Bette

Hi,

Wondering if anyone on this board has stayed at Lansdowne Arms Hotel in Kenmare, Ireland.

We are staying there in October and it has good reviews on tripadvisor.com. I understand it has a very popular pub and someone on another board suggested it might be a nosey place to stay. Anyone experience any sleepness nights here? My main concern is my 88 year old mother who still loves a good "session" but also likes her sleep! Thanks for your help.

suelh

Hello -- in Oct.'04 we were in Kenmare and had an excellent dinner at the Lansdowne in the formal dining room, as well as another early meal in one of the two pubs, the "Poet" (the "Bold Thady Quill" is the more lively pub, around the corner).

We did not stay at the hotel, but found it lovely and seemingly very quiet, with the two pubs on opposite sides of the building. I did not have the impression that noise carried as the hotel seems well-built. The hotel has a lovely, formal ambience. It also is in a great location and one can easily walk about the town from the location.

Enjoy Kenmare -- we did!

Bette

Suelh,
Thanks for taking the time to answer. I feel better about my selection!

IrishEyes

Bette, I have stayed at the Lansdowne Arms and enjoyed it. There was no noise from the bars in my room. I did have my window open so I could hear people talking on the street as they walked by but if your room does not overlook the street or if your window is closed, you won't hear passersby. They have private off-street parking for guests.

It is a very nice hotel. The people who own Quill's and The Lodge Guesthouse in Kenmare recently bought and totally renovated the hotel. Food was good and there is an excellent and friendly staff. Kenmare is a great town.

Bette

IrishEyes,

Thanks for the response and the information on the other properties. The Lodge was on my shortlist and it is interesting to learn they are owned by the same family.

chatham

Bette: I stayed at The Lodge for 7 nights this April. You would be very comfortable. I almost stayed at Lansdowne Arms but was afraid of noise. Reception told me the non-smoking rooms are away from the Pub and are quiet. As comfortable as we were at The Lodge, I often thought how nice it would have been right in town. Lansdowne doesn't have an elevator and The Lodge does have a few ground floor rooms. Kenmare is one of my favorite places in Ireland. It is my favorite small town. Have a great trip and good for your Mom. My mother went when she was 85 and came back and told all her girls we had to go. I did and haven't stopped. Best Wishes, Joan

chatham

Bette: Please get back to us after your trip. Also give Packies a try for food. I did enjoy the Pub meals at Lansdowne.

suelh

Hello again, Bette -- we also stayed at The Lodge (3 nights) and thoroughly enjoyed our visit there. But, since your mother is traveling with you, the Hotel may be a better choice as it is in-town, while The Lodge is a further walk.

Re dining, we had a lovely dinner at D'Arcy's in town, in addition to dinner at the Hotel (as I mentioned in my other post).

Also, be certain to visit the interesting shop, Quill's, in the center of town which offers lovely woolens, lace, crystal, etc. And don't forget the nearby Druid's Circle, especially interesting if there isn't a crowd. Lots to see and do in Kenmare -- it became one of our favorite places during our 3-week trip.

Oh, wish we were going again as you are -- loved Ireland in October! It's a wonderful time to travel as there aren't so many tourist crowds, and yet the daylight hours and weather still are good overall. The merchants and B&B owners have more time, too, to talk with you and assist you than during the busy summer days (or so we were told, and it seemed so to us).

Have a grand trip, and cheers indeed to your mother -- good for her!! And please write a trip report upon your return -- would love to hear how things went for all of you.

Sue

Bette

Again, thanks for all your suggestions. There are four in the group. My husband, sister-in-law and myself have been four or five times and my mother has been twice. In the past, we have always included the Clifden / Cleggan area of Galway in trips because we have family there, but we all want to see something new this time.

We arrive Wed., Oct. 5 and will do 3 nights Kinsale (Trident Hotel), 3 nights Kenmare (Lansdowne, as mentioned), 2 nights Dingle (Benners Hotel) and 2 nights Ballyvaughan (Rusheen Lodge). Cousins will meet us for dinner in Ballyvaughan. Should be fun. Will post report upon return. Thanks again!