These are the best hotel stays in Kerry, according to the Hotel Examiner
A best of the best, we hope you will use this guide to inspire your travels, to unearth new places to stay, and to support the finest that Ireland has to offer.
Find the full list of the 100 best places to stay here.
Built in the 1850s as a hunting lodge for flush visitors to The Kingdom, today this glorious Georgian property on the banks of Caragh Lake makes for one of Munster’s most sublime escapes.
It’s a family affair at the property: Frank and Mary Slattery, and their daughter Claire Slattery, are the owner-hosts par excellence, while long-time head chef, Patricia Teahan, creates wonderful locally inspired menus where the likes of Atlantic cod and Kerry lamb are offered with heavenly accompaniments.
Guestrooms are on point while the glorious drawing rooms and myriad nooks and lounges are a treat here, and make wonderful havens to hide away with a book, a board game or a glass or wine. Kayak in one of the county’s most unspoiled lakes while here, too.
- Visit carrighouse.com
Those resistant to change had nothing to fear when the Brennan brothers put their beloved Park Hotel Kenmare up for sale in 2023. One of the country’s best-known hotels, the Victorian railway hotel is in the safest of hands with its new owners, the Meehans.
Respecting the character of the five-star favourite, they’ve set about creating a beguiling new narrative.
Ever-relaxing and welcoming, the bold contemporary art collection breathes new energy into this traditional space, complementing the stylish refurb carried out by star designer Bryan O’Sullivan. The service is still gold standard, perfectly pitched to read guests.
Dinner in Landline, the Sean Scully-rich restaurant, is a grown-up treat and we love the tradition of complimentary tea and cake served every afternoon in the drawing room. The cool spa – earmarked for a refurb – still delivers too.
- Visit parkkenmare.com
One of the most complete hotel packages in the country, Ballygarry Estate in Tralee offers superb country house hotel accommodation, excellent dining options, plus all the bells and whistles of an Instagram-worthy spa to delight guests of all generations.
Owned and managed by the McGillycuddy family for three generations, attentive Kerry hospitality is keystone to the stay here. As is an eye firmly on sustainability.
Thanks to expansion efforts in recent years, Ballygarry now spans 180 acres of glorious native meadows, wetlands and woodlands with views spanning to the Slieve Mish Mountains and the Dingle Peninsula beyond. Add in superb service across the team and you’ve found the sweet spot for a pretty perfect stay. Check out their new estate cabin additions for 2025, too.
- Visit ballygarry.com
Tucked along Killarney’s “Hotel Walk of Fame” (aka Muckross Road), The Victoria may be less fanfared than some of its neighbours, but it well merits being on your radar for your next Kerry escape.
Built in the 1990s yet dressed like a heritage gem with Virginia creeper walls and characterful gables, the property offers dapper boutique interiors, elegant guestrooms, and peak Killarney hospitality all thanks to a wonderful front-of-house team.
Dining at the Ivy Lounge, along with a fine silver-service breakfast hit the spot too.
- Visit thevictoriakillarney.com
Overlooking Kenmare Bay, Sheen Falls Lodge feels like it has always been there. Yet the riverside hotel with glorious views only opened in 1991, fashioned from a 17th-century fishing lodge.
New owners took it on in 2018, further investing in the celebrated five-star hideaway. Synonymous with relaxed luxury, its riverfront setting, plush interiors and warm service make for an escape that’s indulgent yet unpretentious.
Guests can enjoy country pursuits or just sink into an armchair with a whiskey. Romantic yet family-friendly, the elegant Falls Restaurant delivers memorable fine dining but opt for The Stables Brasserie if the kids are in tow.
- Visit sheenfallslodge.ie
One of best options in the country for mid-budget luxury, Castlewood House is a stellar boutique guesthouse with a fine bayside setting in Dingle.
Though built in the early noughties, the property by Helen and Brian Heaton already exudes a sanctuary status with luxury lounges and myriad sensory delights from landscape art to mood music and a profusion of fresh lilies.
