Kenmare (An Neidin, "Little Nest"), a friendly little seaside resort at the southwestern tip of Ireland, lies at the outflow of the River Roughty into the long inlet known as the Kenmare River. The town is noted for its high quality lace, and also for its excellent woolen goods. The principal source of income, however, is tourism.
Although
tourism makes its mark in Kenmare, the town still has much of the atmosphere of 1775 when it came into being. The two main streets intersect at right angles and traverse beautiful scenery. Not far west on the bank of the River Finnihy can be seen a Druid Circle, a circle of 15 standing stones with a dolmen in the center.
The surroundings of Kenmare are very scenic; it is a good base from which to drive around the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara.