Beautifully located on the shores of Kenmare Bay this stunning property was rescued from dereliction by John “At Your Service” Brennan and his wiife Gwen, who re-opened as a ‘glamping’ destination and wedding venue in 2012. In addition, the stylish waterfront restaurant and wine bar, The Boathouse Bistro (see below), is located in the grounds - situated in a charming 19th century boathouse overlooking a little harbour that offers boating facilities for both residents and visitors, it has been a popular destination in its own right since it opened.
Meanwhile, as well as building up a formidable reputation as a wedding venue (with dedicated chef David Espagnat in place since 2024) - and offering onsite glamping for wedding guests and family holidays - sensitive development of the gorgeous Dromquinna Manor estate has brought some other very interesting accommodation options on stream.
The aptly named Hideaway Tent, for example, is a seriously luxurious en-suite tent tucked away in the woods, with its own gate leading into a little garden. The water feels close enough to touch and you can enjoy views over the cliff and the bay from the veranda, or from your super comfortable bed. There's a mini bar and breakfast is delivered to your door as part of the service - it's a total escape and, when you get hungry, The Boathouse Bistro is just a short stroll away.
And then there are The Potting Sheds, which are situated near the recently restored kitchen gardens and date from 1895. Offering a couple (perhaps with two young children) a special place to stay, the four stylishly renovated sheds have French doors opening onto private gardens and provide all the comforts of modern life in a secluded setting. Featuring super king size beds (plus a pair of hidden bunk beds), smart en-suite facilities and spacious sitting areas they tune in with the “on the edge of nature” ethos of Dromquinna - and, each morning, a ‘wake me up’ Breakfast Hamper is delivered to the door.
Also in the mix is Courtyard Mews and The Bolthole, a charming little 2-bedroomed cottage beside The Potting Sheds, which is fully equipped for self catering and, like all of the accommodatioon here - and others to be added in the coming years - also has the advantage of being just a few minutes walk from both The Boathouse Bistro and the recently added Shutters, a gorgeously laid-back waterside bar and lounge where locals, bistro diners and resident guests are all welcome from spring to autumn.
As well as the gradual inclusion of more accommodation options, the big news story at Dromquinna these days is the gardens, which are going through a 10-year development plan that will be a great enhancement to the estate - and (should it be needed) yet another reason to revisit as often as possible to see how things are coming along.
The Boathouse Bistro
Backed by pine trees, the building has great charm and, with white walls hung with striking marine photography, quirky lighting and plenty of cosy corners to make your own, it’s a delightful spot.
Operated directly by Dromquinna Manor, with James Doyle as Manager and Head Chef Mark Johnston leading the kitchen team, the Boathouse is well established as a favourite destination in the area. And the entire food operation at Dromquinna just goes on getting better, as old Park Hotel Kenmare colleagues return from other ventures to join the team - PHK head chef of 10 years, James Coffey, for example, is now working with Mark Johnston and David Espagnat, as sous chef for both Dromquinna Manor and The Boathouse, which makes for a brilliant team.
Offering quality casual food during the day, it’s a great amenity for guests holidaying in the grounds but it’s also open to the general public and - while it's pitched to be a popular destination rather than a foodie event - it’s hard to imagine a more attractive setting for a relaxing lunch or snack, especially when the weather favours al fresco dining on the terrace.
The Bistro opens at 12.30pm and the same extensive menu is offered all day until closing. At night, as the light fades on the mountains across the bay, it becomes a highly atmospheric restaurant that’s fun for groups and yet romantic for twosomes too.
Meals begin promisingly with a selection of breads (the brown bread is especially good) and menu choices lean heavily towards the local fish and shellfish, although beef, chicken and pasta are also offered. All produce is 'from suppliers we know and trust', and the quality tells the story but - as there are so many wonderful producers in the area - it would be lovely to hear the stories behind some of the suppliers.
Appealing starters may include chowder, an antipasti board, cured salmon and potted crab, with battered fish fingers, sautéed crab claws, lemon calamari and mussels among the dishes offered. Fish lovers will also be delighted with main courses like grilled loin of tuna and monkfish medallions, while meat eaters will be delighted with a chargrilled 10 oz beef rib-eye, a burger or roast chicken supreme. Vegetarian choices are availabe - an appealing wild mushroom and celeriac tagliatelle, perhaps - and everything is prepared with style and served with a smile.
Dishes are generally simple yet presented with flair. Creative accompaniments make for colourful plates - a seared fillet of hake, for example, can look very well with a red and yellow pepper and red onion salad and chilli jam.
The dessert menu offers ever-popular options such as chocolate brownie, apple galette and bread-and-butter pudding. The boathouse is also a wine bar so there are plenty of wines to choose from, and if a celebration is in order, you have a choice of Prosecco or more expensive champagnes, including both Taittinger and Louis Roederer.
Service is smart and, especially considering the location and the style of this gorgeous place, value for money is good too. All round a hugely enjoyable destination.
