Kenmare is magnificently situated at the point where the River Roughty opens into the estuary of the Kenmare Bay. Kenmare nestles among the mountains of Cork and Kerry, hence its Irish name "Neidín" meaning " Little Nest" or "Little Cradle".

The town was founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty on land assigned to him by the English Government . A prehistoric stone ring indicates settlement here thousands of years ago. The charming picturesque town is a good example of one of Ireland's planned towns. The town is the first Heritage town in County Kerry. The Heritage Centre is located in the Courthouse where Kenmare's history is displayed.

The old Kenmare seems to have evolved comfortably into the present. Old pubs, shops selling fine local craftwork, accommodation from hostels to top grade hotels, restaurants to suit every taste and pocket, touring, golf, fishing, and boating - all these have grown organically in The Little Nest, surrounded by the wild beauty of the Kerry mountains, the great bay, and the wooded Roughty Valley. Quite apart from the splendour of its own setting, Kenmare is also an ideal centre for exploring the beauties of the south west of Ireland.