Kenmare Hotels + Accommodation Guide: 9 Of Best Hotels In Kenmare For A Weekend Break

Welcome to our Kenmare accommodation guide. It’s packed with everything from B&Bs to the best hotels in Kenmare.

The pretty little town of Kenmare in County Kerry is a popular seaside escape on the Wild Atlantic Way.

It’s perfectly located for exploring the Ring of Kerry and is right at the head of Kenmare Bay. There’s also plenty of things to do in Kenmare if you don’t fancy leaving the town!

The neat streets in the town are lined with traditional Irish pubs, boutique shops and award-winning restaurants which make it a joy to explore by foot.

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

The best B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels in Kenmare

This gorgeous little spot is perfect for a weekend away by the sea with nearby fishing, walking and golfing opportunities on offer.

There are also heaps of brilliant pubs and restaurants in Kenmare that are finely equipped to make your tastebuds happy!

If you’re planning on heading to this pretty town in County Kerry, here are some of the best Kenmare accommodation options, from luxury estates to affordable B&Bs.

1. The Park Hotel Kenmare

If you’re up for a splurge on luxury, this Victorian-era hotel is the perfect choice. The Park Hotel is arguably the most luxurious of the many Kenmare hotels.

It’s set on a nine-acre estate just back from the middle of town and overlooks Kenmare Bay to the back of the property.

The five-star Park Hotel boasts elegant rooms filled with antique decor and plush textiles. You won’t even want to leave the estate grounds, with a spa, lap pool, cinema, tennis court and adjacent golf course on offer.

Plus, the award-winning restaurant has some of the best local produce featured in their five-course tasting menu. There’s a good reason that this is one of the finest 5 star hotels in Kerry.

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2. Sheen Falls (one of the swankiest hotels in Kenmare)

This might just be one of the most luxurious five-star stays in the whole country. Sheen Falls Lodge is situated on 300 acres of woodland, just over 2km from Kenmare town.

The incredibly lavish place has views over Kenmare Bay as well as nearby waterfalls. The variety of rooms are all beautifully furnished with some having incredible views across the bay.

You could easily spend your entire stay on the estate with fishing, swimming, tennis, walking and horse riding all on offer to guests.

The onsite restaurant is one of the only hotels in Kenmare with an AA Rosette to its name, with high-quality cuisine as well as a cocktail bar with fantastic views. If you’re after a treat, this Kenmare hotel has everything you’ll need.

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3. O’Donnabhain’s

O’Donnabhain’s pub and B&B is one of the most popular places to stay in Kenmare and for good reason. This townhouse gives the best hotels in Kenmare a run for their money!

You’ll find this place located right in the middle of the action on Henry Street so you can explore the town easily on foot.

The spacious rooms are modern and spotlessly clean with large beds. The traditional Irish pub has regular live music sessions, great food and a selection of ales, wines and spirits.

But don’t worry, the rooms are located away from the bar area, so you’ll still be able to get a good night’s sleep.

Note from the editor: I stayed here for two nights in 2020 and the rooms were big, bright and clean. If you’re after Kenmare hotels and guesthouses that’ll give you serious value for money, book in here!

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4. Coachman’s Townhouse Hotel in Kenmare

You’ll find the Coachman’s a couple of doors down from O’Donnabhain’s. This is another great pub and hotel with down to earth hospitality.

The rooms above the bar and restaurant are large and comfortable with both double and quadruple rooms available.

The bar downstairs has great live entertainment during the summer. It also has typical Irish pub food along with the usual drinks on offer.

The location is perfectly convenient for enjoying all the restaurants and shops along the main street within walking distance. 

Fancy a bit of food in Kenmare? In our guide to the best restaurants in Kenmare, you’ll find everything from cheap eats to where to go for some fine dining.

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5. Brook Lane Hotel

Brook Lane Hotel is a boutique four-star accommodation option just outside of the town centre. The family-run place prides itself on professional service and friendly hospitality so you’ll certainly enjoy your stay here.

The whole hotel is elegantly decorated with cosy wood fires, leather lounges and velvet fabrics. There is a range of room options but they’re all equally beautiful with huge fluffy beds, perfect for a relaxing night.

The included breakfast spread is the best start to the day with delicious homemade and locally sourced produce from sourdough bread to free-range farm eggs.

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6. Bridge Street Townhouse

Bridge Street Townhouse is a great little cosy retreat in Kenmare. It’s located just at the start of the centre of town next to the Tourist Information Centre.

It’s in a quieter part of town but you can easily reach the many restaurants and shops on foot.

The polished rooms are neat and modern with simple décor and large ensuite bathrooms. There are a range of rooms available, with most suited for couples and small families.

The complimentary breakfast is highly rated with plenty of options for everyone. It’s certainly one of the best value places to stay in Kenmare.

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7. The Happy Pig

The Happy Pig is a boutique six-bedroom guesthouse just outside of Kenmare town. The beautiful house is an affordable stay with cosy rooms decorated with antique furniture and unique artwork.

All six of the rooms have beautiful views over the garden and surrounding hills. You can reach Kenmare town easily by foot so you can happily enjoy the buzz of the town before retreating to this secluded guesthouse at night.

They’re also proudly bike-friendly with a secure shelter for storing bicycles and motorcycles plus they offer bicycle hire for exploring the surrounding area on two wheels.

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8. The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Leisure Resort

This hotel complex is one of the most popular places to stay in Kenmare. It’s located just outside of the town centre and is particularly popular for functions and wedding receptions.

It has over 100 rooms available varying in size, as well as, self-catering lodges which are perfect for groups of up to six people.

The hotel also has a pool and fitness centre with a spa, gym and lap pool, making it one of the best hotels in Kenmare for families on a break.

There are three accommodation options here: Kenmare Bay Hotel Lodges, Kenmare Bay Hotel Holiday Homes and the Kenmare Bay Hotel & Leisure Resort.

9. Dromquinna Manor (one of our favourite Kenmare hotels)

Dromquinna Manor is a luxury waterside estate that’s widely regarded as one of the most luxurious hotels in Kerry.

Although not technically in Kenmare, it is just a 5km drive away along the coast.

The estate is a popular wedding and events venue with incredible sea views the stunning historic house. The real highlight of this accommodation, however, is the luxury glamping-style tents that are available to rent.

The custom-made safari tents are incredibly comfortable with a luxury bedroom and front veranda from where you can enjoy the surrounding woodland.

You’ll also find The Boathouse Bistro on the estate where you can sit down to some great food paired with a glass of wine.

What Kenmare hotels and accommodation have we missed?

Do you know of any hotels in Kenmare or places to stay that we should add to the guide above? If so, let me know in the comments section below!

Kenmare is a gorgeous little town and, as mentioned above, it’s the perfect base for exploring many of the best things to do in Kerry, Ireland.

FAQs about Kenmare accommodation

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from what are the best hotels in Kenmare to which Kenmare hotels are the most central.

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.