Through the STIK (Sustainable Tourism in Kenmare) initiative, visitors are warmly invited to connect, contribute, and become part of the town’s ongoing story - so if you have an opportunity to give back and make an impact, you can be glad that you'll leave Kenmare feeling extra positive that your visit was not only enjoyable but regenerative too!

 

This unique programme encourages visitors to volunteer alongside the Kenmare Tidy Towns volunteer team every Tuesday evening at 7pm to help with litter picking, sweeping, weeding and general tidying around this beautiful town. In appreciation, participants receive vouchers redeemable at local businesses, creating a meaningful cycle of giving back.

 

Our Guide to A Day Well Spent in Kenmare

STIK continually welcomes more local businesses to come on board and help promote sustainable tourism in Kenmare all year round! To celebrate this wonderful initiative, we have created an itinerary for Kenmare for you to use on your next trip! 

Wake Up with Nature

Start your day with a mindful stroll along the Kenmare Pier or through the tranquil Reenagross Woodland Park. Both offer fresh air, calming views, and a glimpse into the beauty Kenmare locals cherish and protect. Pop into Bean & Batch for a coffee that’s worth sitting down for. Pair it with one of their homemade treats, and take a quiet moment to enjoy the charm of this peaceful town. Follow the shoreline from the Pier to the Peninsula Lands for panoramic views of Kenmare Bay.

If cycling is your preferred way to explore during your visit, and you're bringing or hiring an electric bike, be sure to check out the new e-bike charging station at the Library on Shelbourne Street. Featuring 5 bikeep app-enabled, charging docks. To operate, download the bikeep app to unlock a dock, and charge your bike securely. Each dock has a robust locking arm to lock the user’s e-bike and charger, and each dock also features an anti-theft alarm.

 

Add a Splash of Adventure

Kenmare’s stunning coastal setting invites you to enjoy refreshing leisure time on the bay. Whether you prefer the calm of a guided boat tour or the hands-on thrill of paddling through peaceful waters, these experiences immerse you in nature and offer a unique perspective on the Kerry coastline.

Top Water Activities in Kenmare:

  • Boat Tours – Cruise the bay with expert guides sharing stories of local wildlife, islands, and maritime history.

  • Sea Kayaking Kenmare – Glide through sheltered inlets, getting close to marine life and coastal birds.

  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) – Enjoy a fun, active way to explore the bay with breath-taking views and a peaceful setting.

  • Kids water activities park - Splash-filled fun designed to enjoy and have fun. 

These gentle adventures are perfect for all skill levels and deepen your connection to the natural world.

Delicious Treats, Crafts & Culture

Take time to wander Kenmare’s charming heritage town centre, where history blends with vibrant community life. Stop for lunch at Maison Gourmet, a cosy French-style bakery known for handmade pastries and fresh breads. 

Browse & Discover the very best of contemporary art, craft and design as well as homewares, and thoughtful gifts from Kenmare’s independent boutiques and galleries—each with its own story.

  • Millcove Gallery who are running an exciting arts festival in Kenmare throughout August with lots of exhibitions planned.

  • Kenmare Courtyard Gallery for contemporary and traditional local art.

  • Carnegie Arts Centre for exhibitions, performances, and creative workshops celebrating Kerry’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Treat yourself to a scoop (or two!) of Kenmare Ice Cream, made locally with real ingredients.

  • Visit the famous Tom Crean Brewery — where stories flow as freely as the beer.

PARTICIPATE IN FEELGOOD VOLUNTEERING

Here’s where it all comes together. At 7pm each Tuesday, meet in front of The Atlantic Bar at The Square and join the friendly Kenmare Tidy Towns team for an hour of light, feel-good work—sweeping, hoeing, weeding, and litter picking alongside locals who care deeply about keeping Kenmare beautiful. It’s social, meaningful, and a great way to end your day with purpose.

FAQs:

  • What activities will I take part in? 

Hoeing, sweeping, weeding, planting, and litter picking.

  • Where to meet? 

7pm in front of The Atlantic Bar at The Square, Kenmare V93 Y004

  • What is the duration?

1 hour.

  • How will I know if it is cancelled due to poor weather? 

Updates on the Kenmare Tidy Towns Facebook page or updated list of businesses under find out more:

  • How do I contact Kenmare Tidy Towns? 

kenmarett@gmail.com

Soak Up the Atmosphere

After an hour's work volunteering with the STIK initiative, you will surely deserve to relax and unwind as the sun sets over Kenmare Bay. With your STIK vouchers in hand, settle into the rhythm of this charming heritage town and plan to redeem your voucher with a delicious treat or amazing experience!

Many of Kenmare's accommodation offerings embrace sustainability through local sourcing, eco-friendly practices, with a commitment to the town’s regenerative spirit. Evenings in Kenmare are best spent soaking up the atmosphere in its legendary pubs, where locals welcome you like old friends and every visit is full of great craic, live music, and Irish charm. Tap your toes to traditional tunes at The Horseshoe, a favourite for lively music sessions; enjoy the buzz at The Atlantic Bar, a local gem and the heart of the STIK community meet-ups; savour hearty food, great pints, and regular music nights at P.F. McCarthy’s; and step back in time at Crowley’s, one of the oldest pubs in town, full of stories and soul. Whether you’re sipping something brewed nearby, chatting with locals, or humming along to a fiddle tune, your night in Kenmare will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to this vibrant, welcoming town.

FIND OUT MORE

This programme is a town-wide initiative that blends sustainable tourism with community spirit, encouraging everyone to help nurture Kenmare’s natural beauty and heritage while enjoying authentic, rewarding experiences.

The project was kickstarted by Aileen Crean O'Brien & and her husband Bill Sheppard of Tom Crean Brewery, who generously offered complimentary brewery tours as a thank-you to visitors for giving back during their stay. Since then, other treasured local businesses—including The Carnegie Arts Centre, Cafe James, Kenmare Bay Boat Tours and Bean & Batch— have joined the initiative, making STIK a true community effort.

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