Standout 5-star hotels in Kerry for a memorable weekend away

Make memories to last a lifetime at this luxury hotel and spa, overlooking Killarney’s serene Loch Lein. Located opposite the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, a stay here means you can spend your weekend hiking in nature and taking in gorgeous views, or go boating out on the lake. Indoors, you’ll find the luxurious ESPA spa with a heated pool and thermal rooms. Gaze out of the floor-to-ceiling windows at the panoramic views of the lake and feel everyday stress evaporate. Want to switch off completely? Try a treatment like ESPA’s holistic total body ritual, which relaxes your body with hot stones and essential oils, or go for a healthy glow with a complexion-boosting face and scalp treatment.

After a day of walking or whiling away the hours, whet your appetite for dinner with a glass of prosecco in the traditional wood-panelled bar, before heading to the Brasserie. Take a seat here and watch the hotel’s award-winning chefs cook juicy flame-grilled steaks right in front of you. Or book a table at the aptly named Panorama Restaurant with its views of the water, mountains and the hotel’s elegant gardens. The simple dark wood decor complements the beauty of the landscape outside and with a focus on Irish cuisine, the locally sourced seafood is a menu highlight. Order tempting dishes like wild Atlantic Turbot with smoked oyster fritter, leeks and black garlic.

Round off your day with a nightcap on the private balcony of your Superior Lakeview room, taking in views the lake below. If the night air gets a little chilly, your room – with its sophisticated, earthy toned furnishings, seating area, king-size bed and handy Nespresso machine – is a comfortable and cosy retreat.

Head to the Kenmare countryside to celebrate a special occasion with loved ones at Sheen Falls Lodge, known for its 2 AA rosette restaurant the Falls. The atmospheric dining room, with its plush leather seating and fine art-adorned walls, offers contemporary Irish fare with a twist. With most ingredients sourced locally, food here includes succulent Kerry lamb, fresh mussels from Kenmare Bay, or even smoked salmon caught and cured on the estate. Treat your mum to the three-tiered afternoon tea in the bright and airy yellow Sun Lounge and admire the Sheen Falls through the large Victorian windows. Tuck into delicious finger sandwiches and sweet cakes and pastries that taste even better with a flute of fizz.

Heading for a stay with a group? Go for one of the charming thatched cottages, complete with kitchenette, cosy lounge, and terrace with views over the bay, providing you with all the space you’ll need for a fun girls’ weekend. Otherwise, check in to a classic room or treat yourself and your partner to Suite Falls View, which has a homely sitting room, master bedroom and bathroom, all spread over 800 sq ft. Relax on your king-sized bed and watch the sun set through the tall windows, peeking through the surrounding woodland. The calming decor mirrors the beauty of the outdoors, with floral curtains, botanical-print cushions, and moss-toned blanketing.

If peace and quiet is on the agenda, visit the serene Easanna Spa, housed in a bright and light, wood-clad conservatory. Sink into the steaming Jacuzzi after a few laps of the heated pool, or unwind in the sauna and steam rooms. You can also indulge in a holistic Swedish massage, or pamper yourself with a French manicure, leaving you feeling tip-top.

Spoil your other half with an indulgent weekend away to the Killarney Park Hotel, which has one of the most luxurious spas in Killarney. This wellness space has eight treatment rooms, a nail bar, a relaxation room and a hot plunge bath, to enable you to completely de-stress. Before your Elemis back and shoulder massage, head to the 20 metre heated pool for a few leisurely lengths, take a spell in the steam room and unwind in the outdoor hot tub.

Situated in the heart of Killarney town, you’re just a 5 minute walk to nearby shops and malls like the Killarney Outlet Centre, and around a 7 minute drive to Lough Leane and lush countryside walks. When the weather’s good, head to the outdoor Terrace and the barbecue pit for succulent steaks and burgers – a laidback lunch spot with friends. The covered heated section overlooks the elegant hotel gardens, so relax with a glass of champagne on the comfortable rattan furniture and breathe in the fresh air. For a special occasion, take afternoon tea in the elegant drawing room, and sample snacks like roast beef on grilled ciabatta with red onion marmalade, horseradish prawn cocktail with Avruga caviar, and sweet treats like lavender and poppy seed macaroons, passion fruit tart and freshly baked scones.

The hotel design mixes traditional period features with contemporary touches – you’ll see open fireplaces, sweeping staircases, and bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and luxe velvet upholstered beds. Get some rest in a spacious premium room featuring a king-sized bed, a cosy fireplace and open-plan sitting area. Brew yourself a Nespresso coffee and relax with the papers on deep velvet chairs in a room decorated in calming neutral tones – heaven!