Famed for its spectacular views of the Gap of Dunloe this luxurious riverside sister hotel to the Europe Hotel & Resort, Fossa and Ard na Sidhe Country House, Caragh Lake (see entries), this beautifully located hotel is set in a 64-acre estate, complete with ruined Norman castle.
With its generous scale and exemplary standards of maintenance and housekeeping, it has much in common with The Europe and, following recent renovations, the public areas are also a match for its big sister.
Like the Europe, the atmosphere is distinctly continental; some of the exceptionally spacious guest rooms have dining areas, and all have magnificent views, air conditioning and many extras. The surrounding park is renowned for its unique botanical collection, which includes many rare plants.
Golf is, of course, a major attraction here and there is an equestrian centre on site (they breed Halfinger ponies, known for their gentle natures and great for trekking), also fishing on the River Laune, which is free of charge to residents.
Perhaps surprisingly, the space and relaxed atmosphere make it a good choice for families - and there is an impressive outdoor play area. Informal meals are offered at The Garden Café, which is open all day and caters for everything from light snacks to hearty main courses.
More recently, attention has turned to the family pet. For a moderate charge per night, this fine hotel offers a choice of luxurious kennels or a dog friendly guest room where you will find a food and water bowl with floor mat, special pet treats and pet beds and (a very realistic idea) “a doggy throw, to cover the sofa with, should that be your pet’s preferred sleeping place!” With 64 acres of grounds and gardens (clean-up bags provided), it’s emphatically a five star destination for dogs – the only trouble is likely to be persuading them to hop into the car when it’s time to leave.
Fine dining with a view is offered in the hotel’s main restaurant and a very good breakfast is served here too, offering an enticing buffet display as well as a tempting range of hot dishes.
Best of all, however, is the warm and welcoming ambience created by the excellent staff. This is a lovely place for a break, and it's a fair bet that they have a high percentage of returning guests.
