Fodor's Expert Review Park Hotel Kenmare

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.