Rooms are decorated and kitted to luxury country house standards while breakfast is the real showstopper at Castlewood with a lavish buffet and one of the most extensive a la carte menus in the business.
- Visit castlewooddingle.com
One of eight Killarney properties on our list, Cahernane House appeals with being just 1 km from the main town square while feeling a true world apart from the tourist hustle. A classical Victorian manor escape, it is ideal for those seeking a luxury stay without resort amenities.
Book your choice of house or garden-wing rooms, with new offerings in the refurbed coach house. A tip? Try to grab an early table at breakfast — you’re very likely to see red deer grazing as you tuck into your eggs Benedict.
- Visit cahernane.com
When you’re staying in a four-star property and wondering whether it may actually be a five-star, it’s always a good sign.
Parknasilla well-nigh ticks every box for the perfect hotel break. The beauty here is the huge array of complimentary amenities and scheduled activities, from nature walks to storytelling, which will appeal to couples, solo guests and families.
Accommodation includes an eclectic selection of old manor rooms, while the corner suites overlooking Kenmare Bay would rival many higher-tier offerings for wow factor and, certainly, views. The outdoor infinity pool is wow, too.
- Visit parknasillaresort.com
The Europe’s expansive estate always wows, not least with its spectacular setting overlooking the famous lakes. While its five-star spa and leisure facilities are legendary, and never fail to impress, The Europe manages to always keep things fresh, pairing classic grandeur with contemporary polish.
From smartly appointed rooms with breathtaking lake and mountain views, to interesting terrace dining and quality cocktails by the water, this is stylish Irish hospitality done the Kerry way.
- Visit theeurope.com
Killarney has some magnificently located hotels, but it’s this family-run four-star that may well boast the most prime location of all.
Majestically set on the banks of Lough Leane, The Lake Hotel is a top recommendation for those who prefer timeless charm over Pinterest trends, thanks to inviting, traditional interiors, while a new spa, thermal suite and infinity pool should satisfy the Insta set.
Balcony views from rooms, featuring fireball sunsets over the Reeks, are truly some of the most breath-taking hotel views in Ireland.
- Visit lakehotelkillarney.ie
This five-star Killarney classic entered a new chapter in 2025 following a multi-million-euro makeover. Highlights of the new look are the lavishly refurbished guestrooms, which with glorious motif wallpaper inspired by the national park, feel like a pop-up love story to Killarney.
Elsewhere, guests can enjoy supremely concocted cocktails in the hotel’s polished bar while Peregrine Restaurant offers one of the most enticing cheese trolleys in the country. Keep an eye out for further refurbs in the pipeline.
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- Visit killarneyparkhotel.ie
Just 1km from Killarney town centre, The Brehon’s an old-school classic. Under the management of Neil Grant, upgrades have been on-going, with the new Heritage bedrooms, in a natural palette that reflects Killarney National Park, especially well designed.
Executive chef, Chad Byrne keeps menus interesting and breakfast is especially well done. Service is excellent with friendly staff encouraged to spend time chatting with guests.
The spa and vitality suite make a nice spot after a day’s walking in the national park.
- Visit thebrehon.com
Could this be Killarney’s most affordable five-star hotel? Aghadoe Heights, spectacularly perched high above Lough Leane, offers luxury accommodation and a full catalogue of amenities for advanced purchased B&B rates that can dip below €200.
Guest-rooms offer impressive views of the reeks and beyond and if budget allows consider an upgrade to the new look suites with panoramic vistas across the national park.
There’s also a fine spa and thermal suite, and particularly excellent dining thanks to Cedric Bottarlini wearing the toque.
- Visit aghadoeheights.com
The Randles family are now into their fourth generation as a hotelier dynasty of Killarney and Tom Randles’ four-star property on the Muckross Road is one of our top picks for a base to explore the town and surrounds.
A former rectory, it has been transformed into a seriously polished and deceptively large 75-bedroom hotel where extremely inviting lounges and stylish outdoor terraces add all-season appeal. Check out their new luxury townhouse rental which launched this year too.
- Visit randleshotel.com
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