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Billed with good reason as 'Killarney's hidden secret', this historic hotel is in a lovely quiet location, convenient to Killarney town, yet - thanks to a long tree-lined avenue and extensive parkland, which stretches down towards the water - it has a charmingly other-worldly atmosphere.
The original house was built by the Herbert family, Earls of Pembroke, in the 17th century, and accommodation is divided between fine old rooms (including some suites and junior suites) in the main house, and more contemporary rooms in a modern extension; an atrium joining the two sections makes a pleasant conservatory seating area opening onto the lakeside grounds.
Following a change of ownership in 2016, a comprehensive programme of refurbishment was undertaken to bring this lovely property back to its best, beginning with some of the main reception rooms and the bedrooms in the main house which have been beautifully restored.
While the size and aspect varies - the most impressive is the high-celilinged Herbert Suite, with beautiful garden, lake and mountain views - each room has its own character, and many guests especially love the charming smaller rooms at the top of the house, once used as the Herbert family's nursery. The style of the newer rooms in the 1960s wing is modern classic, and some have private balconies or patios.
This Killarney hotels got many attractive features, not least its generous period sitting rooms and open fires, and a characterful Cellar Bar with a real old-fashioned wine cellar and a healthy emphasis on local and other Irish craft drinks. Beers from the Killarney Brewing Company are well represented (and available on draft),for example, and a dedicated Gin Menu includes some of the best Irish examples, such as Blackwater Distillery's Juniper and Strawberry Gins and Bertha's Revenge, all made fairly locally, in counties Waterford and Cork respectively. The new wave Irish whiskeys are well respresented too, and there's stylish informal food on offer as well, of course.
Herbert Room Restaurant
For many the highlight of a visit to Cahernane House will be dinner in the classically elegant Herbert Room Restaurant. Situated on the lake side of the house, this elegant room has recently been given a handsome makeover and, with its gleaming chandeliers and classical table settings, offers a perfect setting for fine dining.
Based mainly on the foods that the South-West is famous for - seafood from Castletownbere, Kerry lamb - Head Chef Eric Kavanagh's dinner menus offer plenty of choice without being overlong, and they are are carefully constructed to allow for à la carte choice from the set menu.
The cooking is impressive and an unusual house speciality among the main courses is Roast Saddle of Rabbit, with Wild Mushrooms, Vanilla Risotto, Muscat Grapes & Carrot, while beautiful desserts (a beautifully presented Passion Fruit Creme Brulee with Raspberry Sorbet & Pistachio Tuile, perhaps) ensure that a meal here will also end on a high note.
Professional service to match, too, and a balanced variety of styles, grapes and countries offered on the wine list.
Breakfast, also served in The Herbert Room, is well worth allowing time to enjoy and will set you up well for a day out and about exploring this stunning area.
