center, has gorgeous mountain and garden views, and includes a full English/Irish breakfast each morning.
❗CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY❗
8. Brook Lane Hotel
For a more traditional hotel stay, check out the Brook Lane Hotel. Rooms are spotless and the staff is incredibly friendly, plus gourmet Irish and international food is available at The Brook Lane Restaurant. This hotel is just one mile from the incredible Kenmare Golf Club.
❗CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY❗
Or, you can use the map below to compare locations and pricing. This interactive map is AMAZING, it pulls the best deals from across many different booking platforms. Use the filters to adjust for your budget and preference!
Best Things to Do in Kenmare Ireland
Kenmare is best known for its proximity to the Ring of Kerry and Beara Peninsula as well as two mountain ranges: the Caha Mountains and the Slieve Miskish Mountains. There are many great sites to see and things to do within the city of Kenmare as well.
9. Scuba Dive in Kenmare Bay
While the cold waters of Ireland are not typically at the top of most people’s bucket lists, Kenmare Bay Diving offers up to 30 dive sites in the area with incredible biodiversity.
10. Go Fishing
There are plenty of spots along Kenmare Bay to try your hand at catching some fish. The most caught fish here are the Queen Snapper, the Southern Kingfish, the Gafftopsail catfish, and the Schoolmaster Fish.
11. Play at One of the Two Kenmare Ireland Golf Courses
The Kenmare Golf Club and the Ring of Kerry Golf Club offer world-class courses with unique topography and incredible views throughout. Either golf course will be a superb game and an excellent way to spend an afternoon.
12. Visit the Kenmare Ireland Stone Circle
Just a 5-minute walk from Kenmare’s town center, the Kenmare Stone Circle is one of the largest stone circles in SW Ireland. It consists of 15 boulders in a circle that date back to the Bronze Age (2,200 to 500 BC) and were believed to be used for various rituals or ceremonies.
13. Go On a “Seafari” Around Kenmare Bay
One of the most fun things to do in Kenmare is to get out and cruise around the bay. This Seafari tour takes you about 6 to 10 miles around the bay to see seals, eagles, and the gorgeous scenery on land. You will get unobstructed and splendid panoramas of the Cork and Kerry Mountains accompanied by live commentary and Irish music.
14. Stroll Along Kenmare Bay
If you aren’t much of a boat person, take a stroll along the bay to see some of the sites at your own leisure and take in the picturesque town by foot.
15. Take a Walk Through Reenagross Woodland Park
A gorgeous wooded peninsula, the Reenagross Woodland Park has over 3km (almost 2 miles) of walking trails. You will see a diverse range of habitats home to a wide variety of plants and animals and some unique archaeological features.
16. Visit Molly Gallivan’s Traditional Irish Farm
This 200-year-old Cottage & Traditional farm offers many fun activities from experiencing traditional Irish farm life, to shopping at the craft shop, stopping into the tea room, and watching the Irish music and dance shows.
17. See the Art at Purcell Gallery
Artists are drawn to the idyllic scenery in and around Kenmare, and these exhibits focus on the contemporary fine arts made by the local artists.
18. View Cromwell’s Bridge
Cromwell’s Bridge is a gorgeous old Irish bridge built in AD 500 to link the monks to their sacred well.
❗Don’t forget to book your travel insurance❗
You should always have insurance when traveling, especially when participating in more extreme activities (though it is always a good idea regardless). I use and recommend SafetyWing for medical and travel insurance. It is affordable, reliable, and flexible insurance.
To purchase insurance directly from SafetyWing, CLICK HERE.
Top Rated Tours From Kenmare Ireland
For those who appreciate the ease of booking guided tours, Kenmare is a fantastic place to stay near some of Ireland’s top attractions and a starting point for many incredible guided tours of the region.
19. Private Tour of the Ring of Kerry, Skellig Ring, and Kerry Cliffs
Price: $82 (€76)
*This is the NUMBER ONE best tour to take from Kenmare if you want to get a taste of the best of the Southern Ireland region.*
Explore the Iveragh Peninsula with your private guide and choose the top sights that YOU want to see. Some of the most interesting landmarks on your scenic drive include Ballycarbery Castle, Cromwell’s Bridge, Torc Waterfall (in the Gap of Dunloe), Muckross House, Ladies’ View, Roughty River, the Skellig Ring, the Stone Circle, and Valentia Island.
The guide of this tour is incredible with a knowledge and love of Ireland that makes for a truly memorable experience. The price can’t be beaten for all you will see and do. Plus, a private tour that curates to your taste will take you to the places the big tour coaches won’t go to or cannot access.
>>> RELATED POST: Top 5 BEST Ring of Kerry Tours
20. Private Tour: Dingle Penninsula
Price: $82 (€76)
The same tour company customizes your journey and stay in Kenmare to accommodate tours of both the Dingle Penninsula and (see below) the Ring of Beara as well.
The Dingle Penninsula tour stops at a few amazing locations including an incredible view of the mountains and lakes of Killarney National Park, Dingle Crystal workshop, Kilmalkedar Church, and Conor Pass. You will see adorable Irish villages and some stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Blasket Islands.
21. Private Tour: Ring of Beara
Price: $82 (€76)
Beyond exploring the Ring of Beara, this tour will make stops at Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm, Derreen Gardens, Uragh Stone Circle, and Allihies Copper Mine Museum.
Kenmare, Ireland will likely become your favorite stop while visiting Ireland as a tourist or as an expat! This quaint town will steal your heart as you explore gorgeous nature, visit top attractions, eat delicious meals, and meet friendly locals.
Related Posts:
Scotland vs. Ireland
Dublin Pub Crawls
Jobs in Ireland for Expats
Looking for resources to use for your next trip or move abroad?
CLICK HERE for my favorite travel and expat tools!
☘️FAQs About Ireland☘️
✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to Ireland?
1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal
❗Is Travel Insurance Required in Ireland?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing.
>>>CLICK HERE FOR INFO
☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest and rains the least but you will have the most crowds.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have more rain but you will beat the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).
🏠 Where Should You Stay in Ireland?
Hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available in Ireland for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Hostelworld
• Vrbo (usually better options than Airbnb in Ireland)
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)
☘️ Where Can You Find Tours?
I found incredible tours in Ireland >>>HERE for private and guided group tours of both the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.
🚘 Should You Rent a Car in Ireland?
I always tell my friends and family to rent a car in Ireland so that they don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! However, if you plan to stay only in the cities, then you should be fine getting by with buses and walking.
>>> What to know about driving in Ireland
>>> The best car rental in Ireland
🍻 Make sure to try out the pubs! Even if you don’t drink, the atmosphere, live music, and friendly people are very uniquely Irish.
