Kenmare
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IRL_2004_Kenmare_Druid_Circle.jpg
Kenmare (Irish: An Neidín) is a small town (pop. 1844 - CSO 2002) in the south of County Kerry, Ireland. The Irish name for the town 'An Neidín' translates into the English 'The Little Nest'.
Kenmare lies on 2 of the more famous irish tourist attractions, namely the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, approximately 22 miles (38 km) from Killarney.
The modern town was laid out in circa 1670 by the English nobleman Sir William Petty, 1st Marquis of Lansdowne. The three main streets that form a triangle in the centre of the town are called Main Street (originally William Street, after the Marquis), Henry Street (after the son of William) and Shelbourne Street, which was named after the Earl of Shelbourne.
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.