Set in 300 acres of sub-tropical parkland, overlooking Kenmare Bay, this classic Victorian hotel is blessed with one of the most beautiful locations in Ireland. Formerly the Parknasilla Great Southern Hotel, it came into new ownership in 2007 and, following major renovations to some areas, re-opened the following year.
The most obvious change on arrival is the newly constructed holiday villas, set well back from the driveway in woodland between the gates and the hotel; they are not too obtrusive, however, and add mixed accommodation that is useful for families and groups of friends on golfing holidays etc, and also for weddings.
Villa guests have full use of all the hotel facilities, including the impressive new swimming pool and spa, all unobtrusively re-built above the little harbour and with huge windows taking advantage of the stunning sea and mountain view.
In the hotel itself, there has been no significant change in public areas, which remain spacious and relaxing, with open fires and plenty of comfortable lounging furniture (although the wonderful Great Southern art collection is missed).
However the really big change – and one which will be much appreciated by returning guests - is that former GM Jim Feeney has come back to run the hotel and has put in place a new team of key staff, many of whom are Irish.
Accommodation is varied, as is the way with old buildings, and the best bedrooms and suites in the main hotel have been refurbished in luxurious period style. There are also some new, more contemporary rooms including the Parknasilla Suites, Courtyard Suites, and also the West Wing Junior Suites which are very plush, with floor to ceiling windows and wrap-around balconies which make the most of the stunning views out over the water; although modern, the décor is muted, with plenty of greys, taupes and warm beige and gold tones.
Some of the older accommodation (standard rooms) has not yet been refurbished but, in the Guide’s experience, that is no hardship and dated bathrooms may be the only real disadvantage - it is worth noting that not all rooms in the hotel have a bath, so guests preferrring a bath should say so when booking.
This gracious hotel remains a lovely place to stay and service is impressive, in both its level of efficiency and politeness – under the direction of Jim Feeney and his management team, all of the staff are invariably very pleasant and helpful.
Aside from the waterside location and wonderful views, the surrounding 500 acre estate is the hotel’s greatest asset and it is renowned for the wide range of activities offered, including walking, horse riding, tennis, golf (12), cruising, fishing, and cycling – and the sheer sense of space and tranquillity is the answer to every townie’s dream.
Conferences/Banqueting (40/180); free broadband wi/fi. Leisure centre (gym, pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi); Spa (massage, treatments). Snooker, pool table, lawn bowls. Heli-pad.
Rooms 83. B&B €99 pps (€60 low season); offers available. Children welcome (under 2s free in parenrs room, cot available free of charge, baby sitting arranged. Limited room service. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
Pygmalion Restaurant:
A very large and beautifully appointed formal dining room, this is an impressive restaurant by any standards and diners are left in no doubt that this is dining in a style that befits the age and history of the building.
The best tables, in a large semi-circular conservatory style area, have views over the gardens (and an extensive outdoor seating area) to the sea and mountains; even at breakfast there is a sense of occasion.
Now, with chef Peter Brennan at the helm, this lovely restaurant is shining once again. Peter earned his culinary stripes in The Savoy Hotel London and Mount Juliet in Kilkenny among other respected kitchens and his balanced and well thought menus are based on the best, local, seasonal produce, with plenty of fresh seafood and some wild foods offered.
Starters, such as pan seared scallops with pea purée, tomato salsa and crispy pancetta and wild rabbit with truffle jus and cherry compote, sing off the plate with fresh flavour combinations. Portion sizes are just right to leave you in eager anticipation of the main courses to follow - and dishes like roast Kerry lamb with potato rosti, olive tapenade and glazed baby carrots, or pork belly with wilted gem lettuce, red pepper emulsion and apple purée will leave you in no doubt of this chef's magic touch.
Save some room for dessert - an updated classic such as lemon tart with tarragon cream, perhaps, or dark chocolate brownie with strawberry lemonade – or a selection of farmhouse cheeses, and finish with a cup of something special from the tea and coffee menu, or maybe a liqueur coffee.
Presentation is exquisite throughout, adding to the sense of special occasion, conveyed by the setting and service. A generous three-course table d'hôte menu is very fairly priced at around €38; also à la carte.
Seats 180 (outdoors, 40; private room, 25), children welcome. L&D daily, 12-6 & 6.30-9pm, a la carte. House wine from €25.
