However, the area has more ancient roots. There is one of the biggest stone circles in Ireland very close to the town, showing occupation by Celtic peoples long before English occupation.
Vikings are said to have raided the area and named it the ‘Head of the Sea’. This translates into the Irish ‘Ceann Mara’ and was corrupted by the English into the modern day name of Kenmare.
The town is noted for its lace work, introduced by the Poor Clare Sisters (an order of nuns), and for receiving Ireland’s tidiest town award in 2000.
Trivia
According to the fiction of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, Kenmare is the Home of the Quidditch team, Kenmare Kestrels.
Related Travel Information
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