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A Guide To The Best Hotels In Kerry: 19 Places To Stay In Kerry You’ll Love

A Guide To The Best Hotels In Kerry: 19 Places To Stay In Kerry You’ll Love

If you’re in search of the best hotels in Kerry, you’ve landed in the right place.

County Kerry is a stunning place to escape to for an adventurous weekend or a relaxed break away, regardless of budget or time of year.

The county is home to an almost endless number of hotels, from 5 star retreats and spa hotels to pet-friendly accommodation and so much more.

Other Kerry accommodation guides

Our favourite hotels in Kerry

our favourite kerry hotels

Photo via The Brehon Hotel

In the guide below, we’re going to take you through the best hotels Kerry has to offer, from hotels perched right on the beach to luxury resorts and more.

Note: if you book a hotel through one of the links below we’ll make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa

Killarney Plaza Spa

Photo via Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa

In an area where beautiful hotels are plentiful, the stunning Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa is the perfect place if your priority is relaxation.

The Spa is luxurious and feels like decadence at its best. Start with the Hydrotherapy pool to relax entirely, have a facial, a massage, get your nails done, and finish with a stint in the Relaxation Garden.

Afternoon Tea is a highlight, and the Café Du Parc can take you through the day from Breakfast to Funky Brunch to evening cocktails, before, after, during Dinner–whichever you prefer.

The hotels is a stone’s throw from many of the best things to do in Killarney, also, which means you can visit everywhere from Torc Waterfall to Ross Castle without having to travel far.

Check prices + see photos here

2. Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa

Aghadoe hotel

Photo via the Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa

If you’re in search of Kerry hotels that’ll leave an impression long after you’ve checked-out, the Aghadoe is well worth considering. 

The area of Aghadoe is both historical and mythical and is well worth investigating when you’re visiting The Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa.

While away an hour or two in the Heights Lounge overlooking Lough Lein or treat yourself to Afternoon Tea, where you’ll be treated like royalty as the staff describe the menu in-depth and ensure your tastebuds are satisfied.

Book yourself a spa treatment and have a refreshing swim in the pool at the end of a day’s sightseeing before enjoying Dinner in The Lake Room, which is worthy of a 5-star label.

Check prices + see photos here

3. The Dingle Skellig

hot tub dingle skellig

Photo by the Irish Road Trip

You’ll often hear of the Dingle Skellig referred to as one of the best family-friendly hotels in Kerry, and for good reason!

The Skellig takes exceptional care of its younger guests with a creche, kids’ club, and the Junior Evening Meal from 5.30-6pm, where the children can make friends.

The kids’ pool even has a ‘bubble’ corner, so they feel they have their own Jacuzzi! Of course, all this care for the children means the adults get to enjoy their stay too.

I’m told the seafood dishes in the Coastguard restaurant are an absolute must. There’s a reason the Dingle Skellig ranked so highly in our guide to the best hotels in Dingle

Check prices + see photos here

4. The Brehon

5 star hotels in kerry

Photo via The Brehon Hotel

Friends visiting Killarney stayed here recently and say they had a wonderful experience from start to finish. The food, décor, and service were outstanding, and it’s “a 4* Hotel behaving like a 5*.”

When they informed their waitress they would take a walk around the Lakes, a scrumptious packed lunch was provided, and they were greeted with Irish coffees on their return.

The Angsana Spa is the European flagship of The Bayan Tree, a spa much loved by my old friends in New Zealand when they travel to Thailand.

All the treatments and products are authentic Thai and will leave you feeling as if you’re drifting on clouds when you’re done. This is one of the most overlooked hotels in Killarney.

Check prices + see photos here

5. Ballyseede Castle Hotel

ballyseede castle hotel

Photos via Ballyseede Castle Hotel on Facebook

You’ll see Ballyseede top many guides to the best hotels in Kerry online, and there’s no mystery why – it’s a castle and it’s close to lots of things to see and do.

You’ll find Ballyseede Castle Hotel around 4km from Tralee (there’s plenty of great hotels in Tralee, too!). The Castle dates to the 16th Century when it served as a Fortress for the Fitzgerald Clan during the Geraldine wars.

Its conversion to a Hotel began in 1965, which was also around the time that its reputation as one of the world’s most haunted hotels started.

Set on 30 acres, there are lovely walks around the Castle, and you can relax in the garden room when you return. See our guide to the best castle hotels in Ireland for more like this.

Check prices + see photos here

The best 5 star hotels in Kerry

Muckross park Hotel

Photo via Muckross Park Hotel & Spa

The next section of our guide to the best hotels in Kerry is all about luxury hotels and 5 star stays (you can find lots more swanky places to stay in Kerry in our guide to the best 5 star hotels in Kerry).

Below, you’ll find well-known hotels in Kerry, like the fabulous Sheen Falls Lodge, to slightly lesser-known hotels, like the brilliant Dunloe.

1. Sheen Falls Lodge

sheen falls hotel in Kenmare

Photo via Sheen Falls Lodge

Three hundred acres of countryside along the coast of Kerry in Kenmare is home to Sheen Falls Lodge and is where you come to experience a hotel, not just stay in it.

There’s not only 1 but 2 AA Rosette restaurants, including The Falls. which has its own fabulous wine cellar. Rooms include views of the bay, the majestic waterfall, or the river. No matter where you are you can see the wonderful countryside.

The more you pack into your day, the longer and more enjoyable it seems, so while you’re here, you can go kayaking, horse riding or clay pigeon shooting, and much, much more.

This is one of several stunning hotels in Kenmare worth splashing the cash on, if you’re looking for a more unique accommodation experience. 

