Park Hotel Kenmare
Ireland: County Kerry: Kenmare
Originally built in 1897, this wonderful grande dame hotel set the standard for luxury hotels in Ireland. Surrounded by eleven acres of gardens leading to Kenmare Bay, the hotel sits at the edge of the charming town of Kenmare (one of Ireland's Heritage Towns and voted the "Best Kept Town in Ireland in 2000"), with its wonderful shops, galleries and restaurants. The area surrounding Kenmare, located between the Caha mountains and MacGillicuddy Reeks, benefits from the Gulf Stream, imbuing it with a mild climate as well as sub tropical vegetation. The "lobby" of the hotel is actually a collection of beautifully furnished sitting rooms echoing the elegance of yesteryear, each with a fireplace. The hotel's gourmet restaurant serves three meals per day and enjoys an outstanding reputation. (The irresistible breakfast scones are not conducive to dieting!) Rooms vary tremendously but each is furnished in the manner of a luxury property and is equipped with all modern amenities. Among the accommodations are nine exceedingly spacious suites, each with dining area and view of Kenmare Bay. There are connecting rooms for families and babysitting is available. Service here is as warm and friendly as it is impeccable. In fact, the hotel's personable owners are on hand to assure the comfort and well being of their guests. Recent accolades include "Restaurant of the Year" awarded by the Restaurant Association of Ireland and Conde Nast's "50 Best in the World" and Francis Brennan's inclusion by Leaders Magazine's "Top 25 Worldwide Hoteliers." Famous golf courses nearby include Waterville, Tralee, Killarney, Ballybunion, Doonbeg and Lahinch.

NOTE: Hotel normally closes end of October and reopens for Easter.