Fascinating Facts About Kenmare Town In Ireland






by William F. Greene


Located in the center of Kenmare Bay, approximately 32 kilometres south of Killarney, the small town of Kenmare is an ideal base for the visitor while they explore all that Ireland's South West has to offer . It offers a bridge between the magnificent Ring of Kerry and the mountainous Ring of Beara, whilst providing top class food, excellent accommodation and superb views in what is now among the last remaining "untouched" environments on the continent of Europe.

In the latter 16th century, Sir Valentine Browne, from whom the Earl of Kenmare descended, received land in the Plantation of Munster. In the latter 17th century the same lands were given to Sir William Petty as a portion of his salary for carrying out the Down Survey ( the mapping of Ireland ). He later presented the blueprints of what's now Kenmare town. Three streets form a triangle in the city centre ; Main Street, Henry Street and Shelbourne Street. The 1st, Main Street, was called William Street when the town was first established, in honour of Sir William, first Marquis of Lansdowne. Henry Street, ( called Sound Road at the town's inception ), was named in honour of his child. Shelbourne Street was named after Henry Petty, first Earl of Shelburne.

Kenmare won the 'Tidy Towns' competition in 2000 and 2008 and placed as a runner-up in 2003. This was due to its characteristic buildings and the pride which its inhabitants take in the town's appearance. Kenmare is located on 2 remarkably favored holiday maker trails - the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara. The world famous Ring of Kerry takes the visitor through picture postcard cities and villages such as Sneem, Caherdaniel and Cahirciveen. The Ring of Beara might be less famous than the Ring of Kerry but in a way this is an advantage, as while exploring its length and breadth you'll feel as though you have the trail to yourself.

Naturally, Kenmare's beauty as well as the remarkable quality of its food and accommodation mean it is deserving of a visit, but it also doubles up as a launching pad from which to experience the close by hiking trails, bay, lakes, and golfing courses, which are a sample of the host of facilities in the area. To the north, gorgeous woodland mountain perspectives and perspectives of the Lakes of Killarney can be discovered in the Killarney National Park. You can experience the splendour of all of these attractions from a height while travelling along the Kenmare / Killarney Road

Over the years Kenmare Lace has had many fans among the nobility, including Queen Alexandra, for whom King Edward VII gave a collarette, and Queen Elizabeth II, who for her wedding was given an antique Kenmare Needlepoint bed-cover. Pope Leo XIII was presented with a Kenmare needlepoint rochet by the Irish group, while in 1980 Pope John Paul II was given an embroidered mitre. The Folk Museum and the Nation's Museum hope to compile a record of the Kenmare Lace collection for generations yet to come, and a documentary of the production process has featured on RTE.




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