One of Kenmare's oldest buildings, The Lansdowne Kenmare was built in 1790 as the town residence of William Petty Fitzmaurice, 2nd Earl of Shelburne, and it's been at the heart of the town's activities ever since.
Known until recently as The Lansdowne Arms, it was one of those nice old-fashioned hotels that every town used to have and - although there have been changes since it changed ownership early in 2021 - the hotel and the local community have been very fortunate in the new owners, Francis and John Brennan of 5-star Park Hotel Kenmare, which is just across the road.
At the time of purchase, the Brennan brothers were already doing major work at the Park, but taking on a new hotel doesn't seem to have fazed them at all and the necessary refurbishments were completed in time to open when Covid restrictions were lifted in July of the same year - a remarkable achievement by any standards, and very sympathetically done too.
Having great respect for traditional town hotels as a wonderful social resource for the community, the Brennans saw the purchase as an opportunity to revive what is one of Ireland’s oldest hotels. They wanted "the guest experience to be wonderfully casual and the property restored to the landmark it and Kenmare deserve" - and, with no major structural work needed, they have completed the restoration beautifully, and with a light touch.
Similar to the new look at the Park, the decor is light and bright, with soft pastel shades complementing fine architectural details - including the magnificent front door which opens at a welcoming angle onto the main street. You can go in via the streetside LK Café too, but it's much more fun to make an entrance through the lobby.
General Manager Kasia Riebandt - an old hand at the Park for the previous five years - moved across to lead the team (which includes most of the former staff) and there's a real sense of pride in this lovely 'new' hotel with its smart new look and traditional values.
Guest rooms vary, as is the way with old buildings, and while they may not all be large, the pleasingly unfussy decor and emphasis on the things that matter - good beds (dressed with linen from Francis Brennan's range for Dunnes Stores), good lighting, and proper traditional bathrooms with bath and shower - will make for a very comfortable stay.
Breakfast is served in a very attractive long dining bar, which has a lovely big terrace off the far end and makes a pleasing bistro-style destination later in the day, when an X Oven brings a casual charcoal flavour to the menu.
All round, The Lansdowne Kenmare is a seriously impressive achievement. It's a labour of love for the Brennan brothers and the renovations and upgrades are ongoing, so they were delighted when the hotel was awarded 4 Star status by Failte Ireland in 2022 - a meaningful recognition of their commitment to bringing this grand old lady back to her best.
No wonder The Lansdowne Kenmare so quickly became a favourite destination in this delightful town.
