Poor Clare Convent. This building was a convent of the Sisters of Poor Clare from 1862 to 1993. It was designed by architect Charles Hansom, who is also credited with the adjacent Holy Cross Church. The convent was originally founded to serve the educational needs of the town, a purpose that continues to this day. In the 19th century the nuns developed a lace making industry in Kenmare which specialised in fine needlepoint. Kenmare Lace achieved an international reputation and was sought after by the Royalty of Europe. Samples are on exhibition in the National Museum (Dublin), the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), the National Gallery (Washington) and in Kenmare Heritage Centre. The Convent was the home of Sister Mary Francis Cusack from 1862 until 1881. Known as "The Nun of Kenmare" her political activities and writings excited much controversy in the late nineteenth century Ireland, Britain and America. The Kenmare Sisters of Poor Clare moved to a new premises in 1993.