The below experiences and activities can be enjoyed at a casual pace over a few days while visiting Kenmare.
I have bundled the experiences together according to the parish in which they are located within a few miles radius of Kenmare, Co Kerry.
Kenmare Parish
Reenagross which is just below the Park Hotel grounds.
Reenagross or Rinn na gCros, Irish for the Headland of the Crosses or the Muddy Point.
The park is a wooded peninsula set within the beautiful landscape of Kenmare Bay.
There is over 3km of walking trails in Reenagross park, along with the diverse range of habitats that are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, archaeological features and places of interest.
Then stroll over via the side entrance to the Pier for a swim or picnic, a great option is to take a trip down Kenmare bay on Ceann Mara boats trips.
Duration 4hours plus
Walk the old Killarney road
Option to start from Kenmare Holy Cross Church carpark and proceed to walk straight up past the schools and up the hill or drive up the hill and park at the T junction.
Duration approx 4hrs plus
Kenmare Heritage sites
Stroll over the creamary bridge down by Rogers Butchers and turn left after the bridge.
Visit the Holy Well then across the road at the end of the terrace houses climb over cromwell bridge (handmade stone Arch) proceed to follow the track ,then up the lane to the stone circle at the back of the town.
Approx duration 1 to 2 hours
The Roughty Loop
-Walk or jog from Kenmare town to the Roughty bridge approx 6 km loop, stop into the old Kenmare graveyard and visit St Finan well down on the shoreline. This loop will entail you passing the Suspension bridge, the famous now shut down Riversdale Hotel, The Sheen Falls Hotel, The Killowen Old church.
The Kenmare golf course is wonderful also for a round of golf.
Outdoor Hospitality
Davitts restaurant which has a beer garden on Henry street is good for lunch.
Tom Creans and the Landswowne Arms Hotel on the top on main street are nice for an outdoor evening meal also.
Pop into Maison Gourmet for the best pastries and also try Puccinni”s at the top of Henry street for an amazing Coffee experience.
The Roughty Bar and The Wander Inn Bar are good spots good for watching live sports outdoors in a covered area.
The Coachmans Bar & Crowleys bar on Henry street are good spots for live music.
Visit the Kenmare Tourism office by the Courthouse to pick up walking trial maps and many more useful leaflets.
A breakfast fry up in Cafe Mocha or the Atlantic Bar in The Square will surely fill your stomachs for the day ahead.
There is a Kids playground by Super Valu so you kids can play while you grab a bit of shopping.
Avail of a family outdoor photoshoot from one of the many kenmare photographers.
Bonane
Head over the suspension bridge keep going straight till you see the signpost after Bonane Primary school.
Bonane Heritage Park
It boasts one of the most significant archaeological sites in Ireland as well as making the perfect setting for photographers and walkers and kids to play.
Proceed on up to main road to MOLLY GALLIVANS COTTAGE & TRADITIONAL FARM
Molly’s enchanting cottage is over 200 years old. Her farm is complete with animals, fowl and traditional farm machinery. On the farm you will also visit the ghostly ruins of a family dwelling from the era of the Great Famine and a Neolithic Stone Row that forms part of an ancient sun calendar. 5000 years of history on a 500m walk.
Duration 3 hrs
Tuosist
Head out over the suspension bridge and take first right heading on the Tousist road heading towards Castletownbere.
Star outdoors which is along this road offers water activities and boat trips.
Use google Maps and keep your eyes peeled for the signposts !
Gleninchaquin Park provides breath-taking landscapes and scenery, the walks around the waterfall, cascades, streams, woodlands and lakes are accessible for all ages. The remains of Fillachta Fiadhs (ancient cooking sites) and ancient 18th century dwellings are also on site. Feel free to bring your own lunch or picnic basket as there are many picnic tables throughout the park.
Note bring your hiking or walking shoes and change of clothes and the mobile reception is very weak at Gleninchaquin Park.
Then Drive on to Helens Bar at Killmackogue pier where you will receive a warm welcome , a tasty feed with alot of fresh seafood items on the menu.
Duration 7 hours plus this involves about under 2 hours total driving from and back to Kenmare town.
Templenoe
Head out the Sneem road towards the parish of Templenoe home to many past and present Kerry Footballers.
First stop is Dromquinna Stables, which offers enjoyment of horses and ponies to everyone, beginner to experienced riders alike.
Then onto the picturesque Coss Strand for sunbathing and a swim, afterwards fill your hungry stomachs at Whartons fish & Chips which is at the main road crossroads from Templenoe pier.
Emerald Outdoors for Kayaking under the stars is also well recommended by many people.
Molls Gap/ The Black Valley
Cycle/ walk in The Black valley which joins into the Gap of Dunloe ,make sure to visit Lord Brandons Cottage and enjoy an ice cream or bowl of Soup.
Approx duration 6 hours plus.
I hope you found this piece helpful and that your mind benefited from the reduced digital viewing and online scrolling during your stay in Kenmare.
