The pillared entrance and ivy-clad facade of this classic Victorian railway hotel still convey a sense of occasion but, 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 is now very modern for an hotel of this period.
However, the tone has softened since the first round of modernisation took place - comfortable seating makes the foyer more welcoming, and the smaller drawing rooms off it have 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.
Modernisation of the bar has been done with a fairly light hand (the famous Malton prints feature), and its convenience to Killarney town - and, of course, the station - is unchanged, so this pleasant hotel remains a destination of choice with plenty of reminders of its glorious heyday alongside the new.
The great gilt-domed Garden Room Restaurant is a prime example of Victorian opulence, for example, but alongside you will find the innovative Killarney Wine Rooms where a state-of-the-art self-service Enomatic wine system dispenses a wide range of wines - you browse the range and use a prepaid debit card to help yourself to a tasting glass (from €1.20), half glass (from €3.50) or a full glass (from €6.50).
There has been renewed focus on the gardens recently, and a considerable amount of produce is now grown on-site for use in the hotel. Also of interest is The Malton Pantry, a range of products such as tapenades, dressings and oils; made in-house, some of the ingredients used are grown in the hotel gardens.
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