Kenmare, Ireland

Sitting at the head of the Kenmare River – actually a long, narrow sea inlet – Kenmare (Web: www.neidin.net or www.kenmare.com ) is an excellent base for exploring not only the Ring of Kerry, but also the Beara Peninsula, part of which, including the contrasting scenic beauties of Gleninchaquin valley and Derreen Gardens, lies in County Kerry. The cosmopolitan town is neat and attractive in itself, with a fine array of restaurants and accommodation and a lively, sociable nightlife.

The town's colourful history is carefully detailed in the heritage centre at the back of the tourist office (same hours – free). Kenmare's only other sight as such is a Bronze Age stone circle, five minutes' walk from the Green (signposted) on the riverbank. Around 17m in diameter, it's the largest of its kind in Kerry and may be orientated on the setting sun. At its centre stands a burial dolmen, three standing stones supporting a large capstone.