The enchanting town of Kenmare, or Neidin (meaning 'the little nest') in Irish, is cradled in the mountainous landscapes of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. It's a quaint and tranquil spot that links the busy and beautiful Ring of Kerry with the quieter Beara Peninsula, both less than 30km away. One of Ireland's only planned towns, the centre is a small and neat triangle of streets lined with pastel-painted cafés, craft shops and galleries. Kenmare has all the charm of neighbouring Killarney, without the bustling coach tours.
Most hostels in Kenmare are run by locals who are a great source of information about the area. Stay in a rustic stone house and cosy up around the always-burning AGA cooker, or at a cottage-style Kenmare hostel surrounded by gardens and an orchard. For a pastoral experience there's a comfortable bed and free breakfast in a farmhouse with views of the mountains. Handy extras include free Wi-Fi, kitchens and en-suite bathrooms.
Kenmare sits at the gateway to both the Ring of Beara and the Ring of Kerry. The cycle routes of the Ring of Beara run through nearby towns, giving you the opportunity to visit picturesque villages and the rugged Beara Peninsula. The Ring of Kerry follows the ancient contours of the land formed during the Ice Age. It's an awe-inspiring journey past monasteries and Iron Age forts, majestic mountains, seaside towns and sandy beaches.
Because of its location on the scenic Wild Atlantic Way, some of the best things to do in Kenmare are outdoors. Explore the rolling hills of Bonane Heritage Park on bikes or horseback, or hike a trail through Gleninchaquin Park. Take kayaks on the serene Kenmare Bay or – if you can brave the temperatures – try scuba diving. The colourful farmer's market is held once a week and is full of delicious produce from around the region. There's also plenty of Guinness to be had, as well as food and live music, in the traditional Irish pubs.
Kerry Airport, a 50-minute drive away, is the closest airport to Kenmare, while Cork Airport is 80 minutes by car. Buses from both airports run to Killarney and Cork City, from where you can jump on a bus to Kenmare. Ferry services connect Ireland's south and south-east coasts with France and the UK. To reach other towns around the Ring of Kerry, catch a local bus that loops around the main route or a daily bus that links Kenmare to Glengarriff during the summer.
Top rated hostels in Kenmare
