Local History
The charming picturesque town of Kenmare is an excellent example of Ireland’s planned towns. It was founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty and his descendent William Petty- Fitzmaurice, second Earl of Shelbourne and first Marquis of Lansdowne, commissioned the present design of the town, which was completed in 1775.
Dereen Gardens is situated near Kenmare on the Beara Peninsula; the sheer beauty and tranquility of Dereen Gardens needs to be experienced to be believed.

Killarney National Park is just north of Kenmare with over 10,000 hectares of unspoiled woodlands and mountains, spectacular lake views and Ireland’s largest collection of Red Deer.

Muckross House & Gardens and Traditional Farms, located in nearby Killarney, is a fantastic experience foreveryone. The house and its gardens are magnificently maintained while the Traditional Farm illustrates premechanised farming practices.

The Skellig Islands is an experience of a lifetime. The two Skellig Islands, Skellig Michael and Small Skellig stand in the Atlantic Ocean 12 km south of Valentia. They are renowned for their scenery, seabird colonies and early Christian monastic architecture..

The Kenmare Heritage Centre provides a
comprehensive insight into the history of
the town and environs.