Kenmare

Founded in 1670, Kenmare is a haven of tranquility, stunning scenery and gourmet food. Situated in the South West of Ireland on the internationally famous ring of Kerry, it is an ideal centre for touring Kerry and West Cork. Known as the Jewel in the ring, Kenmare is located in Kenmare Bay, where the Roughty River meets the sea.

With a population of around 2000, Kenmare is also located on the rugged ring of Beara, and is only 2 miles from Killarney. Kenmare is steeped in history, there is a stone circle adjacent to the town which dates from 2200 - 500 B.C.

Recent years has seen kenmare win the tidiest town in Ireland award and is a haven for traditional arts and crafts. If thats not your thing, why not enjoy a round of golf in kenmares golf course.

The modern town was laid out in circa 1670 by the English nobleman, Sir William Petty 1st Marquis of Lansdowne. The three main streets that form a triangle in the centre of the town are called Main Street (originally William Street, after the Marquis), Henry Street (after the son of William) and Shelbourne Street, which was named after the Earl of Shelbourne.

However, the area has more ancient roots. There is one of the biggest stone circles in Ireland very close to the town, showing occupation by Celtic peoples long before English occupation.

Vikings are said to have raided the area and named it the 'Head of the Sea'. This translates into the Irish Ceann Mara and was corrupted by the English into the modern day name of Kenmare.

The town is noted for its lace work, introduced by the Poor Clare Sisters, and for receiving Ireland's tidiest town award in 2000.

According to the fiction of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books, Kenmare is the Home of the Quidditch team, Kenmare Kestrels