Hotel review: Boutique Kerry hideaway is one of our best stays of the year
The exterior of Teach de Broc in Ballybunion
In one of the Kerry coast’s most iconic locations, it’s a real pleasure to discover such a rare find. Long under my radar, Teach de Broc (named after the Brock family who’ve run the guesthouse since 1994) is just that, with an impressive Wild Atlantic Way setting, within teeing-off distance of one of the country’s finest golf courses. That naturally makes it a prime escape for the international and local golfing market, but it’s an ideal base for exploring north Kerry, too.
- 9/10
Teach de Broc is an impeccably maintained property and I’m immediately struck by its smart cobbled-lock driveway before I’m even parked up.
Being a relatively new build, the exterior lacks a hit of heritage, but it’s all positive from thereon in.
Inside, this place feels like a wonderfully curated boutique escape. A smart reception window, enveloped by wood panelling, is flanked by the house’s main common space, Stroller’s Bistro, which is an elegant space with fireside ambiance and grand piano.
There is a wonderful selection of gallery-lit artworks, from a cast Celtic cross created by local artist Kevin Frost, to colourful Argentinian art collected by the Brock brothers’ uncle, Ray Tighe. Adjacent to the restaurant sits a suave cocktail bar with an outdoor terrace, with windbreaker, which all adds to its 19th hole appeal.
- 9/10
Brock brothers, Dermot and Cian, are the front of house faces behind Teach De Broc and are a charming, polished tag team, embodying a presence not entirely incomparable to a Brennan brother aura. Their parents, Seamus and Aoife, who opened the property over 30 years ago, are still involved in operations and add colourful pops of personality throughout my stay. Elsewhere, there’s a small, full-time team here, and they bring a personal, premium level of service to the guest experience akin or superior to any five-star stay.
- 9/10
Teach de Broc’s 12 rooms feel airy, fresh and luxurious, offering a kind of Kerry coastal chic with just a touch of New England. My double room, with its soft pink and sage palette, offers understated luxury, from its stylishly bedecked bed to a window seat overlooking the hinterland and elevated elements like crystal tumblers for water. There’s a fine spacious en suite too. Perhaps the only weak point is the shower over bath, which may be less pleasing to some guests but it’s a lovely space on the whole.
- 9/10
Rooms offer a Nespresso machine, Barry’s Tea with a kettle as well as sustainably packaged WB Yeats water. Bathroom products are by Elemis.
- 7/10
Dinner at the property’s Stroller’s Bistro is one of Hotel Examiner’s dining highlights of the year. The hopes are instantly set by wonderfully dressed tables and Dermot Brock performing a dextrous repertoire from Yann Tiersen to Ludovico Einaundi on the grand piano. The menu is sublime, where even the sides – think truffle mac and cheese or honey-glazed rainbow carrots with feta and chives – lend a sense of the effort of creating something special here.
Thanks to a gluten-free crumb, I avail of aubergine parmigiana (€16) for the first time in my life; it’s a wonderful dish served with a cherry tomato sauce and served on a vibrant bed of rocket and violas. My main, a phenomenal sole special (€44) garnished with sea asparagus, lime and capers and served with fondant potatoes and Tenderstem broccoli is one the tastiest fish dishes of my life, while the dessert trolley that follows is a pudding paradise which would give the Ballymaloe offering a run for its money.
Breakfast is a less bold menu and cooked-to-order only; I enjoyed a fresh tomato and pepper omelette to start the day.
- 9/10
There are no amenities on site but the hotel’s proximity to the golf course next door is its considerable trump card. On August 1, the newly reimagined Cashen Course reopens following a €10m redevelopment, with the property offering a new Watson Links Experience Stay and Play package to celebrate. Beyond the fairways, the property makes an ideal coastal escape with Ballybunion’s beaches, cliffwalk and Atlantic saunas offering a wave of appeal.
- 7/10
B&B from €240.
Perhaps the bar was too high but just three hot breakfast choices (and the physical menu) didn’t deliver the wow factor of dinner. The property lacks a lounge however plans are afoot to refurbish a resident’s lounge. Patios could benefit from more greenery as views from some dining alcoves feel a little stark.
Fully accessible guest rooms and restaurant.
Families are very welcome but it is more geared towards couples and golfers.
Service dogs only.
No, but four charge points located 50m away at golf course car park.
- The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Teach de Broc
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