Plenty to see and do in Kenmare this Christmas...

‘LOTS done and plenty more to do’ is how one might describe Christmas in Kenmare in 2019 as the countdown continues to the big day. The people of Kenmare have already enjoyed the traditional ‘Night of Giving’, which raised money for the Simon Community/Focus Ireland Kerry branches and Kenmare St Vincent de Paul.

Another wonderful occasion is turning on the Christmas Lights in The Square. This officially kick starts the Kenmare Christmas Season along with the blessing of the Crib and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on horse drawn carriage (thanks to Dromquinna Stables). Santa also had the honour of turning on the Christmas lights.

But the good news is there is still plenty of festive themed events to come starting with Inter Kenmare FC’s ‘Santa’s Grotto’. This takes place on Saturday and Sunday (December 7 & 8) in Kenmare Shopping Centre between 2-6pm. Children can enjoy face painting with a festive theme, while a family photo can be taken (for €10 extra) with a present from Santa and hot chocolate. Booking is essential in Café Mocha: 064 664 2133. €15 per child.

A ‘Tree of Remembrance’ ceremony will take place at St Kilian’s Church in Lauragh at 6.30pm on Sunday, December 8. People can dedicate a heart to the tree in remembrance of their loved ones this Christmas. This event is in aid of defibrillators in the Tuosist area. On Christmas Eve there is a Pilates class at Kenmare Clinic, Centra, Killarney Road at 11am. All are welcome for this Pilates flow class to stretch, strengthen and, most importantly, to RELAX before Christmas. €15. Contact Holly at 087 2823674. Email: kenmareclinic@gmail.com.

On December 25 the annual Christmas Day Swim takes place at The Pier (11am). Why not come and take a dip in aid of ‘Kenmare Mental Health’? You can also enjoy the Goal Christmas Mile at Kenmare GAA Grounds between 10am and 12pm.

There is also plenty of exciting shows with a Christmas theme at the Carnegie Arts Centre running thoroughout the holiday period (check its website for listings). Local restaurants, bars, hotels and cafes will be hosting events to celebrate the time of year. This is a wonderful chance to savour the hospitality, atmosphere and culinary pleasures that Kenmare has to offer and is renowned for. Kenmare is a town with a year round calendar of events to celebrate. It recognises that there is more to this stunning destination than just being a summer retreat. There is plenty to do in Kenmare this Christmas. For details of events, dates and times, check out www.kenmare.ie

Derry Murphy (centre) with staff members Cliona O’Sullivan, Denise Rawson, Martin Godfrey, Orla Murphy and customers Shani O’Donoghue and Maria Hegarty at Murphy’s SuperValu, Kenmare.

Michael, Patrick and Eleanor Connor-Scarteen with Susan O’Sullivan at Connor-Scarteen Auctioneers, Financial and Insurance Brokers, Main Street, Kenmare.