Hotel Review: The Europe takes luxury up a notch in its stunning Killarney setting

The hotel’s spot on the Lakes of Killarney is about as spectacular as you can get. 

An expansive estate set on the shores of the largest lake, Lough Léin, there are panoramic views of Killarney superspots, including the Gap of Dunloe, Brown Island, and Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil, with the rest of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks lounging in the background. 

It’s been declared a UNESCO World Biosphere, and they make the most of it.

10/10

Style & design

A sweeping drive up cultivates the expectation of luxury. The overwhelming vibe is contemporary opulence. 

The spacious lobby is all natural tones, deep carpets, mixed with masses of fresh flowers, cool art and sculptures, all prefaced by floor-to-ceiling windows showing off the view. 

It’s polished, extravagant, yet welcoming. A hard balance but they nail it.

9/10

Service

Kerry folk do banter well, and no one does it better than the doormen at The Europe; we clicked with Padraig before we could even reach the front desk. 

From the hot towel offering to the genuine smiles and help with the bags, check-in is faultless. 

Dinner at The Bistro is casual, with exceptional attention to detail, a smart wine recommendation, and that effortless chat again. Breakfast service is efficient and friendly. This is five-star service all the way.

10/10

Activities & Amenities

The Europe’s ESPA spa is in sync with the rest of this glamorous property - expansive, opulent and making the most of those views. 

At 50,000 square feet, there’s plenty of room and the Active Level is complimentary for all guests. 

The large indoor swimming pool is lit by three incredible chandeliers under circular windows to the sky above and other offerings include an indoor and outdoor vitality pool, a large thermal suite with sauna, steam room, fabulous showers, and a saltwater pool. 

There’s a giant ice dispensary that looks more like a work of art, a top-class gym and free spinning classes. 

And if you fancy a bite to eat, there’s Riva, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant so you can chill and have lunch in your robe and slippers. 

There’s complimentary horse riding and boat and fishing trips, indoor tennis (soft and hard courts), and plenty of walks in the landscaped gardens. 

My favourite amenity though? The baby changing facilities in women's AND men’s toilets. Bravo.

10/10

Guest rooms

The hotel, owned by the Liebherr family, is midway through a refresh of the guest rooms; the second floor is almost done, with the rest of the hotel soon to follow. 

We stayed in one of the freshly renovated rooms, with sumptuous beds and linens, bespoke carpentry in moss green and brass, and a balcony with an incredible lake view. 

This is a smart room with a digital concierge, automated curtains, responsive lighting (soft, under-bed lighting automatically comes on for any middle-of-the-night bathroom trips) and an easy-to-use, intuitive room panel.

The tech is all gently in the background with the roomy balcony framing the picturesque view the real star of the show. 

We got a peek at the bigger suites in progress on the third floor and when they are done, they will be sensational; with a wrap-around balcony and patio area with those views, these suites will possibly be unrivalled in this country.

10/10

In-room perks

Expect fresh Delamere semi-skimmed milk in cute glass bottles, Nespresso machine and pods, Seymour’s shortbread biscuits, all manner of herbal teas, and most importantly, Barry’s Tea, plus complimentary large bottles of still and sparkling spring water. 

In the bathroom, there’s ESPA toiletries, shower cap and cotton buds and pads. 

There’s an electronic mini-bar, multimedia system and fluffy robe and slippers.

9/10

On the menu

Executive head chef Alex Nahke makes impressive use of the hotel’s adjoining 400-acre cattle and sheep farm. 

It gives farm-to-fork a whole new dimension. With their own in-house bakery too, the quality of every part of the food offering here is exceptional. 

Every meal was elevated by clever touches, from the citrus yoghurt on the lamb croquettes at dinner to the buttered flat-cap mushrooms at breakfast.

10/10

Need-to-know

Value for money? Rooms from €395 per night based on two people sharing.

Room to improve? If I had to niggle, a hook in the bathroom for robe/towels would be welcome. There were delays at breakfast and check out - but we did arrive at high traffic times.

Access for guests with disabilities? They endeavour to offer the same facilities to less able-bodied guests. Special facilities include wheelchair-adapted bathrooms, ramps and lifts in public areas. 

Family-friendly? Yes. Deluxe, adjoining family rooms and lots of kid-centric seasonal activities. Their Easter egg hunts are legendary.

Dogs welcome? Only guide dogs.

Esther was a guest of The Europe Hotel.