IF THERE'S one word in the English language that perfectly captures the feeling of warmth, safety, and comfort — a true home away from home — it’s nest. And there’s no better nest, in my opinion, than the beautiful town of Kenmare, Co Kerry. Or as it’s known in Irish, neidin— which, fittingly, means “little nest.” The name says it all. Of all the jaw-droppingly gorgeous coastal towns in Ireland, Kenmare holds a special place in my heart. Tucked between the majestic Ring of Beara and the iconic Ring of Kerry, and nestled between the sea and the mountains, Kenmare is the kind of place people visit and immediately wish they lived. It’s where nature meets charm, and where tranquillity meets with a good dose of Kerry craic. My own connection to Kenmare runs deep. My mum grew up here before moving to Dublin with her family in search of opportunity. In a beautiful full-circle moment, she’s now returned and is living her best life in the town she once called home. Between the close-knit community, the scenic golf course, the top-notch restaurants, and the peace that wraps around you like a woolly blanket, it’s easy to see why. A bank holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity to head to the Kingdom. Three nights is enough time to do the long drive down from Dublin and still feel the stresses of everyday life melt away. Our base for the weekend was the newly refurbished Lansdowne Kenmare, brilliantly run by Aileen and Patrick Hanley. Once owned by the legendary hoteliers John and Francis Brennan, the hotel has a lovely buzz — stylish without being stuffy, and perfectly positioned for exploring everything the town has to offer. Breakfast kicked things off in the best possible way — smoked trout and poached eggs, simple and delicious. Then we meandered down the road to Bean and Batch for a second coffee and some indulgent cakes we definitely didn’t need but absolutely enjoyed. I mean they don’t call Kenmare a gourmet town for nothing! TIMELESS SPOTS Padraig headed off to play 18 holes at the stunning Kenmare Golf Club with my mum (yes, she’s still swinging with style), while the girls and I explored the town on foot with some friends. We ambled through boutiques and craft shops before wandering down along the River Finnihy on the pretty River Na Grios walk. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and the perfect way to work up an appetite. Lunch brought us to the Park Hotel Kenmare, one of those timeless, graceful spots that’s as much about the atmosphere as it is the food. Sitting out in the sunshine with a glass of rosé and views of Kenmare Bay with the sun splitting the stones - it’s hard otherwise beat! DAY TRIP TO WATERFALL The next day, we ventured a little further afield to Gleninchaquin Park, just a 15-minute drive from town. The hike up the waterfall is breathtaking, quite literally — you’ll earn your lunch, but it’s so worth it. The views from the top stretch out over lush green valleys and craggy ridges. Nature showing off at its finest. Sunday evening brought us west, driving through the colourful village of Sneem and on towards O’Carroll’s Cove — one of Ireland’s only white-sand beaches. The kids tucked into fish and chips while we went for the catch of the day - the most delicious fresh hake with roast potatoes I’ve eaten for a long time. Possibly made even more delicious eating it while watching the girls playing in the sand as the sun began to dip. Live music drifted from the beach bar, and for a few golden moments, time stood still. For our final dinner, we booked a table at Mulcahy’s, and I wish I could say we all sampled different things to give you a proper recommendation — but one of our friends had hyped up the Beef Wellington so much that we all ordered it. Zero regrets. It was melt-in-the-mouth magic. REFINED CHARMS Back in the day, Kenmare was fondly nicknamed “Henmare” for its popularity with stag and hen parties. The Square Pint nightclub is long gone, and with it the late-night revelry. Now, a more mature, relaxed crowd comes to enjoy its refined charms. You’ll find them sipping pints in the Horseshoe or Florry Batt’s, toe-tapping to trad music in O’Shea’s, or enjoying a charcuterie board and glass of red at the new No 35 wine bar. Does the town miss the big-party trade? Maybe. But if you ask the locals, they seem quite content with the shift. The pace is slower, the vibe more relaxed, and the energy — like everything else in Kenmare — just feels right. So, if you’re looking for a weekend that feeds the soul, fuels the belly, and fills your camera roll with beauty, Kenmare is calling. Come for the views. Stay for the vibe. And don’t be surprised if you leave already plotting your return.