Derrynane Hotel

If only for its superb location, this unassuming 1960s-style hotel would be well worth a visit, but there is much more on offer. The accommodation is quite modest but very comfortable and the food is good - and, under the excellent management of Mary O’Connor and her well-trained staff, this hospitable, family-friendly place provides a welcome home from home for many a contented guest.

Activity holidays are a big draw - there are beautiful beaches, excellent fishing, Waterville Golf Course offers special rates at certain times - and the hotel has published its own walking brochure.

Don’t leave the area without visiting Daniel O’Connell’s beautiful house at Derrynane, Noelle Campbell-Sharp's superb art gallery, Cill Rialaig Siopa and Art Centre in Ballinskelligs - or the amazing Ballinskelligs chocolate factory.

*Derrynane Hotel was our Family Hotel of the Year in 2005.

Rooms 70 (all en-suite, 15 family rooms, 32 ground floor, 50 no smoking). B&B €40-70 pps (low-high season). Children welcome (under 4s free in parents' room, cots available without charge, baby sitting arranged; playroom, kids club) Heated outdoor swimming pool, tennis, pool table, fitness room, steam room, sauna, walking, garden. Equestrian, scuba diving, water sports and fishing (coarse, sea angling) nearby. Excellent self-catering acommodation is also available within the grounds. *Special breaks offered: details on application. Closed Oct-Easter.

Restaurant:

Overlooking the heated outdoor swimming pool and the hotel’s gardens, the restaurant enjoys stunning sea views - be sure to ask for a table by the window, as the view is a major part of the experience. While not necessarily a fine dining experience, good food has always been a feature of the hotel and there is a commitment to high quality ingredients, which are local where possible and listed on the menu.

The 4-course dinner menus offer a good choice of simply presented popular dishes like smoked salmon, chicken liver mousse, Kerry lamb or Killorglin butcher Michael J. Cahillane's  beef ('the best in the world'), and duckling - and a very reasonably priced children’s menu is offered.

Attentive staff do everything possible to make a meal here a pleasant experience - and a helpful wine list is clearly presented.

*A light bar menu is also available every day, 11am-9pm.