Under 2 Hours From Cork Is Ireland's Coastal Town With Craft Brews, Trails, And Mountain Views

Millions of people come to Ireland every year looking to experience its emerald-hued landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and famous pub scene. Most tourists, however, tend to flock to big hubs like Dublin and Cork, forgetting that there's a lot of authentic charm hidden in those quaint, overlooked gems that few people talk about. Kenmare is the perfect example of that. Home to fewer than 3,000 year-round residents (per World Population Review), this is a beloved town settled right between the Beara and Iveragh peninsulas in the county of Kerry. Thanks to its location, Kenmare offers visitors unrestricted water access. It sits on a bay that goes by the same name, complete with boating and kayaking opportunities.

The nature attractions don't end here. Kenmare is known for its jaw-dropping scenery, so a tour of the local trail network is in order. The Reenagross Park Loop is an especially popular pick for the average traveler looking for serene views, whereas the Old Kenmare Road section of the Kerry Way is harder but promises some of the most popular local sights. Here, you'll also get to explore a couple of highly reviewed breweries, and considering how central a good pint is to Irish culture, these are must-visits.

Logistics shouldn't be too difficult to figure out, either. Kenmare is located under two hours from Cork by car (or just over the two-hour mark if you're taking public transportation). The closest major airport is in Kerry, but for those who can't find any convenient flights, Cork's makes for a convenient second option. Kenmare is also located just a 2.5-hour drive away from Limerick. While the town center is exceptionally walkable, those planning to move around a lot and go on day trips might find it more convenient to rent a car — direct public transportation routes aren't always available.

The town's location in southwest Ireland is highlighted by its unrestricted water access. Kenmare Bay not only serves as a scenic backdrop to enjoy during your nature walks, but it is also a major attraction in itself, offering visitors abundant opportunities to partake in water activities. Want to fish? The town pier is a must-visit. Because the area is so rich in marine life, many people come here to fish. It has served as one of the area's focal points since 1825, even being used as a swimming spot. Some species you might come across include pollack, bream, and wrasse. From here, you can also explore the Beara Peninsula to the south, which offers colorful villages, mountain charm, and uncrowded coastal vistas.

Kayaking is popular, too, especially since travelers can easily book a tour instead of having to source all the equipment themselves. Star Outdoors is a popular company for kayaking and boat tours. The former lets you access hidden coves and admire the local sealife, while the latter includes views of wildlife and historical landmarks. All that said, Kenmare is one of the best places to visit in Ireland, according to Reddit, and the reasons for that go beyond its coastal charm. 

Kenmare's craft brew scene is a major draw for tourists, especially when it comes to places like Kenmare Brewhouse. The establishment prides itself on locally roasted coffee, fine food, and, of course, a high-quality beer selection. The IPAs, in particular, come highly recommended. Tom Crean Brewery is another visit-worthy spot known for its varied array of beers and one-hour tours that take you through the entire brewing process plus a tasting session. The selection includes everything from wheat beers to IPAs and stouts. 

There's a lot to love about the country's quiet, off-the-beaten-path attractions. Kenmare, in particular, is somewhat of a hiker's playground, boasting loops and pathways catering to all experience levels. The nearby Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caha Mountains highlight the gorgeous local scenery while taking on the challenge of changing altitude.

For the average traveler, the Reenagross Park Loop is a good place to start. It's easy, takes less than an hour to complete, and promises peaceful nature views, especially when rhododendron blooms in late spring. Use waterproof footwear if you're coming after a particularly rainy period. If the mountainous scenery intrigues you, the Old Kenmare Road trail is worth checking out, as well. This 10-mile stretch of the 124-mile Kerry Way is known for its picturesque views, including moss-covered trees, a waterfall, and, of course, imposing mountains. That said, this is a notably harder trail with limited cell signal, so it's better suited to experienced hikers.

In addition to quaint County Kerry towns like Kenmare, the longer Kerry Way loops around the entire Iveragh Peninsula, passing by lakes, moorland, tarmac roads, and Killarney National Park, Ireland's first, with majestic mountain lakes and epic castles. Well-known regional sights include Muckross Abbey and the grand Muckross House, located near the shores of Muckross Lake. Check out the Windy Gap between Caherdaniel and Glenmore, which marks the highest point along the Kerry Way. Wildlife enthusiasts can also look out for the occasional native red deer. It can get foggy at times, so check forecasts to get the most out of the scenery.