The Best Hotel in The Southwest, Ireland

Background Illustration for Hotels

For accommodations, the Southwest has some of the great country houses, including Adare Manor in County Limerick; Kenmare's unique duo of the magnificent Sheen Falls Lodge and the stately Park Hotel; the Cahernane House, which recalls Killarney's Victorian heyday; and finally the rambling landmark resort, the Parknasilla Resort in Sneem, a great place for a family break. At the other end of the spectrum is the uniquely Irish experience of a farmhouse bed-and-breakfast, such as Lakelands Farm Guesthouse in Waterville, with rowboats bobbing on Lough Currane at the bottom of the garden. In between is a range of excellent family-owned and -run traditional hotels, such as the Brook Lane Hotel in Kenmare, the Butler Arms in Waterville, and the secluded Carrig Country House at Glenbeigh near Killorglin.

Park Hotel Kenmare

$$$$ | Shelburne Rd., Kenmare, Ireland
Park Hotel Kenmare, Kenmare
Cocktail Lounge

One of Ireland's premier country-house hotels, this 1897 stone château has spectacular views of the Caha Mountains and its 11-acre parkland, where every tree seems manicured. It also features magnificent terraced lawns sweeping down to the bay. A welcoming fire is always burning in the lobby, and the lounge crammed with genuine antiques still manages to be charmingly family-friendly. Non-guests can sample the ambience by taking Victorian afternoon tea—a great idea for a rainy day. Rooms are tastefully furnished, and some suites have four-poster beds. You can watch classic movies nightly in the 12-seat theater, enjoy dinner—perhaps sample the tasting menu—in the elegant dining room, and indulge in meditation walks and other goodies offered by the deluxe spa. Less formal dining can be had in the Terrace Bistro.

Pros

  • 25-meter lap pool
  • Immaculate decor
  • One of Kenmare's best restaurants

Cons

  • A bit like living in a museum
  • Basic room rates are quite steep
  • Extra charge for Jacuzzi and thermal suite
Shelburne Rd., Kenmare, Ireland
064-664–1200
parkkenmare.com
Hotel Details
Closed mid-Dec.–Dec 23 and Jan. 2–early Feb.
43 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Something incorrect in this review?