The official web site for Kenmare and the greater Kenmare area in County Kerry, Republic of Ireland. |
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The very first Celts found in the Kenmare area date back to between 1800 and 2000 b.c. In the National Museum "The Killaha Hoard" is on display , it dates back to the copper age period. Their Stone Circles, Ring forts and Standing stones are to be found all over Ireland It is believed that Christianity reached the south of Ireland before St.Patrick Very Little is known of the subsequent history until the Normans 1190 a.d. Around 1261 the battle of Callan is now regarded as one of the most decisive in Irish history from that date up to the battle of Kinsale the Mc.Cartys and O'Sullivan's ruled the Gaelic state where the clans were self supporting. In the middle of 1600's the lands of Kerry were confiscated by the cromwellians and the inhabitants moved or shot. Sir William Petty managed to get his hands on 270.000 acres and planted 850 settlers based in Kenmare and made this colony a success, a descendent William Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marquis of Lansdowne, commissioned the present layout of Kenmare which was completed in 1775. Kenmare, nestles among the mountains of Cork and Kerry, with the Irish name "NEIDIN" meaning "Little Nest" The charming town of Kenmare is a good example of a well planned town. Kenmare is the first heritage town in County Kerry. The Kenmare Heritage Center is located on the square where the history of Kenmare is on display. |
