A different class
There’s so much to do when you hit Dingle. You can go drinking at a pub that’s also a hardware store, go for a drive around Slea Head and take in some of the most stunning views in Ireland, or hop on a boat and go in search of Fungi the dolphin.
The first hotel you’ll come across as you enter Dingle is the Dingle Skellig Hotel, which is where I spent a weekend recently.
My first impression of the Dingle Skellig dates back to the days when I was dropped off at Irish college as a teenager. We would pass this hotel on the way and I always wanted the opportunity to stay there. For some reason I imagined it to be a five star hotel given its prominence in Dingle, but it’s a four star hotel in a seven star location.
The receptionist greeted us on arrival and asked if we were hungry. She told me they had booked a massage for me for the following morning and gave us directions to our room. What a nice start.
Room 312 was a lovely suite with a large bed and living area. The room was homely and spacious. But there was no iron provided and no mini-bar — items I would have expected in the suite of a four star hotel. However, that said, there were some breathtaking views from the windows looking out across Dingle bay.
This hotel really does cater for everyone. You’ll find children running around the corridors on the way to the Fungi kids club. Or you could encounter adults wandering the corridors in their robes and slippers after an afternoon in the spa.
There’s also a large leisure centre with a 17m-deck level swimming pool and kiddies pool. When bored by the pool, teenagers can enjoy the Teen Klub with X boxes, PlayStations, internet access and a pool table.
The Peninsula Spa is well worth a visit, too. There you’ll find a hot tub with wonderful views of the coast. A one-hour full body massage at the spa will cost €70, while a facial will cost €50.
Where to start? There’s the aquarium downtown which boasts sharks and penguins. The hotel has discount vouchers at reception for Dingle Oceanworld, which will reduce the €13 adult ticket and €7.50 children ticket. There’s surfing lessons, a climbing wall, a bowling alley, a seal sanctuary, sailing courses, tours to the Blasket Islands, trips to see Fungi the dolphin, horseriding, golf, bike hire and some museums to wander around. The hotel will have information on all of the above.
The hotel prides itself on its used of fresh local produce at its restaurants.
Feeling peckish on the first night and having arrived late, I asked at the bar for a plate of cheese and crackers.
The helpful barman told me he’d see what he could do given that they were no longer serving food, and he managed to get somebody in the kitchen to make up a plate for me. I was impressed.
Breakfast is a buffet at the Coastguard Restaurant while the bar menu is served from 12.30pm to 9.00pm each day.
The one thing that is so important for me when staying at a hotel is friendly staff and this was not an issue here. Staff were extremely pleasant and helpful and made the stay rather special.
The hotel has 73 bedrooms, as well as the option of 40 superior rooms, executive suites and presidential suites. It also boasts plenty of cosy couches, and a big fire where you can relax with a book or a drink. It’s also a popular spot for weddings and it’s not hard to see why. The website is offering weekend breaks for two nights with one dinner for €199 per person.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
