We are planning our 25th Anniversary trip to Ireland next June. We will be staying in B&Bs throughout our 3 week stay but since we will be in Kerry for our anniversary, we would like a slightly more upscale place there. On the Hidden Ireland sight we saw Coolclogher House in Killarney and Sallyport House in Kenmare. Both looked nice.

Has anyone stayed in either? Any comments?
Any recommendation for other manor or country houses in the area?

Thanks in advance

I have stayed at Sallyport House several times and each time was a treat. The house is just wonderful with antiques, a collection of Irish artwork and paintings, excellent breakfast, very clean, comfortable and nice hosts. It has wonderful views from all the rooms and a private entrance to Reenagros Park. It is a short 5 minute walk to town and is set in nice gardens and orchards. They have a king 4-poster room overlooking the garden that is very romantic and a queen room with a separate sitting area. It is just outside town and secluded and quiet.

Thanks so much for the info. It sounds like just the place for us. Can't wait to see how much Ireland has changed in the last 25 years!

You will see tremendous changes in Ireland! I suggest reserving your room at Sallyport well in advance, since it does fill up during the season. They do not take credit cards and will ask you to send a deposit check. But the Arthur family is very reliable and there is no problem doing that.

Were you, by chance, in Ireland on your honeymoon? Enjoy your 25th anniversary. Congrats!

Yes we honeymooned in Ireland in June of 1980. Some of my family has been to Ireland in the last few years so it has been fun comparing their experiences to ours. We remember the "traffic jams" that happened because of cattle or sheep on the road - their traffic stories are the more traditional kind!

You can still find traffic jams of the animal kind in the countryside. Have fun on your anniversary trip and get the either the omlete or scrambled eggs and smoked salmon at Sallyport House. Delish. Also try the goat cheese on your toast (it's on the buffet table).