kenmare


Kenmare is a planned town, built in the early 1800’s. It was designed by William Petty Fitzmaurice, (1737-1805), 2nd Earl of Shelburne and Marquis of Lansdowne. Lord Shelburne was commissioned with the design of the town of Kenmare which was completed in 1775. As Prime Minister of Great Britain from July 1782 to February 1783 Lord Shelburne helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris 1783 which brought the conflict between Britain and America to an end. Originally Main Street was called William Street. A large amount of the town and environs was owned by Lord Lansdowne. This extended to Direen Gardens on the Beara Peninsula, approximately 15 miles to Lauragh. Lord Lansdowne owned the Lansdowne Arms Hotel, situated at the top of Main Street directly opposite 25 Main Street and what is now d'Arcy's Restaurant & Townhouse.

Today the town is bustling and busy, with brightly-coloured shops and award-winning restaurants. Granted Heritage status, the town is the winner of numerous tidy town awards.For more information go to www.kenmare.ie.

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