The first Celtic finds in the Kenmare area date back, it is believed, to between 2000 and 1800 B.C.
In more 'recent' times William Petty-Fitzmaurice (2nd. Earl of Shelbourne and 1st. Marquis of Lansdowne) commissioned the present design of the town - a distinctive X-pattern street plan, which is still clear today.		This work was completed in 1775 and Kenmare became a model estate town. This was over 100 years after Sir William Petty had first taken ownership of 270,000 acres and planted over 800 cromwellian settlers in the town.

(A visit to the Heritage Centre is a must!)

		Kenmare has a winter population of just under 2200 and is situated south of Killarney and the Ring of Kerry. The Irish name of the town, Neidín - meaning 'little cradle' or 'little nest' - evokes the image of it's geographical position at the base of Kenmare Bay, nestled between the Iveragh and Beara Peninsulas.

Kenmare has long enjoyed a reputation for fine food, picturesque buildings and a strategic location for setting out on interesting walks. The town offers spectacular scenery, sites of archaeological and historical interest, hill walking, cycling, fishing, boating, diving, windsurfing, 'seafari' and much more.