Poor nuns from County Clare brought lace making to Kenmare in 1861, and an industry was born. In the post-famine years, it thrived, becoming world famous. Queen Victoria was among the customers for Kenmare’s exquisite and original designs. The Kenmare Lace and Design Centre still has some of them on display in the Antique Lace exhibition. Visitors can also watch demonstrations of Kenmare lace being made and find out about Limerick Lace, Carrickmacross Lace, Bobbin Lace and Irish Crochet Lace. A shop sells lace, books and lace-making materials.
