Arguably the loveliest town in Kerry, Kenmare (or Neidín, meaning “small nest”) is located at the tip of the Kenmare River (which is actually a bay) and the Sheen River. William Petty, one of the founders of the Royal Society, was granted the area of Kenmare by Oliver Cromwell, whom he worked under as his surveyor general. It was his progeny, the first Marquis of Landsdowne, who actually set it up as a town of stylish streets with two triangular sections forming the town's center.

The best places to see in Kenmare include:

Kenmare Heritage Centre and Druid Circle

Accessible from town, the Druid Circle is a fifteenth-century stone ring that was once a sacrificial altar. To learn more about it, visit the Heritage Centre (064 41 233) museum, located in the tourist office. Exhibit open July–August: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. May–June and September: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M. Closed October–April. Admission 2/3.

Kenmare Lace and Design Centre

For those with a thing for lace, the Kenmare Lace and Design Centre (064 42 978), located above the tourist office, will truly please. With the passing down of the art, the Poor Clare Nuns became world famous for the craft. For nearly 100 years, the girls who learned the skill were able to fend off the famine. Some were even commissioned by British royalty. Open April–October: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M. November–March: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 A.M.–1:30 P.M. Admission free.