Check prices + see photos here

2. Dunloe Hotel and Gardens

The Dunloe hotel dog friendly hotel

Photo via the Dunloe Hotel and Gardens

The Dunloe is one of the most popular 5 star hotels in Kerry, and a quick glance at the view from the room above should give you an idea as to why.

A 15-minute drive from Killarney will bring you to the magnificent Dunloe Hotel & Gardens. The Hotel overlooks the famous Gap of Dunloe, which sits between the Macgillycuddy Reeks and the Purple Mountain, and when you dine in the Grill Restaurant, the enormous windows allow you to inhale its beauty.

If you have a hankering to catch your own Dinner, the Hotel provides fishing rods to fish the River Luane, and when you return with your catch, the chef will prepare and cook it.

If you have little ones with you, there is a kids’ club for them, together with a playground and fairy trail.

Check prices + see photos here

3. Muckross Park Hotel & Spa

Muckross park Hotel

Photo via Muckross Park Hotel & Spa

Muckross Park (not to be confused with Muckross House or Muckross Abbey) is arguably one of the most beautiful hotels Kerry has to offer, with both the interior and the surrounding grounds worth of its coveted 5 star status. 

From the moment they arrive and are helped with their luggage, the tone is set for a superb stay.

According to the diners I spoke with, both Major Colgan’s Gastro Pub and The Yew Tree Restaurant are exceptional. They wouldn’t bother going off-site to eat elsewhere.

The Spa is professionally run by helpful and polite staff, and the treatments are excellent. You can polish off an evening with a ramble along one of the many Killarney National Park walks.

Check prices + see photos here

4. The Europe Hotel

killarney accommodation guide

Photos via the Europe Hotel

It’s reasonably safe to state that there are no other Kerry hotels like the fabulous (and very pricey!) Europe Hotel.

The Europe sits on Lough Lein, and guests enjoy spectacular views of the lakes, mountains, and the hotel gardens. 

If you can, visit the Spa (the Europe is one of the finest spa hotels in Ireland). The facials are “to die for,” I hear, and if you have to wait between treatments, you can use the Relaxation area or the Spa Café.

There are plenty of complimentary outdoor activities. Take a walk or cycle around the lakes, go horse riding, or play tennis and if you fancy a few rounds of golf, there’s a world-class golf course at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club next to the Hotel.

If money is no object, you’ll find few hotels in Kerry, let alone in Ireland, that can deliver an experience as memorable as the Europe.

Check prices + see photos here

The best pet-friendly hotels in Kerry

The Dunlo hotel in Kerry

Photo via the Dunloe Hotel & Gardens

If you’ve read our guide to the best pet-friendly hotels in Ireland, you’ll know that there are plenty of Kerry hotels that welcome pets.

Although we cover this in detail in our guide to the best pet-friendly hotels in Kerry, you’ll find a quick overview of the places included in the guide below.

1. Brook Lodge Boutique Hotel

Brook Lodge Hotel in Killarney

Photo via the Brook Lodge Boutique Hotel

Next up is one of the most overlooked hotels in Kerry (and one of the best hotels in Killarney if you’re after a base in the town).

I always want the peace of the countryside, with the town’s convenience, so Brook Lodge Boutique Hotel is perfect for me, being as it sits on private grounds in the heart of Killarney.

Dogs are made very welcome with a goodie bag waiting for them on arrival, and rooms with access to the garden give their owners peace of mind.

Parking is available onsite, a Godsend in this area, and the garden is the perfect place to escape with a good book and a G&T. Spacious, character-filled rooms and an extensive breakfast menu provide for a restful, relaxing break with your best friend. 

Check prices + see photos here

2. Eviston House Hotel

Eviston House Hotel

Photo via Eviston House Hotel

The Pet-friendly Eviston House hotel is right in the centre of Killarney, with everything you might need right on your doorstep.

The beauty of Eviston House is that your dog doesn’t have to be fit in your handbag! They’re welcoming to all sizes.

There is a choice of dining options onsite, and Danny Mann’s pub has live music every night. There’s also plenty of other restaurants in Killarney to try!

Check prices + see photos here

3. Towers Hotel

pet friendly hotels in kerry

Photo via Towers Hotel Glenbeigh on Facebook

The Towers Hotel in delightful Glenbeigh is one of the few Kerry hotels that is truly pet-friendly; the hosts are dog lovers and owners themselves.

Rooms with access to the garden and a patio area will give you peace of mind, and there’s an outdoor dining area where you are welcome to bring your dog.

The rooms are large and comfortable, and the restaurant menu is laden with choice. The food is delicious and the service marvelous. Onsite parking wraps the package up perfectly.

Check prices + see photos here

4. Dunloe Hotel & Gardens

The Dunlo hotel in Kerry

Photo via the Dunloe Hotel & Gardens

We love our dogs, but we’re not delusional about them; they jump on the sofa! The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens is a 5* Hotel that understands this.

They give you a blanket to cover the sofa, so everyone is happy. They welcome your dog with open arms and treats, and you can pre-book a kennel while you go to eat or have a few drinks.

You’ve got 20 acres to explore, and your dog can even be off the lead as they have an enclosed run.

Check prices + see photos here

FAQs About the best hotels Kerry has to offer

Since publishing our guide to the best Kerry attractions many years ago, we’ve have heaps (literally!) of questions about where to stay in Kerry.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best Kerry hotels for a weekend break?

In my opinion, it’s hard to beat the Dingle Skellig, The Brehon, Brook Lodge and Dunloe Hotel & Gardens.

What are the best places to stay in Kerry if you’re visiting for the first time?

Personally, I think your best bet is to decide on the places you want to visit first, and then search Booking.com for places to rent near the majority of those places.

What are the best 5 star hotels in Kerry?

The Europe, Sheen Falls and Muckross Park offer luxury, top-notch service and an experience to remember.

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