The pillared entrance and ivy-clad facade of this classic Victorian railway hotel still convey a sense of occasion, but guests who remember it of old will find that a recent change of ownership has brought more than a change of name - and, although the building itself is protected, the interior has had a modern makeover.
This Killarney Hotels fine old inner doors have gone (hopefully resting somewhere safe until there is a change of heart) but the welcoming open fire at the entrance remains and still draws guests through to the spacious grandly-pillared foyer, which has had all of its traditional furniture removed and now, perhaps intentionally, feels very like a railway station.
However, it has softened a little since the first round of modernisation took place - some much-needed seating has found its way into the foyer, and the smaller drawing rooms off it have – at least for the time being - been allowed to retain their elegant old furnishings.
Accommodation in the newer section of the hotel has been upgraded in a style appropriate to its age and, in the original building, the bedroom corridors (built wide enough ‘to allow two ladies in hooped dresses to pass comfortably’), still set the tone for generously-proportioned suites and executive rooms, furnished to individual designs.
The bar has also been modernised, but with a fairly light hand (the famous Malton prints feature), and its convenience to Killarney town (and, of course, the station) is unchanged, so it is still a pleasant place to stay. There are two restaurants: the great gilt-domed Garden Room Restaurant is a prime example of Victorian opulence - contrasting with the smaller contemporary restaurant, The Gallery (see below).
Conferences/Banqueting (900/600); broadband wi/fi; business Centre, secretarial services. Rooms 172 (2 suites, 34 junior suites, 69 superior rooms, family 10, 4 disabled). Lift. 24 hour room service. B&B €75 pps; no SC. Open all year.
The Gallery:
This is the hotel’s bistro-style restaurant, and tables are very much in demand. Situated quietly in a corner position, behind the bar and overlooking the gardens, it is dashingly decorated in a modern style that works well with the room, and has been upgraded within that successful overall scheme since the hotel changed hands.
The ambience, consistently sound cooking and professional service make an appealing combination. It is well established as one of Killarney’s leading eating places.
Seats 60; reservations recommended; children welcome. D Tue-Sat, 6.30-9.30pm; house wine from €24. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
