Exploring the Heart of Kenmare: A Walk Through Time with Anne Marie Clearly

Recently, our front office team swapped keyboards for comfortable shoes and set off on a walking tour of Kenmare with the brilliant Anne Marie Clearly of Kerry Tour Guides Kenmare and what a morning it was!

Anne Marie is one of those rare guides who brings history to life with such colour and passion, you’d swear she lived through it all herself. Within minutes, we were utterly captivated, not just by her storytelling, but by the rich layers of Kenmare’s past hiding in plain sight around every corner.

From Monks to Market Town

Our first stop was the Holy Cross Church, a striking Gothic Revival beauty that holds so many secrets. Anne Marie led us through its intricate stained-glass windows, the tales of local families, and the deeper symbolism behind the architecture, things even we, as locals, had never noticed.

Next, we traced the town’s layout back to its origins as a planned settlement, established in the 17th century under Sir William Petty. As Anne Marie explained, Kenmare was designed with purpose to be a hub of industry, faith, and community. The wide streets, tidy layout, and historical buildings suddenly made so much more sense.

The Mysterious Stone Circle

A real highlight of the tour was a visit to Kenmare’s ancient Stone Circle, one of the largest in Ireland. Standing among those weathered stones, we felt a sense of awe and wonder. Anne Marie painted a vivid picture of what life might have looked like thousands of years ago when this monument was built, possibly for rituals, seasonal celebrations, or burials. She even invited us to stand in the centre stone (the “Druid’s Seat”) for good luck — which, of course, we all did!

Hidden Gems & Local Legends

As we wandered through the side streets and past local landmarks like the Carnegie Arts Centre and the Kenmare Suspension Bridge, Anne Marie pointed out details and anecdotes we’d never noticed, from symbols carved into stone lintels to stories of smugglers, saints, and savvy locals who shaped the town we know today.

We learned about the Kenmare Lace industry, a proud tradition of craftsmanship born from resilience during the Famine era, and how women in the convent schools contributed to the town’s legacy with their world-renowned lacework.

Team Reflections

“It’s amazing how much more meaningful it is to welcome guests when you understand the town’s history,” said Eve.

“I’ll never walk past the stone circle the same way again,” added Bakarne.

And Nathalie (usually our numbers queen!) admitted: “I was completely drawn in, it’s made me fall in love with Kenmare all over again.”

At The Lansdowne Kenmare, we pride ourselves on offering guests more than just a room. We offer them a sense of place. And thanks to Anne Marie’s storytelling, we now feel even more deeply connected to this town and its incredible past.

If you’re visiting Kenmare, we highly recommend booking a walking tour with Kerry Tour Guides Kenmare. Whether you’re a curious visitor or a local like us, you’re guaranteed to come away with new eyes (and probably a few great pub stories!).

Interested in a walking tour for your group or guests?

Ask our front desk team — we’d be delighted to help you connect with Anne Marie and the Kerry Tour Guides.

Heart of Kenmare

The Mysterious Stone Circle