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Hotel review: This Killarney five-star woos with superb hospitality and dreamy rooms

The distant clip-clop from jaunting carts or the beat of live music reminds you that you’re within mere metres to all of town centre attractions

Sun, 15 Jun, 2025 - 17:23

Thom Breathnach

Killarney Park Hotel

Our rating: 8.75

Location

Killarney offers the pick of no less than five 5-star hotels, however Killarney Park Hotel, family-run by the Treacys since its opening in 1992, boasts the distinction of being the only one which is nestled in the heart of the town.

I write “nestled” as the property, surrounded by six acres of box-fresh landscaped grounds, hosts a fine urban estate aura.

Yet, the distant clip-clop from jaunting carts or the beat of live music reminds you that you’re within mere metres to all of town centre attractions; the national park lies within breathing distance too.

9/10

Style & design

The exterior of the Killarney Park Hotel.

An imposing mustard edifice with a smart set-down area, flanked by two mature Japanese maples, sets a grandiose tone.

Inside, an elegant foyer, simply embellished with a sea eagle oil painting (and a discreet refillable water station) leads into a sophisticated reception area, which is sit-down — not to be taken for granted at all five-stars.

This leads onto a series of interconnecting lounges, dens, and a billiard room.

They’re supremely cosy, but lack natural light, I note, so perhaps offer less luxuriating appeal during the summer months.

However, the hotel’s Garden Bar has a fine outdoor terrace should the weather oblige.

A little more behind the scenes, gentle piano jazz pulsing along the beautifully appointed guest room corridors, is a subtle sensory win.

8.5/10

Service

The Killarney Park Hotel team are thoroughly charming and professional throughout and certainly raise the already lofty customer service standards in town.

From the warm offer of assistance from head concierge Padraig Casey upon my arrival, to the pinpoint precision from bar manager Adrian Amborski and his team when ordering a cocktail, and even the simple offer of a book or newspaper from restaurant manager Quentin Caraux while I was solo dining.

Staff I happened upon in the pool and spa were also supremely friendly.

There was an initial lack of confidence relating to gluten-free options at breakfast but this was soon rectified with eagerness to deliver.

9/10

Guest rooms

The Killarney Park’s 69 guest rooms have been the focus of phase 1 refurbs and they’ve done a pretty delicious job with the help of McCauley Daye O’Connell Architects.

Truly unique here is the very visible inspiration from Killarney itself, from nature-inspired hues of blues and greens reflecting the palette of the national park’s lakes and mountains, to seriously striking mosaic wallpaper, depicting yesteryear Killarney scenes, and mirroring works in the National Gallery of Ireland.

Nodding off in one of the heavenly king beds, while enveloped by the pastoral visuals, feels like receiving an interiors design lullaby.

En suites are luxurious marble spaces (though it’s worth noting that deluxe rooms are shower only), while products are by British company Wildsmith.

9/10

In-room perks

The bathroom of the Muckross Suite at the Killarney Park Hotel.

Along with filtered waters, tea, and Killarney Park’s own compostable coffee pods, in-room treats include Keogh’s crisps and popcorn, and Skelligs Chocolate.

9/10

On the menu

I dined at the hotel’s stylish Peregrine Restaurant where luxurious velvet booths, a statement central bar, and wonderfully ornate ceilings offer an almost bougie London ambiance.

My starter of scallops (€25) was followed by deboned Dover sole served with brown shrimp butter (€55), potato rösti and greens (€10).

I found both dishes elegant, if not overwhelmingly spectacular for the price point. However the highlight was the ceremonious (if a little clattery) arrival of a truly sublime cheese trolley selection (€22) for afters.

Breakfast doesn’t offer a buffet and I’ll admit, in a luxury property, I do enjoy a perusal of a smorgasbord rather than exposing my gluttony when ordering a string of items from the continental section.

My first preference of potato waffles couldn’t be prepared gluten-free but I was offered a delicious piece of hake with sides which I actually enjoyed more than my dinner mains.

8.5/10

Activities & amenities

Guests can enjoy complimentary and add-on activities, from spa and leisure centre facilities to experiences from sheep farm visits to a “creamery to cone” ice cream tour.

The hotel’s spa and pool area remains a weak spot versus some of its local and Munster contemporaries and I think a consideration.

While some guests may demand va-va-voom across all sectors to justify current rates, the Killarney Park still delivers real escapism while conserving a true sense of place.