Situated at the head of Kenmare Bay in the South-West, Kenmare has been described as the “Walking Mecca of Ireland”.
For the hill walker / mountaineer the Caha and Derrynasagart Mountains lie to the South and East, while to the North lie the Dunkerrons and the majestic McGillycuddy Reeks with lofty Carrauntoohil towering over all.
For the rambler, Kenmare’s enviable position allows easy access to both the Beara and Iveragh peninsulas with Ireland’s two premier long-distance walking routes, the Kerry Way and the Beara Way, converging in the town.
In addition to all this, Kenmare, a national Tidy Towns award winner, is big enough to cater for crowds of tourists and also small enough to care and offer a personal touch, also offers quiet country lanes, parks, a heritage trail and scenic river walks where nature abounds.
Kenmare also hosts one of Ireland’s premier walking festivals – during the first week of June which includes the British and Irish bank holiday weekends.
During the Whit Festival, Carrauntoohil is tackled twice and pre-booking is essential. Daily graded / guided walks have been planned together with evening entertainment whilst, for the more ambitious, there will be a 2 x 2 day mountain skills I courses run by Cappanalea O.E.C. in week before.
The Kenmare Walking Club has its own website and is organising various walks during the year. Their walking calendar is updated on a regular basis and walks usually start from the Square in Kenmare.