Set in its own 28 acres within Killarney National Park, this stone house, deep in the country, is a dream retreat for nature lovers. The flower beds have to be protected from deer that ramble in to eat the colorful flowers: you can see for yourself if you're an early riser. Though traditional in style, the house is new and has all the modern comforts (except, at this writing, an Internet connection). Owner-manager Mary Fuller keeps an eagle eye on the day-to-day running of the place, so it's spotlessly clean. A hefty pine staircase and pine-clad corridors lead to rooms with solid country pine furniture, and cream embossed spreads on queen-size beds. There are views of the gardens and the mountains. The location is on a side road near Muckross Park's gates, a pleasant half-mile walk from the nearest pub and restaurant. Pros: sylvan peace; mountain air; friendly welcome. Cons: remote from town; limited choice of local restaurants in walking distance; no Internet (so far).
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip