Activities

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Activities in the Shaminir area are diverse and plentiful. From Archaeological sites to Golf courses, Horse riding to Waterfalls. This truly is an A-Z of activities for the visitor to Kerry.

Archaeological sites and Antiquities abound on the Beara Peninsula. From wedge tombs which are thousands of years old ,to church sites of more recent origin. The area is dotted with stone circles, alignments and gallauns. There are a number of Martello towers, from Dursey Island and Garnish to Bere Island, which has two. There are also a number of Ogham stones including the largest in the world.

Beara Way is a haven for walkers, being 125 miles long. For the most part this is off the tarred roads, following old roads and leading along the hills. It stretches from Kenmare to Glengarriff, west to Dursey and back along the north side of the peninsula to Kenmare.

Cycling. Bicycles can be hired and suggested routes given.

Dolphin at Dingle. A wild bottlenose dolphin “Fungi” arrived in Dingle many years ago and has stayed ever since. He can be seen either from the shore or from on board a boat. Wet suits can be hired and the more adventurous can swim with him.

Estuary. The tidal mouth of the Kenmare river is 50 metres away from your bedroom in Shaminir. Ideal for water sports and fishing, which are available locally.

Fishing. River, lake and shore fishing. Salmon, sea trout and brown trout in abundance. Sea fish include Tope, Ray, Skate, Wrasse, Conger and Pollack.

Golf. Kenmare boasts 2 excellent 18 hole courses with an extensive network of over forty five 18 hole Championship and Club courses, together with good nine hole facilities within the Kerry region.

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Horse riding. is only half a mile away with riding stables and rides along the Kenmare shore for both the beginner and the experienced "cowboy"

Irish Whiskey Trail. “The water of life”. The ingredients are simple- barley, malt, grain, water and yeast. The magic lies in the distilling. Why not visit one of the distilleries, Jameson, Midleton or Bushmills and see the process for yourself?

Jigs, reels and hornpipes. The traditional music of Ireland happens in many of the bars and pubs most nights of the week. Come along and enjoy the “craic”.

Keepsakes, gifts and souvenirs from your visit are available with shopping in Kenmare, Killarney, Tralee or Cork for the 'shopaholics'.

Lace making in Kenmare started over 150 years ago by the Poor Clare nuns as a means if making a living after the devastation of the Great Famine. What began as a stop gap, became the pride of the town. Kenmare lace is today found in museums and galleries worldwide. See how this craft has been revived, visit the lace and design center in the square in town.

Mountains.The highest peak in Ireland (Carrantouhill 1039m) can be seen from Shaminir lounge, or climbed along with many others including the Caha mountains.

Names.With many emigrants to the U.S.A. and England many visitors try to trace their roots using local graveyards and church records. Many organizations have been working for some years indexing genealogical records in various parts of the region. Tourist information offices may help with specific requests.

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Observe the seals and dolphins in the bay outside your bedroom, or the whales off Dursey head. This area is remarkable for the amount of migrant birds. (Dursey also boasts the only cable car in Ireland).

Painting. The region has scenery that is magical and mystical. The artist and photographer will find a paradise in such surroundings. The area is also home to potters , with numerous galleries.

Quality food. Kenmare is a gourmets delight with many restaurants (44 at the last count) providing a variety of food suitable for all pockets. (Many specialize in sea food). Good bar food is also available at the Sailors Bar only 600 metres away .Or in the other direction only 300 metres away from SHAMINIR is the new seafood Marina. Both offering excellent food right on our doorstep.

Ring of Kerry. The 176km world famous scenic tour starting at Kenmare and includes beaches, bays, coves and mountains- magnificent.

Seal spotting. If you want to go seal spotting and whale spotting the “Seafari” cruises will ferry you out of Kenmare and back. (There are free use of binoculars).

Sailing. at the new marina only 300 metres from our front door. Offering sailing lessons, canoe hire, kayaking for all ages, with children supervised lessons. Parents can watch from the comfort of the Marina bar/restaurant overlooking Kenmare Bay .

Time. Take your time to enjoy the truly beautiful county of Kerry and especially Shaminir.

Unfit, unhealthy? You need not be, with excellent short walks and climbs. Maybe you just want to relax and unwind. Sit by the seashore and daydream.

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Vegetarians. at SHAMINIR we can offer a breakfast choice to cater for the vegetarian. Many of the 44, Yes 44, restaurants also do fine vegetarian food.

Waterfalls and a windmill. The magnificent Gleninchiquin waterfall is only 3 miles away, with Hungry Hill- Irelands highest waterfall a mere 10 miles away. The Blennerville windmill in Tralee is the tallest of its kind in Europe (21.3m) Visitors can observe the workings as the sails rotate. There is also an exhibition on emigration.

eXhilaration. Experience the landscape of Kerry in a whole new way- Quad bikes, will take you over mountain passes, river valleys and waterfalls accompanied by experienced guides.

Yonder over for that final pint of Guinness, or just yonder into the distance through the Irish mist.

Zig Zag. Drive the scenic Healy Pass alpine type road which links both sides of the peninsula.(10 miles away) Experience the breathtaking views of Glanmore lake, and Kenmare bay.

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