Hotel review: This four-star Kerry resort merits a spot on your getaway wish list
County Kerry Parknasilla Resort,
Wooing guests for over a century with its wow-factor setting, Parknasilla Resort lies on the soulful shores of Kenmare Bay with views of the rugged Iveragh and Beara peninsulas panning in its shadows.
It’s a considerable estate too. There are myriad seriously scenic trails to explore without even leaving the grounds, while if you venture beyond you’re just 3km from the charming village of Sneem with the culinary hub of Kenmare 23km east.
Perhaps unusual for many resort estates in Ireland nowadays, Parknasilla is in fact one of our great purpose-built hotels; the baronial style mansion laid its foundations in the 1890s (as the Great Southern Hotel) and its hospitality heritage has been seeping through the walls 125 years on.
The property has a plush and polished aura upon arrival and you’d be forgiven at times for wondering whether it may in fact be a five star.
It has retained much of its character, a traditional lobby with fireside is flanked by a number of inviting reception rooms, not least the The Shaw, a drawing room which makes for ideal idling.
Elsewhere you’ll find plenty of spots to curl up and relax in.
This is the Kingdom where even four-star properties roll out an elevated service.
A doorman and porter welcome me upon entering the porch and check-in is efficient with a genuine warmth.
Service at dinner is attentive though perhaps a little less so at breakfast with a couple of small misses — like forgotten toast — however, it’s very pleasant on the whole.
Given its historic heritage, rooms at Parknasilla come in various shapes, sizes and categories and are the antithesis of cookie cutter.
Décor is largely a classical, country manor feel with generously cushioned statement beds, tasteful antique furnishings and characterful embellishments.
Notable at Parknasilla is that rooms to the rear or the property (versus those bayfront) also feature fine mountain views while even the hotel’s cosy loft rooms feature views over the centre courtyard.
The hotel also offers a handful of both classical and contemporary design suites.
I stayed in the Rossdohan, an impressive corner suite where features from a wrap-around balcony to a flickering wall fire, brought an all-season allure to what would make a superb special occasion hideaway.
Rooms offer tea and coffee making facilities (suites offer Nespresso machines) and products by Sothys of Paris.
Also provides its own bottled water.
Parknasilla’s Pygmalion restaurant is their fine dining experience set in an elegant dining room with impressive sea views.
The menu, featuring locally sourced produce from slow-cooked shoulder of Kerry lamb to seared halibut is decently priced at €45 for two dishes or €60 and there are no supplements (good for steak lovers, perhaps not for vegans).
Elsewhere, the hotel offers its Doolittle bar and conservatory for more casual dining (though it still retains a traditional, prim look) while a neat addition is the hotel’s own Railway Express café for a more casual cup.
Breakfast the next morning is also served in Pygmalion. I opted for the fish of the day, hake, which could have benefitted from a sauce or herb butter.
Parknasilla is like a one-stop oasis when it comes to amenities for couples, families or solo guests alike.
The estate offers golf, tennis and kayaking as well as a comprehensive programme of weekly activities including biodiversity walks, kids storytelling, falconry and meditation.
Many of these are complimentary. The spa also features a fine thermal suite.
Room to improve? It’s refreshing that the property isn’t a slave to generic Pinterest design trends but with much of the hotel’s spaces feeling a little conservative, some more daring décor would be welcome for future evolutions.
Access for guests with disabilities? Only Parknasilla’s self-catering lodges.
Family-friendly? Yes, it feels like a family getaway haven.
Dogs welcome? Pets are not allowed in the hotel proper but an on-site kennel facility is available for dogs to stay overnight.
Charge points? Yes.
The bill: Midweek B&B from €215 for two in a spacious parkland room.
- Parknasilla Resort
- Sneem, Co Kerry
- parknasillaresort.com
- Hotel Examiner was a guest of Parknasilla Resort.