Things to do in Ring Of Kerry
-
Crowley's
Traditional pub with good trad sessions.
reviewed
-
Stone Circle
Signposted southwest of the Square is an early Bronze Age stone circle, one of the biggest in southwest Ireland. Fifteen stones ring a boulder dolmen, a burial monument rarely found outside this part of the country.
reviewed
-
Holy Cross Church
Built in 1862, this church has a splendid wooden roof with 14 angel carvings. Intricate mosaics adorn the aisle arches and edges of the stained-glass window over the altar. The architect was Charles Hansom, collaborator and brother-in-law of Augustus Pugin (the architect behind London's Houses of Parliament).
reviewed
-
Skellig Experience
Immediately across the bridge from Portmagee, this distinctive building with turf- covered barrel roofs contains exhibitions on the life and times of the Skellig Michael monks, the history of the island's lighthouses and the wildlife. From April to September, it also runs two-hour cruises around the islands. If the weather's bad, there's often the option of a 90-minute minicruise in the harbour and channel.
In March, April, October and November the centre is open from 10am to 5pm five days a week, but the exact days change each year – check ahead.
reviewed
-
Kenmare Heritage Centre
Reached through the tourist office, Kenmare's heritage centre tells the history of the town from its founding as Neidín by the swashbuckling Sir William Petty in 1670. The centre also relates the story of the Poor Clare Convent, founded in 1861, which is still standing behind Holy Cross Church.
Local women were taught needlepoint lace-making at the convent and their lacework catapulted Kenmare to international fame. Upstairs from the Heritage Centre, the Kenmare Lace and Design Centre has displays including designs for 'the most important piece of lace ever made in Ireland' (in a 19th-century critic's opinion).
It's generally open Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday…
reviewed
-
Prego
Prego's breakfast menu is long and varied, and the antidote to the black pudding you've avoided on your B&B plate (the crispy bacon sandwiches are a winner). Other specialities include great-value pizza and pasta.
reviewed
-
Kenmare Lace and Design Centre
The Kenmare Lace and Design Centre has displays including designs for ‘the most important piece of lace ever made in Ireland’ (in a 19th-century critic’s opinion). It’s run by lace-maker Nora Finnegan, who was taught by the Poor Clare nuns. Also interesting is the story of Margaret Anna Cusack (1829–99), the Nun of Kenmare and an early advocate of women’s rights.
reviewed
-
Kerry Bog Village Museum
On the N70 between Killorglin and Glenbeigh, the Kerry Bog Village Museum recreates a 19th-century bog village, typical of the small communities that carved out a precarious living in the harsh environment of Ireland's ubiquitous peat bogs. You'll see the thatched homes of the turfcutter, blacksmith, thatcher and labourer, as well as a dairy, and meet rare Kerry Bog ponies.
reviewed
-
PF McCarthy's
Proudly boasting 'no fried food', this mannered spot serves meals well above the pub-grub norm.
reviewed
-
PFK Gold & Silversmith
Minimalist jewellery by Paul Kelly and contemporary Irish designers. Check out the salt servers with enamel linings by West Cork designer Marika O’Sullivan. Prices start at €80; Kelly also takes commissions.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Purple Heather Bistro
With a great atmosphere and comfy traditional decor, this Kenmare favourite serves a great range of creative sandwiches and Irish dishes with a dash of European flair. The homemade desserts are the bomb.
reviewed
-
Horseshoe
Ivy frames the entrance to this gastropub, which has a short but excellent menu that runs from Kenmare Bay mussels in creamy apple cider sauce to local lamb on mustard mash and Kerry's best burgers. Vegetarian specials appear daily.
reviewed
-
Noel & Holland
Find that elusive favourite at this excellent second-hand bookshop, which sells some rare editions and also has a terrific range of paperbacks, all neatly collated.
reviewed
-
Jam
Funky, comfy Jam offers organic baked goods, picnic joy and elaborate coffees. Veggies can go silly for the lentil and nut loaf.
reviewed
-
Whartons
Traditional fish and chips are the big deal – and almost the only deal – at this spiffy chipper. Dine upstairs or out front.
reviewed
-
SuperValu
Choices, whether snacks, picnic, lunch or dinner, are many – and good. The SuperValu supermarket has a wide selection.
reviewed
-
Blue Bull
Pop into the Blue Bull, a perfect little old stone pub where you can probably learn more local puns.
reviewed
-
Burke's Activity Centre
Burke’s Activity Centre offers horse trekking, crazy golf, a hedge maze and a working farm.
reviewed
-
Truffle Pig
Fine meats, farmhouse cheeses and a treasure trove of other deli items from the region.
reviewed
-
Kenmare Bookshop
Has a wide range of books, including a strong Irish section with maps and guides.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Farmers Market
For self-catering options, the farmers market is on the Square.
reviewed
-
Florry Batt's
Draws a cheerful crowd and occasional singalongs.
reviewed
-
Soundz of Muzic
Great selection of instruments and Irish and contemporary music.
reviewed
-
Scarriff Inn
reviewed
-
Barracks Heritage Centre
The Old Barracks Heritage Centre is housed in a tower of the former Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). The barracks were burnt down in 1922 by anti-Treaty forces. Today it looks over-restored, like an oddball confection.
Topped by a spiral staircase ascending to a lookout (best suited for those who don't care to see anything), the museum covers the Fenian Rising, Daniel O'Connell and Caherciveen's other great son, Gaelic football star Jack O'Shea. There are recreations of a local dwelling at the time of the Famine and of the barracks during the 1916 Easter Rising.
reviewed