Ireland
I got a few days off from work and decided to try and find something in Kerry. I found Kenmare Rentals - they own the properties and were great to deal with, the website was good (we booked online) and very easy. We got confirmation straight away.
We stayed in Barr Cill Athat, about two miles from Kenmare, which has views of Kenmare Bay and the mountains. We really enjoyed our stay - we only had one problem with our broadband and we got it fixed within an hour. They have a good selection of properties, and they also own a popular place for eating and drinking (O'Donnabhains). We will be definitely be back.
One of the best hostels I've stayed in. I was welcomed by the smell of a pot of soup sitting on an old range.
The lady who runs it is very welcoming and friendly. Lots of pubs nearby and some good music.
corner of henry street and shelborne street
This gallery showcases the best of Irish contemporary fine art. All work can be viewed and reserved from their excellent web site. A welcome addition to the vibrant art vibe already associated with Kenmare. This small town now has 5 galleries in the town itself and many more within easy reach. If it's art you want this is a great place to visit and also a fab selection of restaurants, hotels and bars.
12 Main Street,
Kenmare,
Co.Kerry
064 40717
www.millcovegallery.com
Josie's is a unique restaurant overlooking Glanmore Lake on the Beara Peninsula below the Healy Pass.
Serving seafood, steaks and a selection of various dishes using local produce including many vegetarian options.
She also has a tearoom for light snacks and afternoon tea with a beautiful view of Glanmore Lake. Well worth a visit to check out the stunning scenery and a good spot for walks.
Josie's Lakeview House, Glanmore Lake, Lauragh
064 83155
The hiking in this part of County Kerry is incredible. We’ve seen many beautiful sights on the Beara Peninsula, especially Gleninchaquin; we’ve walked over to Sheen Falls and hiked the hills and valleys around the resort.
With the help of a local taxi driver we’ve discovered countless antiquities, from stone circles and dolmens to passage tombs. We’ve walked to and from Galway’s Bridge on the Old Killarney Road, and next year intend to walk all the way to Torc Waterfall and Muckross House. As we return home each evening, to a fine glass of wine, a roaring fire, and a cascading river just beyond the patio, we know we are truly where our hearts are.
In July last year I visited the farm as part of a large group of 50 people and what an interesting place to visit. We got to see and feed the pet lambs, the baby pups and of course the sheep dog demonstration with Harry and Darkey the two main dogs. Then after the demonstration John gave a sheep shearing demonstration and we also got a chance to try the shearing of the sheep. This was a truly enjoyable experience and the best visit of our whole trip. It is not a tourist trap and is a place where you can see life on the farm as it happens. Can highly recommend this visit to John & Anneloes Kissane.
2km on the Killarney Side of Moll's Gap N71 Ring of Kerry Road.
Ha, who wanna have good craic? All of you, I guess! :) Ok, here's my advice for a splendid Friday night: first warm-up at Crowley's - best Guinness in town and from time to time good folk-musik. Then stroll to the HorseShoe - brilliant staff behind the bar ;-) and the guests in front of the bar (later under the bar) are the best people you can meet in town! After hammering a few pints you feel absolutely happy when you enter Ryan's Bar! Greetz to Finnbar! ;-) Ryan's bar may be during the summer mostly overcrowded but this keeps you up and you cannot stumble down! They often have good live acts on stage. So, and when you feel a bit hungry after this exhausting session then go on the other side of the road to Effes Snack bar - best burgers in town! Hope to see you all again soon! :)
Crowley's in Henry Street, the rest in Main Street.
This hotel is in a beautiful and peaceful spot, owners are great hosts, food excellent, accommodation comfortable and well appointed. A wonderful place to relax and unwind. What more can you want?
Tahilla Cove, between Kenmare and Sneem on the Ring of Kerry N70.
www.tahillacove.com
Phone - +0033 (0)644204
e-mail - tahillacove@eircom.net
The Kissane Sheep Farm is a farm, beautifully located next to the Killarney National Park. It's the best way to see a traditional sheep farmer at work, with shearing sheep and sheep dog trials and everything. John and Anneloes are very dedicated to and proud of their work and take lots of time to show visitors around. After the demonstrations you can take a couple of great hikes.
