Irresistible Irish luxury: 5-star hotels in Killarney

There are few better spots to appreciate the hilly, emerald-carpeted landscapes of Killarney than the Europe Hotel and Spa. From your private balcony, you might even see white-tailed eagles swoop over the deep waters of the Killarney’s shimmering lakes. The largest of all – Loch Léin – sits within the hotel grounds, reflecting the rugged wilderness of the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. The hotel helps you to make the most of this enchanting landscape with outdoor pursuits including golf, fishing, horse-riding, hiking, tennis and swimming.

Rooms at the Europe Hotel and Spa are designed to be peaceful oases away from the everyday world. Each has a view of the lake or verdant gardens, with a balcony on which to soak it all up. Begin your day wrapped up in your bathrobe with a hot cup of coffee, breathing in the clean, fresh air of the Irish countryside. Interiors offer a contemporary take on rustic, with subtle tartan touches and a creamy palette of soft taupes, buttery caramels and warm coffees. Modern additions, like state-of-the-art Nespresso machines and sleek glass double doors, create an elegant aesthetic.

Soothe tired muscles at the hotel’s spa – ESPA at the Europe. In this serene cocoon, the only soundtrack is the soothing lap of water on the lakeshore. As the sun sets, swim below cascading luminescent light fixtures in the lantern-lined pool. After a fragrant herbal tea in the spa café, recline on heated loungers or detoxify in the thermal suite. Indulgence is the order of the day at ESPA at the Europe, which features 16 treatment rooms, two express beauty suites, a private spa suite and several manicure and pedicure thrones. Try a pressure-relieving hot stone massage, or hydrate your skin with a harmonising facial.

This 5-star hotel in Killarney nestles within its own 64-acre estate close to the Gap of Dunloe, with a meandering river, distant mountains, and even the ruins of a 12-century castle just waiting to be discovered. The Dunloe Hotel is a family and dog-friendly hotel, so you can bring everyone along to experience the lap of uxury. Or, while they’re enjoying the great outdoors, spend the afternoon in the Techno Gym, steam room, sauna or spa. In one of two candle-lit treatment rooms, recharge with a massage, experience a brightening facial or let your senses be carried away by an intoxicating aromatherapy treatment.

After a day exploring the town, you’ll find the inviting Grill restaurant is the place to refuel and recharge. The spotlight rests firmly on local Irish ingredients, particularly the abundant seafood. Sample light yet satisfying mains, such as flaking baby turbot served with buttery asparagus and tart pickled sea lettuce. A crisp glass of dry sauvignon blanc makes for a balanced accompaniment – or perhaps you’ll go straight for a dessert like indulgent chocolate bavarois, given a savoury edge by salted caramel ice cream. Sip on a nightcap and catch some live music in the intimate, softly-lit bar before retiring to your room.

Speaking of rooms, you’ll appreciate each detail has been handpicked to offer comfort, relaxation and an undeniable sense of luxury. Feel immersed in the leafy landscape outside your window in a Garden Room, which looks out over the hotel’s rolling parklands. Sumptuous double beds with ultra-soft sheets are made even more irresistible by crushed velvet cushions and cosy throws. In a suite, spend a restorative morning in your luxurious steam room before catching up on the papers in the private reception area. Most have balconies for views of the surrounding majestic landscapes.

There’s just something about Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa that feels like stepping into another world. It might be the panoramic views of Loch Léin, or the fact that the land was once a spiritual spot for the ancient Celts, or, it could be the heavenly spa. The majesty of the hotel’s surroundings is reflected inside it, with a vibrant colour palette inspired by Irish wildflowers and touches of rustic, natural slate throughout. Take time out for yourself and admire the lake on a reclined heated lounger. Afterwards, feel worries melt away in a multi-sensory tropical shower or a heated aromatherapy cabin in the thermal suite. Alternatively, step inside one of the flickering, marble-covered treatment rooms. Treat yourself to a massage, facial or exfoliating sugar scrub, all of which use luxurious ingredients sourced from the surrounding land and sea.

Flop down at the end of the day in your relaxing room. Each one brings a subtle hint of the outdoors in – floral touches of vibrant purple and clover green stand out against a soft, neutral backdrop. A variety of textures, from smooth leather to irresistible silk, create a tactile patchwork of decadence. Choose a Lake Side room to feel close to the timeless landscape just outside your window. Lazy mornings begin on the balcony with birdsong as your alarm and a strong coffee from your Nespresso machine in hand.

When the sun begins to dip, make your next stop the Lake Room restaurant. The first thing you’ll notice is that this modern restaurant is soaked in natural, ever-changing light. As you take your seat, you can admire sweeping vistas of Killarney National Park – there’s nothing quite like the blaze of orange and pink that comes with the sun setting over the lake’s waters. As it gets dark, sit back in plush, jewel-toned armchairs. Start your evening with seafood such as seared king scallops before moving onto hearty meat dishes, like local rabbit served with salsify and indulgent foie gras or juicy Hereford beef aged for 28 days.

Experience the ideal blend of country life and city centre convenience at the Killarney Park Hotel. It’s located in the heart of historic and bustling Killarney, and also benefits from being set in its own mature grounds. The hotel’s interiors seamlessly combine old-world charm with contemporary luxury – take the Garden Bar, for example, with its oversized, rounded windows that let natural light come pouring in and leather booths for sharing a casual lunch. For dinner, make your way to the Park Restaurant. Begin with a KPH signature G&T, which livens up a classic with fresh strawberries and tangy grapefruit. The menu here celebrates local Kerry cuisine, with dishes such as rich duck breast served with wild morels and a bonbon made from confit duck leg.

For those looking to forget about the stresses of everyday life, the spa at Killarney Park is not to be missed. You’re free to dedicate blissful hours to your wellbeing and restoration in this serene sanctuary. From woodland silhouettes to delicate orchids, touches of nature run throughout. Ignite your senses in the caldarium – a hot plunge bath – then lie back and read a book in the relaxation room, or recline in the indoor pool, sauna, steam room or outdoor hot tub. Alternatively, pamper yourself with a treatment in one of the eight private treatment rooms. Hydrate tired skin with a facial using high-quality products from brands like Eve Lom and Elemis, or allow your muscles to relax with a massage from one of the experienced therapists.

Rooms here celebrate traditional comfort, with lavish beds, elegant marble bathrooms, antique-style furniture and floral patterned upholstery and throws. In a Premium Room, you’ll have your own cosy living space to relax in, complete with roaring hearth and gold-gilded touches. Tartan textures and rich mahogany introduce plenty of character. End your evening with a long bath using Elemis toiletries, before slipping your feet into soft slippers and curling up to watch a film on your king-sized bed.