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Neighborhood · Kenmare, Kerry
Centro de Kenmare
Kenmare's planned centre, with three triangular streets of colourful houses, the market square, restaurants, craft shops and the information centre with the history of the local lace.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro de Kenmare
Kenmare was founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty, an English cartographer and administrator, as a mining and fishing village at the head of Kenmare Bay. In the 18th century the first Marquis of Lansdowne, heir to the lands, laid out the current centre: three main streets in a triangle — Henry Street, Main Street and Shelbourne Street — with the market square at one corner.
The streets have two- and three-storey houses painted in bright colours, with hand-painted signs, pubs, restaurants, bookshops and shops selling wool, ceramics and crafts. Because of its size and the number of restaurants, Kenmare is often remembered as a food stop on the Ring of Kerry.
The town has the tradition of Kenmare lace, made by needlework, which the Poor Clare nuns began teaching in 1862 to provide work for the local women after the Great Famine. The lace won international prizes at the end of the 19th century. The tourist information centre, near the square, has an exhibition about it.
From the centre, a short walk leads to the bay, with the suspension bridge to Beara and the small quay, and to the Kenmare Stone Circle, five minutes away.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 hour to walk the three streets and the square.
Best time
In the late afternoon, for walking and dinner. On summer weekends the town fills with people doing the Ring of Kerry.
How to get there
The centre is compact and walkable. The bus stop and car parks are close to the market square.
Tip
Book dinner in summer: the town centre restaurants tend to fill up. Beforehand, walk to the bay along Shelbourne Street.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro de Kenmare
Who founded Kenmare?
Sir William Petty, in 1670. The current layout, in a triangle, dates from the 18th century, from the first Marquess of Lansdowne.
Is Kenmare good for eating?
The town has many restaurants for its size, with fish from the bay and Kerry lamb. In summer, make a reservation.
Where can you see Kenmare lace?
At the tourist information centre, near the square, which has an exhibition on the lace, and in some shops in the centre.