A week at Fushia Cottage Kenmare is a tonic, with fantastic views of Kenmare bay, and best of all is the hospality that the Duyn family provide there.
Fushia Cottage
Kenmare
Co Kerry
e-mail duynm@gofree.indigo.ie
homepage.eircom.net/~fuchsiacottagekillaha
This beautiful golf course is just outside Kenmare. I went there with 3 friends earlier this year and we had a great time. The course is challenging, the staff are friendly and the views are fantastic.
Hawthorn House, in Kenmare, is the best B&B I have ever stayed in. Together with 3 friends, I stayed here earlier this year on a golfing holiday. Mary, who runs the B&B, is wonderful and I want to go back tomorrow.
It is walking distance from all the 30 bars and restaurants in Kenmare.
www.hawthornhousekenmare.com/
My wife and I have stayed at Elizabeth's Garden Cottage and found it quite delightful. The yard is beautiful and full of flowers. The cottage is comfortable, reasonable and well equipped. Kenmare is charming and nearby.
www.visitkenmare.com/contact.htm
+353 (0)64 42404
Bonane Heritage Park is an opportunity to enjoy a 3 km walk on pathways while enjoying the monuments of the ancient past. The information signs guide you through the park while enjoying breathtaking scenery. The highlights were the magnificent ring fort and intriguing stone circle Ideal day for all the family. Must visit again.
On the N71, 10 KM from Kenmare on the Glengarriff Road.
Bonane Heritage Park is well worth a visit with lots of well preserved sites including a ring fort stone circle and standing stone to name but a few. And the cup of tea and apple crumble with Stevie and Francies in Molly Gallivans Open Farm is a must.
I also found in Bonane the chocolate factory, Advanced videos studio that will record your trip or any occasions for you. The Weaver shop, and Nicks recording studio, what a wonderful community with so much to offer.
I have also joined friends of Bonane to suport the work they're doing in the Herritage Park (15 Euro a year - you can get information on www.bonane.com).
You should add Bonane to your holiday list - thanks to all that made me so welcome on my trip. I will be back.
When in Kenmare you follow the N71 to Glengariff. Bonane is about 10km this will also join the ring of Beara more information to be found at www.bonane.com.
Visitor Centre. We spent a lovely day at Molly Gallivan's, to experience Ireland in days gone by. A warm welcome, audio visual, lovely walk through Molly's traditional cottage & farm.
After words we enjoyed some of Frances excellent home baking in the tea rooms and picked up some locally made crafts in the gift shop. Not to be missed.
In Bonane, on the ring of Beara tourist route, N71 road half way between Kenmare & Glengarriff
Tel 353 (0) 64-40714 / 41455
E-mail: mollygallivan@eircom.net
Web www.mollygallivans.com
Opened April / October
A great find. This little second-hand bookshop stocks a huge range of titles from crime to nature. There is some excellent modern fiction and a very good Irish section.
The staff are really helpful and welcoming. A real treat.
3 Bridge Street, Kenmare
Tel: 06442464
noelholland@eircom.net
www.sneem.com/noelandholland.html
The stone circle in Kenmare is one of the finest examples in Ireland. One can easily visualise the Druids at their pagan cermonies.
The circle is easily accessible a few hundered meters from the town square.
A one-stop shop for an adventure holiday:beautiful accommodation,
superb dining options and a choice and quality of activities like I have never experienced before.
Great value for money, myself and family are most definitely going back.
StarSailing & Adventure Centre, Dauros, Kenmare
Tel: 353 64 41222
www.staroutdoors.ie
This is a really lovely art gallery which showcases local art at reasonable prices. It was especially interesting to talk to the artists themselves (one actually has a studio in the gallery) and ask them about their work and how this beautiful area of Ireland has inspired them.
Bridge Street
Kenmare
Tel: 064 42999
www.kenmareartgallery.com
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