All around the bay there are reminders of previous times and inhabitants. The early Celtic settlers were prolific in their erection of stone monuments and structures. Ring forts, standing stones, ogham stones, stone circles, burial mounds, souteraines and dolmens are common place around the bay. Every year new discoveries are made and the local universities are having a difficult time recording and mapping them so many are being discovered.

The ruins of 2 castles can be seen within 2 miles of Kenmare town while there are 2 more occupied castles in the next 2 miles. Some of these castles date back to the 14th century.

The ruins of a monastery on Dinish Island have nearly disappeared since it was destroyed by a fleet of Viking longships in the 10th century.

During the Cromwellian era the followers of the Catholic faith were persecuted. In order to practice their religion, they had to find out of the way places in the countryside where they could meet secretly with priests who were hunted by the authorities. On one of the Islands in the bay is a big rock shaped like a table and used instead of an alter (now known as mass rocks) where these secret gatherings used to take place.

So all around and on the bay there are constant reminders of the past. The area is so beautiful it is not hard to imagine why there is such a rich and varied historical heritage. Obviously, the Kenmare Bay area was just as popular with locals and visitors in the past as it is in the present day.