Sitting at the head of Kenmare Bay, between the Iveragh and Beara Peninsulas, Kenmare is one of the prettiest and most useful bases in southwest Ireland. Colourful shopfronts line the streets, mountains rise in every direction, and within a short drive you can be on the Ring of Kerry, heading deep into Beara or walking through quiet woodland beside the bay. The town has a distinctive triangular street layout with bright shopfronts and independent businesses packed closely together — expect independent shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants, galleries and local crafts. You don't really need a map. Just wander. For us, Kenmare works best as somewhere you stay, not somewhere you simply pass through.

One of the most interesting things about Kenmare is that a major prehistoric monument sits only a short walk from the centre. Kenmare Stone Circle is probably the largest stone circle in southwest Ireland — an unusual egg-shaped circle measuring around 17.4m by 15.8m, with 15 large boulders and a central boulder burial. The capstone at the centre is estimated to weigh almost seven tonnes. Its egg-shaped form is unique among Munster stone circles, and because it's so close to town this is an easy stop even if you're only spending a few hours in Kenmare. South of town, Bonane Heritage Park offers a walking route through a landscape filled with stone circles, ringforts and standing stones — a brilliant companion if prehistoric history interests you.

Kenmare Bay is one of the town's biggest natural attractions. The sheltered waters make it ideal for kayaking, boat trips, wildlife watching, fishing and coastal walks. Sea safari and seal-watching trips run from the pier, and the bay can be beautifully still on a calm day. For an easy walk, the Reenagross Park loop is around 3km starting from the Square and passing through wooded paths beside the Kenmare River — graded easy and good for families, with a chance of spotting herons, seabirds, seals and sea otters. The Pier and Peninsula Walk is another easy option at roughly 2km there and back, with lovely bay views. Kenmare also sits on the Kerry Way, and one longer option follows the Old Kenmare Road towards Torc Waterfall and Killarney National Park — around 16km and roughly five hours, with return transport needed.

Kenmare has an excellent food reputation. For a relatively small town there's a huge choice of seafood, modern Irish cooking, cafés, bakeries, traditional pubs and fine dining. Tom Crean Brewery — connected with the family of the famous Antarctic explorer — is one of the standout food-and-drink attractions, combining craft beer, family history and food. The Kenmare Foodie Tour introduces visitors to local producers, cafés and artisan food businesses around town. There's also a popular farmers market with local food, baked goods, produce, crafts and artisan products. Kenmare's pub scene is strong too, with live music common throughout the year and the town's compact layout meaning you can move between pubs on foot.

Kenmare is one of the best bases for exploring the Ring of Kerry, sitting on the southern side of the route with easy access towards Sneem, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Killarney, Moll's Gap and Ladies View. North of Kenmare the road climbs towards Moll's Gap — one of the classic scenic stretches between Kenmare and Killarney, winding through mountains before dropping towards Killarney National Park. Head south and west and you're immediately into the Beara Peninsula, opening up Healy Pass, Castletownbere, Eyeries, Allihies, Garnish Island and wild Atlantic scenery. The Healy Pass crosses the Caha Mountains between Kerry and Cork through hairpin bends with huge views across lakes and valleys. Nearby Gleninchaquin Park is a privately managed valley known for waterfalls, mountain scenery, walking trails and dramatic glacial landscapes.Torc Waterfall and Muckross Abbey are both within easy reach of Kenmare via the Old Kenmare Road and Killarney National Park, making Kenmare an excellent quieter southern base for exploring the wider Kerry landscape.

We'd recommend staying at least two nights — three is better. A simple itinerary: Day 1 exploring Kenmare town, the Stone Circle, Reenagross Park and the bay; Day 2 on the Ring of Kerry and Moll's Gap; Day 3 on the Beara Peninsula or Gleninchaquin. Kenmare works year-round, with May and June offering long days and excellent walking conditions, September giving a lovely balance between daylight and fewer crowds, and autumn and winter being excellent for food-focused weekends. The town has a year-round events programme including the Carnegie Arts Centre, which hosts theatre, live music, film and exhibitions. Kenmare is in south County Kerry at the head of Kenmare Bay, approximately 34km from Killarney.