Killarney - Population: 12,011.

Landscape: Famous for its natural beauty, especially Killarney National Park by the shores of Lough Leane, and in the shadow of Ireland's highest mountains, the McGillycuddy Reeks. The park also boasts the only wild herd of red deer remaining in Ireland.

Activities: A variety of outdoor pursuits are available, including walking and cycling on quiet by-roads, visiting castles and historic houses or surfing on Atlantic rollers off unpolluted beaches.

Features of interest: The town itself has colourful laneways' and a cathedral, designed by Pugin.

It has many hotels, restaurants, pubs and discos, along with outlets for renting bikes, cars and the famous jaunting cars. It is an ideal base for touring the Ring of Kerry, Dingle and Tralee.

Main industry: Commerce, insurance, finance and business services provide many jobs but there is a thriving tourism industry. The total annual number of visitors to Killarney reaches more than one million.

Kendal - Population: 25,470.

Landscape: Kendal is scenically located on the edge of the Lake District National Park, and is known as The Gateway to the Lakes. The town nestles in the valley of the River Kent, and is surrounded by majestic hills such as the Kentmere Horseshoe.

Activities: Many Kendalians enjoy fell running, mountain biking and walking; and there is a thriving music, cinema, arts and crafts scene, with the Brewery Arts Centre a popular base.

Features of interest: Known as the Auld Grey Town because of its limestone buildings, Kendal also boasts historic yards, a ruined castle, dozens of pubs, Abbot Hall Art Gallery, two museums, and a leisure centre. It is an ideal touring base for the Lake District.

Main industry: With the demise of Kendal's shoe-making and insurance sectors, the retail scene has become an increasingly important source of jobs, along with the industrial estates. There are also renowned manufacturers such as Goodacre Carpets and turbine makers Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon.

February 7, 2003 10:31