Little more than an energetic stone's throw from the shores of Killary Fjord on the Wild Atlantic Way, the latest development by the enterprising Young family is The Killary Lodge - a beautiful purpose-built 'nature lodge' on the grounds of their famous Killary Adventure Centre.
Sustainably designed as a (mainly) self catering destination for groups, it is quietly set among mature native trees and makes a stunning venue for everything from corporate events like think tanks and training programmes to special getaways such as yoga retreats, mindfulness weekends, tours and all kinds of special interest groups - but it is also perfect for multi-generational family breaks, and even small weddings.
At its heart are the get-together areas, including a stylish and very comfortably furnished lounge that opens out onto the main outdoor space, complete with seating, two fire pits and magnificent sea and mountain views.
Then there's the light-filled meeting room/classroom which, while well kitted out for small conferences, opens onto a large garden terrace which gives it a lovely indoor-outdoor feel and makes it a versatile space that's equally suitable for more convivial activities.
The accommodation is cleverly planned, with rooms of varying sizes and configurations to allow for groups ranging from singletons who want to share (up to four singles in a room) to couples (king size beds) and particularly spacious and well-planned family rooms that kids of all ages are sure to love.
And when it comes to eating, there's a well equipped open kitchen and large dining area for guests to do their own thing, but Kim Young and her husband Reinaldo Sico operate one of Ireland's best food trucks, The Misunderstood Heron (winners of our 2019 Street Food Award) which is located just a short walk from the Lodge and offers excellent daytime food with a local focus. And, ever the innovators, The Misunderstood Heron team can also provide catering for resident groups.
Not just beautifully located and thoughtfully designed, Killary Lodge is an inspiring building and the carefully selected materials, tactile finishes, unexpected details and great use of light all make it a lovely place to be.
And, while this new build only opened in 2018, the original Victorian lodge is nearby and, nearly four decades after Jamie and Mary opened their pioneering Little Killary Centre in 1981, and now there's a feeling of things coming full circle as they and their children, Shane and Ciara (together with Kim and the magnificent food truck) continue their habit of constant reinvention to embark on an equally exciting new era.
We were proud to recommend Killary Lodge in our guides when they started offering accommodation at the old house in 1990 - and even more so now, with the start of this magnificent new venture.
