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Cahernane House Hotel

This family-owned and managed hotel is in a lovely quiet location, convenient to Killarney town yet - thanks to a long tree-lined avenue and parkland which stretches down to the water it has a charmingly other-worldly atmosphere.

The original house was built by the Herbert family, Earls of Pembroke, in the 17th century, and accommodation is divided between fine old rooms (including some suites and junior suites) in the main house, and more contemporary rooms in a recent extension; an atrium joining the two sections makes a pleasant conservatory seating area, opening on to the lakeside grounds.

The hotel has many attractive features, not least its generous period sitting rooms and open fires, and a characterful cellar bar (spoilt a little by noise and harsh downlighting) with a real old-fashioned wine cellar.

Banqueting (80). Free Broadband wi/fi. Children welcome (under 3s free in parents' room, cot available without charge, baby sitting arranged.) No pets. Garden, walking, fishing, tennis. Golf nearby.

Rooms 38 (28 with separate bath & shower, 15 no smoking). B&B about €130 pps, Single from €150.

The Herbert Room Restaurant:

This classically elegant dining room is situated on the lake side of the house and the setting is perfect for fine dining. Classical table d'hôte and á la carte menus are offered - wild mushrooms risotto, and foie gras with asparagus are typical starters, and main courses might include pan-seared duck breast with sweet potato purée, and paupiettes of black sole with saffron beurre blanc.

Farmhouse cheeses are offered with plum chutney, as well as delicious desserts. Cooking is good although it can be let down by disorganised service.

Breakfast is a highlight, and a quite an extensive bar menu is offered for those who would prefer to eat informally.

Restaurant: L & D daily, 12.30-3 & 7-9.30; set L €35, set 5 course D €55; also bar food, noon-9.30pm; house wine €24.* Off-season breaks offered. Closed mid Dec-mid Jan. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Ouskirts of Killarney, off the N71 near Muckross Park.