Kenmare Co Kerry ..and A trip Down Memory Lane
A trip to Kenmare County Kerry evokes a strong feeling of nostalgia. Every year, my Dad would get holidays the first two weeks in August, and for 3 summers we would head off on the 6-7-hour road trip to Kenmare. Stops were strictly for necessities only and I can still seem our Mother with the road map on her knee, Dad’s Co-Pilot. It was the early 70’s -no highways and no GPS……but some wonderful happy memories…….
Fast-forward over 40 years, I arrive in Kenmare with some of the same excitement of my youth……
A scenic drive through town (there are only 3 streets in the town) and you can get the sense that 
Kenmare has its own natural rural beauty, style and charm. The town was founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty who was “given” the land by Oliver Cromwell, however, one of the largest stone circles in the south-west of Ireland is close to town, and shows occupation in the area going back to the Bronze Age……
Kenmare in Gaelic “Ceann Mara” head of the sea is tranquil, charming and beautiful, with a variety of boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafes. The town is ideally situated on two of Ireland’s famous tourist trails – The Ring of Kerry one of the most dramatic scenic drives in Ireland and The Ring of Beara the less well-known drive but no less impressive.
Park Hotel
We checked into the Park Hotel for overnight. A vibrant 5-star luxury hotel dating back to 1897 and member of Ireland’s Blue Book. Warm and welcoming (the lull of the open fires), the hotel is full of original antiques and very interesting art. The hotel has 46 bedrooms, a choice of two restaurants & SAMAS deluxe destination SPA with its own 25 m lap pool. Dinner that evening was simply divine, pan fried monkfish in butter fresh caught that day, everything tastes better cooked in Kerry gold! Overall a relaxing, tranquil and luxurious stay and just a 3 minute walk to the town of Kenmare…..
Sheen Falls Hotel
Across the water is the 5-star Sheen Falls Hotel, this five-star Relais & Chateaux hotel is renowned for its 2AA Rosette restaurant and luxurious rooms, suites and villas -great for families looking for luxury and space. The hotel is just a little further outside the town on the backdrop of the Sheen Falls. Interestingly enough, both the Park and Sheen Falls and 2 of the just 4 Relais & Chateaux properties in Ireland -other 2 are Ballyfin & Marlfield House……We enjoyed an afternoon tea listening to the Falls, food for the soul.
Parknasilla Spa & Resort
The next day we take the scenic drive out on the Peninsula to Parknasilla Spa & Resort, a
member of Original Irish Hotels. The hotel is situated on 500 acres of land (lots of activities, walks, trails and outdoor pursuits) and is a purpose-built hotel -built in 1897 during the Victorian era (after Queens V’s visit). It was late in the evening when we arrived, the fires were crackling and the staff were so accommodating getting all the Friday evening arrivals settled in. Before dinner we had some time in the SPA and enjoyed the outdoor hot tub -this experience was enhanced by a light rain shower, can only but do wonders for the skin. This was the view from my room!
Dinner that night was at the Pygmalion Restaurant with fabulous views over Kenmare Bay & the Caha Mountains. Afterwards we ventured into the Doolittle Bar for drinks in front of yet another open fire…. (both bar and restaurant are named after the Great Irish Playwright George Bernard Shaw’s Plays -he was a regular visitor to Parknasilla……. The atmosphere in the bar that night was relaxed, warm and intimate and it was once of the nicest evening I enjoyed.
Parknasilla is an old word charming luxurious hotel. It offers a true genuine Cead Mile Failte.
It is a real gem in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way -great for people looking to escape and relax in a warm and intimate setting. To truly appreciate and enjoy the property, a 2-night stay is a must.
Sneem Hotel
Last stop on the short tour was the village of Sneem , an Irish village long associated with a remote and relaxed way of living. Nestled between mountains and wild and rugged coast it offers some of the best views in the country.
We did a site inspection of the Sneem Hotel, a 4-star luxury hotel and self-catering apartments just outside the village and also a member of Original Irish Hotel. The hotel is located in a tranquil and rural setting and a great base for families, activity breaks and romantic getaways. Lunch was delicious, mouthwatering mushroom soup and freshly baked brown bread in front of yet another cracking open fire…………..Interestingly enough, Charles visited Sneem Hotel in May of 1969 before traveling north to Connemara……..
This was just a short tour on the more tranquil, remote and rural areas on the South Ring of Kerry and just some of the highlights of my trip……& my trip down memory lane……..
Please get in touch or call us now to speak about your next trip to this beautiful remote part of the county ……….
