Kenmare Goes to Carantec: Building Friendships Across the Celtic Sea

A visit to Brittany opens the door to new friendships, tourism opportunities and a potential twinning relationship between Kenmare and Carantec.

On 3rd October 2026, a delegation representing Kenmare Tourism travelled to the beautiful coastal town of Carantec in Brittany, France, as part of an exciting initiative to strengthen connections between the two communities and explore the possibility of a formal town twinning partnership.

Representing Kenmare were John Daly, Chair of Kenmare Tourism, Jamie Stevenson-Hamilton, Membership & Relationship Lead Kenmare Tourism, and Bosco MacGearailt of Kenmare Golf Club.

The visit marked an encouraging step towards developing a lasting relationship between two coastal destinations that share an appreciation for their natural surroundings, maritime heritage, outdoor activities and strong sense of community.

A Warm Breton Welcome

Situated on the picturesque coast of northern Brittany, Carantec is a charming seaside town known for its beautiful beaches, sailing, seafood, golf and spectacular coastal scenery. The town is only 25 minutes drive from the port of Roscoff, with a direct ferry link from Cork run by Brittany Ferries.

There are many similarities between Carantec and Kenmare, making the prospect of a closer relationship particularly appealing.

During their visit, the Kenmare delegation enjoyed a wonderful welcome from their French hosts, with a programme designed to introduce them to the town, its tourism facilities, local businesses and community.

The itinerary included a guided visit to the beach facilities at Plage du Kelenn, followed by an official reception at the Mayor's office, where discussions centred on strengthening connections between the two destinations.

The delegation also visited Carantec Golf Course and a historic manor currently undergoing renovation to become a hotel, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas about golf tourism, hospitality and destination development.

The day concluded with a scenic walk across the causeway to the beautiful Chapelle Notre Dame de Callot, taking in the spectacular coastline that makes this part of Brittany such a special destination.

Putting Kenmare on the Map in France

One of the highlights of the visit was a presentation delivered by Jamie Stevenson-Hamilton of Emerald Outdoors to a large gathering in Carantec.

Jamie's presentation introduced the audience to the many attractions of Kenmare, showcasing the beauty of Kenmare Bay, our vibrant town, outdoor adventures and the experiences that make this corner of Kerry so special.

From our mountains and waterways to our hospitality, food, culture and community spirit, the presentation offered a wonderful introduction to Kenmare as a destination.

It was a fantastic opportunity to promote Kenmare directly to a French audience and encourage future visitors to discover everything our town and surrounding region have to offer.

A Shared Passion for Tourism, Golf and the Great Outdoors

Throughout the visit, there were opportunities to exchange ideas and explore how the two communities might learn from one another.

With Bosco MacGearailt representing Kenmare Golf Club, golf tourism was an important area of shared interest.

Both destinations are fortunate to offer outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation, with beautiful coastal landscapes, walking routes, water activities and golf forming an important part of their tourism appeal.

Beyond tourism, the potential relationship offers exciting possibilities for cultural exchanges, sporting connections, educational visits and friendships between residents and community organisations.

Kenmare Makes the French Headlines!

The visit also attracted attention from the French media, with regional newspaper Ouest France publishing an article on 10th October 2026 about the developing relationship between Kenmare and Carantec.

The article, headlined “Le jumelage avec Kenmare, en Irlande, en bonne voie: Ce sont les prémices”, translates approximately as:

“Twinning with Kenmare, Ireland, is on the right track: These are the beginnings.”

The coverage highlighted the positive discussions surrounding a potential twinning arrangement and the enthusiasm for developing closer connections between the two towns.

For Kenmare Tourism, this international exposure is particularly welcome, introducing Kenmare to new audiences and helping raise awareness of our destination in the French market.

The Beginning of Something Special

While a formal twinning agreement has yet to be established, the visit represents an important first step in what could become a rewarding relationship for both communities.

Town twinning is about much more than a formal partnership. It is about creating opportunities for people to connect, sharing knowledge, celebrating cultural similarities and differences, and encouraging visitors to discover somewhere new.

For Kenmare, a relationship with Carantec could provide valuable opportunities to develop tourism links, encourage travel between Brittany and Kerry, and build friendships that extend well beyond the tourism sector.

Kenmare Tourism would like to sincerely thank the representatives and community of Carantec for their warm hospitality and enthusiastic welcome.

A special thank you also goes to John Daly, Jamie Stevenson-Hamilton and Bosco MacGearailt for representing Kenmare and giving their time to help develop this exciting opportunity.

We look forward to seeing how this new friendship develops and, hopefully, to welcoming our friends from Carantec to Kenmare in the future.

Two beautiful coastal communities, connected by a shared love of place, people and the sea.

Kenmare Tourism | Promoting Kenmare, Connecting Communities, Creating Opportunities