The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
What a year it’s been for Kenmare...
THE summer sunshine brought more visitors than ever to Kenmare and its surrounding areas in 2018. To see the streets full of people and enjoying their shopping experience, the cafes and restaurants was a huge lift.
It was a year packed with events and activities. The first Quest Kenmare took place in March and it was a sell-out event. It showcased some of the spectacular scenery that Kenmare has on offer. 1,500 people undertook kayaking along Kenmare Bay, running and cycling in Gleninchaquin Park and Bonane Heritage Park.
The second and very popular Wild Atlantic Challenge took place in May and with five new courses added in 2018, the entrants arrived from many parts of Ireland, Europe and the UK. The excitement and competition was excellent and a day full of thrills was enjoyed by the large crowd.
May is traditionally a busy time in Kenmare. As the month drew to a close the ever popular Ring of Beara Cycle Kenmare took place for the fourth year running. This event attracts cyclists of all levels from home and overseas. With the beautiful Beara to admire on the way round the 110 or 140 km routes, who wouldn’t enjoy such a day? The ‘after party’ in The Square is a highlight of the event enjoyed by cyclists and non- cyclists alike.
The Vikingdom Raft Race drew great crowds to the banks of Kenmare Bay in June as visitors gathered to watch an entertaining day of fun and skill.
In July the Bastille Day celebrations hit the right note with a Boules tournament and lots of shenanigans with French Gendarmes causing mayhem. It was a day of celebration, laughter and of course good food and wine in Kenmare.
September seemed to come quickly this year and the Small Roads Festival, offering high quality drama at the Carnegie Arts Centre, once again entertained and enthralled full-house audiences with the very best of local talent. The Lost Sheep Half Ironman run by Cork Triathlon Club also took place and it proved as successful as ever.
In October, Kenmare’s Halloween Howl brings around 3,500 people into the area for a weeklong festival that thrills and delights children (and adults) of all ages. All roads now lead to Christmas as Kenmare prepares itself for another enjoyable festive few days. It’s been a memorable 2018. Here’s to 2019.