Even the most jaded traveller would have to agree that a stay at this renowned hotel is always a treat. With a magnificent waterside location in the midst of Ireland’s most scenic landscape, it has views over gardens to the ever-changing mountains across the bay – yet it is virtually in the centre of the Heritage Town of Kenmare.
Travellers from all over the world have found a home from home here since the hotel was built in 1897, by the Great Southern and Western Railway Company, as an overnight stop for passengers travelling to Parknasilla, 17 miles away.
Former owner, Francis “At Your Service” Brennan, re-opened the hotel in 1985 and made it a benchmark for exceptional standards of service and sumptuous comfort - a tradition proudly upheld by current owners Bryan and Tara Meehan, who took over this historic property in 2023 and immediately gave it a fresh new look by replacing the traditional paintings with striking modern artwork.
As ever, it is a most hospitable and relaxing place, where a warm welcome and the ever-burning fire in the hall set the tone for a stay in which guests are discreetly pampered by outstandingly friendly and professional staff led by General Manager Kasia Riebandt.
And that pampering reaches dizzy heights in the hotel’s deluxe destination spa, Sámas, which translates from the Gaelic as ‘indulgence of the senses’. Unlike anything else offered in Ireland, Sámas adjoins the hotel on a wooded knoll and is designed to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit; there are separate male and female areas (also two day suites for couples) and guests can choose from over forty holistic treatments, designed by a team of professionals to meet individual needs.
There is also a beautiful stainless steel pool, which is available to both hotel guests and residents of The Retreats, the apartments alongside the hotel. Lifestyle programmes combining spa treatments with other activities in the area - walking on the Kerry Way, golf, fishing, horse trekking - offer a unique way to enjoy the deeply peaceful atmosphere of this luxurious hotel. Cycling holidays based in the hotel are also popular - an ideal way to balance energetic sight-seeing during the day with luxurious comfort and good food at night.
As for the guest accommodation, spacious suites and bedrooms are individually furnished to the highest standards, with antiques, fine linen and attention to detail, including delicious home-baked cookies. And, in line with the excellence which prevails throughout the hotel, the outstanding breakfasts served at the Park start the day in style. [Park Hotel Kenmare is a former national winner of our Hotel Breakfast of the Year Award]
Landline Restaurant:
This elegant dining room is at its best in daylight, when the views from window tables are simply lovely. Terraced lawns lead down through a copse of trees to the water, with the Kerry mountains in the background.
Located within the hotel’s Sean Scully Room, the restaurant is named after Landline Edge (2017) by the renowned Dublin born artist Sean Scully. This 'painting of the meeting of land and sea' sets the tone for a food philosophy based on connection to place. Ensuring that the food will match the surroundings is no light matter, but Chef James O'Sullivan's menus are created out of ingredients that are seasonal, local and fresh and the restaurant itself looks out upon Kenmare Bay and the Caha Mountains beyond: "our source and continual inspiration". Together with the creative cooking and caring service offered here, that makes for a deeply satisfying dining experience
Afternoon Tea
Elegant surroundings, immaculate service and stylish presentation make the most of this afternoon treat. Expect loose leaf teas, finger sandwiches, traditional scones served with homemade preserves and clotted cream and a selection of irrestible pastries and cakes as the basic – a glass of Prosecco or Champagne is an indulgence. Children’s’ Afternoon Tea is also available.
