Kerry is always a stunning destination and an off-season stay in John and Francis Brennan’s new hotel, The Lansdowne Kenmare, would be a real treat by any standards.
One of Kenmare's oldest buildings, The Lansdowne Kenmare was built as the town residence of William Petty Fitzmaurice, 2nd Earl of Shelburne, in 1790, and it's been at the heart of the town's activities ever since. The Brennan brothers of Park Hotel Kenmare, just across the road, bought it in January this year and re-opened in July as a lovely 'new' hotel.
Known until recently as The Lansdowne Arms, Francis and John wanted "the guest experience to be casual and the property restored to the landmark it and Kenmare deserve" – and they have completed the restoration beautifully, and with a light touch. Similar to the new look at the Park the decor is light and bright, with soft pastel shades complementing fine architectural details.
Guest rooms are pleasingly unfussy with an emphasis on the things that matter most - good beds, for example, dressed with linen from Francis Brennan's range for Dunnes Stores - which makes for a comfortable stay.
Breakfast is served in a very attractive long dining bar and, with a lovely big terrace off the far end, it makes a pleasing bistro-style destination later in the day, when an X Oven brings a casual charcoal flavour to the menu.
With Kasia Riebandt - an old hand at the Park for the last five years – as General Manager, there's a real sense of pride in this revitalised hotel with its smart fresh look and traditional values. The Lansdowne Kenmare is set to become a favourite destination in this delightful town, where everything is within easy walking distance – if you visit at the weekend, you can even join a Heritage Walk that the hotel hosts for guests, every Saturday at 4.30pm.
The lucky winner of this free competition will have a short break for two people sharing (subject to availability), to include:
