Grand Ammjays Fairview Inn

Kenmare is a sanctuary of tranquillity at the head of the stunning Kenmare Bay. This bay extends just over 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean from Kenmare. The name 'Kenmare' is English evolution of 'Ceann Mara', which means 'head of the sea'. The city was initially called 'Neidin' in Irish, which means 'little nest'. The reasoning behind this name is that Kenmare is 'nestled' among the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Mangerton Mountain and Caha Mountains which have made this area so famous over time for its spectacular beauty.

In the latter 16th century, Sir Valentine Browne, from whom the Earl of Kenmare descended, received land in the Plantation of Munster. In the latter 17th century the same lands were given to Sir William Petty as a little of his income for carrying out the Down Survey ( the mapping of Eire ). He later presented the blueprints of what's now Kenmare town. Three streets form a triangle in the town centre ; Main Street, Henry Street and Shelbourne Street. The first, Main Street, was called William Street when the town was first established, in honour of Sir William, first Marquis of Lansdowne. Henry Street, ( called Sound Road at the town's inauguration ), was named in honour of his boy. Shelbourne Street was named after Henry Petty, first Earl of Shelburne.

Kenmare won the 'Tidy Towns' competition in 2k and 2008 and placed as a runner-up in 2003. This was due to its particular buildings and the pride which its inhabitants take in the town's appearance. Kenmare is found on 2 exceptionally favored holiday maker trails - the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara. The world renowned Ring of Kerry takes the traveller through picture postcard cities and villages like Sneem, Caherdaniel and Cahirciveen. The Ring of Beara could be less famous than the Ring of Kerry but in a way this is an advantage, as while exploring its length and breadth you may feel as though you have got the trail to oneself.

Naturally, Kenmare's beauty as well as the exceptional quality of its food and accommodation mean it is worthy of a visit, and also doubles up as a launching pad from which to experience the close by hiking trails, bay, lakes, and golf courses, which are a sampling of the host of facilities in the area. To the north, beautiful woodland mountain perspectives and perspectives of the Lakes of Killarney can be discovered in the Killarney State Park. You can experience the splendour of all these attractions from a height while travelling along the Kenmare / Killarney Road

Over time Kenmare Lace has had many fans among the nobility, including Queen Alexandra, for whom King Edward VII gave a collarette, and Queen Elizabeth II, who for her marriage was given an antique Kenmare Needlepoint bed-cover. Pope Leo XIII was presented with a Kenmare needlepoint rochet by the Irish crew, while in 1980 Pope John Paul II received an embroidered mitre. The Folks Museum and the National Museum hope to compile a record of the Kenmare Lace collection for future generations, and a documentary of the production process has featured on RTE.