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Set in a 300-acre estate just across the river from Kenmare town, this stunning hotel made an immediate impact from the day it opened in April 1991; it has continued to develop and mature most impressively since then and a major refurbishment plan has recently been completed.
The waterside location is beautiful, and welcoming fires always burn in the handsome foyer and in several of the spacious, elegantly furnished reception rooms, including a lounge bar area overlooking the tumbling waterfall.
Decor throughout is contemporary classic, offering traditional luxury with a modern lightness of touch and a tendency to understatement that adds up to great style; accommodation in spacious bedrooms - and suites, which include an impressive presidential suite - is luxurious: all rooms have excellent amenities, including video/DVD and CD players, beautiful marbled bathrooms and views of the cascading river or Kenmare Bay.
Outstanding facilities for both corporate and private guests include state-of-the-art conference facilities, a fine library (with computer/internet), stables/horseriding (treks offered around the 300-acre estate) and an array of activities nearby. The Easanna Spa includes a pretty 15 metre pool (and an extensive range of treatments).
But it is, above all, the staff who make this luxurious and stylish international hotel the home from home that it quickly becomes for each new guest.
*Five charmingly appointed self-contained cottages are available to rent - and have recently been joined by a range of new properties available for rental. Details on application.
Conference/banqueting (120/120); free broadband wi/fi, business centre, secretarial services, video-conferencing. Easanna Spa (15m swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, treatments, beauty salon), boutique, walking, gardens, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, cycling. Fishing (coarse, fly) and equestrian nearby. Heli-pad. Children welcome (cots available, baby sitting arranged). Dogs permitted to stay in outhouse/kennels.
Rooms 66 (1 presidential suites, 11 suites, 5 family rooms, 14 ground floor rooms, all no-smoking, 1 disabled). Lift. All day room service; turndown service. Room rate from about €170 (max 2 guests).
The Falls:
This beautifully appointed restaurant is designed in tiers to take full advantage of the waterfalls - floodlit at night and providing a dramatic backdrop for an exceptional fine dining experience, although lounge menus also offer a less formal option.
Well known local food enthusiast, Tony Schwarz, is Executive Chef, which bodes well for both resident and visiting diners. Tony - who cites previous employers Evan Doyle (The Strawberry Tree Restaurant at BrookLodge, Co Wicklow, which was originally in Killarney) and the late Gerry Galvin (of Drimcong House, Co Galway, now closed) as his greatest influences, is probably best known for his time at The Mustard Seed, Co Limerick - all people and establishments that are known for their commitment to promoting quality local produce.
While adding his own stamp, Tony continues the high standard of cooking which is the hallmark of this lovely restaurant; backed up by professional service, the ambience is further enhanced by soothing live piano music.
Menus are not over-extensive yet allow plenty of choice and, while the tone is classic, the message is modern Irish, light and - unusually - takes account of the complex dietary demands of today's diners, without having to offer alternative manus.
There’s an understandable leaning towards local seafood - including salmon smoked in their own smoke house, scallops and oysters from nearby Castletownbere, John Dory and perhaps seabass. Kerry lamb, and Skeaghanore duck (from West Cork) are also likely to feature - and, if you visit during the game season, you will probably be able to choose from pheasant, pigeon and venison.
Speciality desserts are sure to end the meal on a high note and there is a cheese trolley, offering a range of Irish farmhouse cheeses.
The atmospheric wine cellar is a particular point of pride - guests can visit it to choose their own bottle, and port may also be served there after dinner - deep-pocketed wine buffs will enjoy the wine list and should make a point of seeing it well ahead of dining if possible, as it details some 800 wines – more than 10,000 bottles from 18 countries - with particular strengths in the classic European regions, especially Burgundy and Bordeaux, and a fine collection of ports and dessert wines.
*Light lunches and Afternoon Tea are available in the sun lounge, 12-6 daily.
