 To celebrate St Patrick’s day in Ireland regularly features in “Do before you die” guides so this month Traveling Actuary, Eve Hartridge takes us to her favourite spot on The Emerald Isle.
I first visited the Parknasilla Resort and Spa (or The Great Southern Parknasilla Hotel as it was then) about fifteen years ago, and instantly fell in love with the place. Located in Sneem, on the Ring of Kerry overlooking Kenmore Bay on the Atlantic, it is only a short drive from Kerry airport, which is well serviced by Ryan Air. The views are stunning, and the scenery just as I’d imaged Ireland to be, lush and green.
The resort takes it name from the Irish “Pairc na saileac” which means “Field of the willow tree”. The main house was built in the mid-eighteenth century by the Bland family, and over the last century has welcomed many famous guests, including Charlie Chaplin, Princess Grace of Monaco and George Bernard Shaw, who described the hotel as “part of our dream world”. There are 83 rooms and suites, 24 luxury 2 bedroom lodges, and 38 3 bedroom villas ideal for families. The resort is set in 500 acres to walk, cycle and explore, with a 12 hole golf course. For the less active, there is a gorgeous on-site spa with 13 treatment rooms, outdoor hot-tubs, and an extensive list of Elemis treatments. The indoor pool has floor to ceiling windows, with a stunning view of the Atlantic.
The interior still retains a family feel and its incredibly easy to make yourself at home. The Doolittle Bar is the perfect place to meet for pre-dinner drinks or enjoy a light snack, and it goes without saying this is a great place to try Guinness in its natural environment. The bar is well stocked with fine whiskey, so it’s not unexpected that the Irish coffee is also delicious. The Pygmalion Restaurant is a traditional affair, smart casual dress is the minimum expectation, although I found many guests dressed for dinner. The meat is locally farmed, as is the fresh fish and traditional Irish vegetables. It comes as no surprise that the restaurant has won many awards. Many guests retire to the bar once again after dinner, where all are welcome play the piano and singing and dancing is strongly encouraged, creating an inclusive and relaxed atmosphere.
The resort is so peaceful, yet has on hand everything that you would expect from a world class hotel. Should you fancy a change of scenery, the town of Kilarney is a short drive away. Kilarney is a great place to explore, enjoy some of the local taverns, art galleries or indulgence in some retail therapy. I discovered that Quills Department store sold fabulous high quality cashmere at a very reasonable price.
www.parknasillahotel.ie
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