There is a post office/general store under 2 km from the site along a quiet road leading towards the main road that takes you to Kenmare town, or in the opposite direction along the Beara peninsula. There are two local pubs both serving snacks or main meals within 8 km and many more in Kenmare town together with other restaurants, cafes, shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. Adjacent to the site is a natural harbour (Lehid Harbour) with concrete slipway; from this harbour you can access Kenmare Bay where sea fishing is possible. The local beach, immediately adjacent to the cottages, is mainly shingle but with some sand at low tide. Some completely sandy beaches are available down the peninsula near the picturesque towns of Allihies and Eyeries. Diving is available from Killmackilogue harbour (8 km). The Caha mountains run down the peninsula to the Atlantic Ocean providing good walking (e.g. the Beara Way long-distance path) while the many valleys offer easier walking or uncrowded minor roads for access to waterfalls, lakes and ancient standing stones and circles.
Cross the dramatic Healy Pass with its stunning views of Glanmore lake in one direction and Bantry Bay in the other, and you will pass Hungry Hill (the title of a novel by Daphne du Maurier) where you pick up the main road to Castletownbere probably the largest fishing port in Ireland. Take the ferry (car & passenger) for the short trip to Bere Island or journey further down the peninsula to Dursey Island (accessible only by cable car) at its very tip.
Further afield is the town of Killarney (40 minutes drive) adjacent to a National Park within which are the famous Lakes, Muckross House and impressive mountain scenery. From Killarney there is the scenic road (Ring of Kerry) around the Inveragh peninsula.
LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Kenmare lies approximately 30 minutes drive from a host of sandy beaches and it has a very pretty harbour from where you can swim, fish or take a trip on the "Seafari Cruise" to view the wildlife in the area.
Bike Hire
Located in the centre of Kenmare is Finnegan's Bike Hire and Toy Shop Tel: 00353 64 6641083
Star Sailing & Adventure Centre
New to Kenmare is the wonderful Star Sailing & Adventure Centre, situated on the shores of Kenmare Bay and surrounded by the Caha Mountains just a five minute drive from Kenmare Town Centre. The range of activities includes Sailing, Kayaking, Sea Kayaking, Windsurfing, Hillwalking, Boat Trips and much more. There is something to suit all the family.
Bonane Heritage Park
The Bonane Heritage Park provides visitors with an 1600 metre walk on gravel paths through 5000 years of history while enjoying some breathtaking scenery. Bonane Heritage Park is situated 10Km from Kenmare on the N71 and is open to visitors all year round.
Golf
Kenmare boasts two super golf courses. The Ring of Kerry Golf Course is located two miles outside of the town and offers spectacular views of Kenmare Bay from the course itself and also its newly renovated Club House. Kenmare Golf Club is located in Kenmare Town and follows the shores of Kenmare Bay Estuary.
Angling
There are lots of great fishing spots to choose from around Kenmare including Clonee Lake, Kenmare Bay and the Black Valley also great shore angling. Permits can be obtained locally.
Hill Walking
The Kerry Way and Beara Way walking routes are ideal for those with an interest in trekking or you could even join the annual summer hike to Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntouhil. The foothills of the famous MacGillycuddy Reeks are right on Kenmare's doorstep.
Kenmare and its vicinity offers some incredible dive spots and wrecks. You may even be lucky enough to come across a dolphin or two. Try-dives are available for beginners and advanced dives for the more experienced. For more information visit kenmare Bay Diving.
Pony Trekking
Pony Trekking is the ideal way to explore the hidden treasures of Kenmare and its hinterland. Professional lessons are also available for beginners.
Other activities in the area include quad biking, pet farms, craft workshops and bicycle hire.
Kenmare is known as the jewel in the Ring of Kerry and no wonder with its location between two of the most beautiful touring routes in Europe - the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara. These make for very enjoyable day trips from Kenmare.
Kenmare is a designated Heritage Town of Ireland and the town offers a huge selection of places of historical interest to visit. Even strolling around the town is itself a pleasure with Kenmare having received awards from Entente Floral and the award for the Tidiest Town in Ireland in the year 2000.
Killarney is a 40 minute drive adjacent to a National Park within which are the famous Lakes, Muckross House and impressive mountain scenery. From Killarney there is the scenic road (Ring of Kerry) around the Inveragh peninsula. Cork City is just over an hour's drive.
Dining and Nightlife
The town of Kenmare, noted for having the cleanest air in Europe, is a mecca for some of the finest restaurants in Ireland. You really will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out, from bar food to seafood and a range of other types of excellent restaurants to experience. The nightlife in Kenmare suits all ages and the hospitality with which you will be greeted is second to none. There is a great selection of pubs and late night bars to choose from with many featuring live music from traditional Irish to rock and modern styles.
