Castle king for kids
The hotel packs everything in from fine dining to pony trekking and stunning gardens to an excellent children’s club. This hotel makes you feel relaxed and at ease from the moment you arrive — not easy to achieve with an out of routine young family. The Hotel Castle Dunloe’s staff is its best assets.
The hotel is nestled off the main road, taking you away from the bustling Killarney town centre to a little bit of scenic heaven. Once you start meandering toward the famous Gap of Dunloe, you realise how beautiful Kerry is and how deserving it is of the ‘Kingdom’ title. Hotel Dunloe Castle is not the most aesthetically appealing, comprising of a cluster of interconnecting buildings, however on receiving the warmest of welcomes from hotel staff, all architectural thoughts fade. Receptionist, Assumpta calmed two fully charged boys with colouring books and pencils. With hot towels for the adults we were off to a good start.
We stayed in a family suite with two separate sleeping areas. The room was average, clean, comfortable and traditionally furnished. The two bathrooms were a welcomed addition with three and six year old boys in tow. The most stunning feature of this room was the panoramic view of the stunning Gap of Dunloe. From the balcony, the vista captured an abundance from grazing Haflinger ponies and sheep to mist settled on the McGillicuddy Reeks.
The breakfast was buffet style, and the handmade breads were the highlight. On the evening of arrival, we all ate in the casual Garden Café; the menu catered for all tastes and budgets. The children’s menu had the ever popular chips, sausage and burgers but thankfully also offered healthier options. We enjoyed crab and salmon salad. For mains, I opted for the scallops with a basil cream sauce and rice, the scallops were small but cooked perfectly. Con tucked into a succulent shank of lamb, without one ounce of guilt given, he could make eye contact with the grazing sheep through the window.
On the second evening we gave the boys their meal in our room; two delicious bowls of spaghetti bolognese and glasses of milk. With the boys happily entertained by the hotels children’s club, we dined in the Oak Room restaurant. I couldn’t resist the fillet of beef, Con decided on the scallops; both dishes were flawless. The entire dining experience was top quality.
There is a wealth of activities to choose from. Set on a 64 acre parkland estate, the grounds of the hotel are second to none. Nestled along the River Laune, the gardens are a combination of manicured lawns, grazing fields, walled gardens, 12th century castle and wild forest. After settling into the room for 20 minutes, two over excited boys were ready for the pool. The dressing rooms were small but modern and had plenty of fluffy white towels. The temperature in the pool was a little on the cool side.
On the first morning, we opted for the hotels playground — a fantastic facility including zip wire, helicopter and climbing frame. We went on a trek through the hotel gardens and found ourselves back at the hotel after two hours in the Kerry air. Then was the highlight of the weekend and a first for both boys. Met by Aoife, the stable hand, who introduced us to the resident ponies, she gave the eager boys a short lesson in equine care. Kitted out in riding caps, Dominic and Tadhg trekked around the yard on the magnificent Haflinger ponies, a memory that will last a lifetime. Now champion jockeys in their own heads, avoiding the Killarney jaunting carts was not an option. A one hour trip around the National Park costs €30.
For those who can’t leave the pooch at home, dogs are welcomed. !Also on offer at the hotel are scenic tours, fly fishing and golf. A complimentary shuttle bus service to Killarney town is a great facility. Overall the hotel service is impeccable, the view is spectacular, and the children’s club is excellent.
A two night family package for €556 per room includes two nights B&B in a family room for two adults and up to three children, dinner for two on one evening, a family ticket to Muckross House or Coolwood Wildlife Park, plus complimentary access to the leisure facilities. One night B&B is available from €85 pps.
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