0  of 13
Sheen Falls Lodge
  • Sheen Lodge’s origins as a fishing lodge can  be gleaned from the traditional decoration. Even in the building's more recent extensions, you feel you're in a grand Victorian country house. Its sitting rooms, reception areas and bar give visitors ample opportunity to simply sit and be comfortable alone or perhaps engage in a bit of gentle banter with fellow guests.

  • The hotel's own Kerry Health Club offers a myriad treatments, and includes a swimming pool with dedicated childrens' hours. Private lessons are available too.

  • Visitors to County Kerry would do well not to depend too much on the weather. Its green mountain and farmland vistas indicate that this is Atlantic coast that is no stranger to rain. But when skies are blue - as they often are - then the summer sun, as locals say, can be hot enough to crack the stones.

  • The hotel offers plenty of fine fayre and spa pampering those those happy not to stray too far. But the helpful staff are also keen to facilitate a range of activities, from the traditional huntin’ and fishin’ to near-shore boat cruise trips and sailing and sea kayaking for the more actively disposed at the nearly Star Outdoors activity centre. Just ask at the hotel for advice on booking.

  • The stars of the show are undoubtedly the Sheen Falls themselves. Not many hotels can claim the advantage of having such a captivating natural feature running alongside its buildings.The hotel’s restaurants and bar, with outside sitting area, are nestled against the falls (and some rooms also look out over them). A pint of Guinness,served by attentive but unfussy bar staff, is a must.

  • Kenmare by night is as beguiling as it is by day. But guests at Sheen Falls would be crazy not to spend time simply walking the grounds after the night falls to enjoy the ambience of the hotel as its waters cascade gently down into the bay. Splendid isolation.

  • There’s fishing on site for those inclined. This is Ireland so there’s a bit of paperwork to sort out for fishing licences and clothing to consider for those wanting to go into the water up to their waists...

  • ... and then there’s the shooting. A quick drive up the hills close to the hotel, guests can test their sharp shooting skills. Tim our supervisor was happy to guide the uninitiated through the challenge of clay pigeon shooting, with sessions tailored to all levels. Don’t worry about the noise. There are ear protectors and you can even have an improvised al fresco Irish coffee to steady the nerves after the shooting is over. 

  • The landscape and views are enough to keep you happy in these parts - whatever time of year you visit.

  • There are plenty of activities for families, including falconry displays.

  • The small and compact town has a host of pub and eating options for those tempted. It offers a 21st century version of the traditional shopfront views a tourist to the west of Ireland would expect. And locals understand how to keep the town going as a vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike. Top tip: A food-themed fair in July also featured a range of traditional folk and jazz music and a street parade that could have held its own at Rio’s Mardi Gras.

  • Sheen Falls is situated just the other side of the mouth of Kenmare Bay from Kenmare Town itself. Head north through national park towards Killarney and idyllic views on the Ring of Kerry, or south though equally handsome hills and mountain passes to the historic town of Bantry in neiighbouring County Cork.

Advertisement