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Revision as of 10:05, 19 January 2005
Kenmare (Irish: An Neidín) is a small town (ca. 1200 inhabitants by 2004) in the south of County Kerry, Ireland. It 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 about 1670 by the English nobleman William, 1st Marquis of Lansdowne. The three main streets that form a triangle in the centre of the town were called William Street (now called Main Street), 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. Another name for Kenmare is Head of the Sea, which is believed to have been given to the area by the Vikings and translated into the Irish 'Ceann Mara' and hence corrupted by the English into Kenmare.
It is rather famous for the lace work of a nunnery situated in town.
Trivia
According to J. K. Rowling, Kenmare is the Home of a Quidditch Team, the 'Kenmare Kestrels'.
See also
List of towns in the Republic of Ireland
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