As a proud native, Édaein O'Connell knows a thing or two about holidaying in the Kingdom. Here are her top picks for the best hotels in Kerry.
As a proud Kerry woman, I have much to laud when it comes to my home county. From the moment you cross the county bounds, there’s a sense of magic in the air. You understand immediately why it’s nicknamed ‘The Kingdom.’
Majestic scenery? We’ve got it in spades. Towering mountains, rolling green hills and a coastline that could rival any postcard from the Amalfi Coast.
Pubs and restaurants? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re after a creamy pint in a cosy snug or a five-star seafood feast looking out over the Atlantic, Kerry has a real grá for food and, of course, craic.
Then there’s the football. Ah, the football. With more All-Ireland titles than any other county, it’s practically in our DNA. From tales of Mick O’Dwyer’s glory days to David Clifford’s current magic on the pitch, our footballing history isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live and breathe.
And finally, there are the hotels. There is nothing quite like Kerry hospitality. Sure, they call us ‘cute hoors’ but we know how to charm any tourist.
We’re not just welcoming you in, we’re making sure you feel like part of the family. We want you to relax and soak up that distinctive energy that hums through our blood. From Tralee to Kenmare, our hotels are true homes away from home. Whether you’re after old-world elegance or a boutique bolthole with a sea view, you’ll find it here and then some more.
The options are endless, but who better to recommend your perfect stay than a proud native like myself?
So, without further ado, here are the five best hotels to stay in when visiting the Kingdom.
The Europe Hotel
Truly one of the most beautifully situated hotels in the world, The Europe is renowned for good reason. Perched on the shores of Lough Léin and just five minutes from Killarney town, it’s a shining jewel in the heart of my kingdom’s breathtaking landscape. A stay here is a masterclass in luxury, where the staff seem to anticipate your needs before you’ve even gathered your thoughts. I recently stayed in one of the newly refurbished Premier Lakeview Rooms, which have been updated to absolute perfection. With three exceptional restaurants, plenty of elegant spaces to unwind with a cocktail, and a spa that feels out of this world, there’s no real reason to leave the resort – and that’s exactly why I love it.
Parknasilla Resort & Spa
Tucked within a sprawling 500-acre estate on the Ring of Kerry, Parknasilla is a four-star escape that delivers all the feels and finesse of a five-star stay. Framed by the untamed coastline and woodlands, it sits perfectly between the town of Kenmare to the east and the colourful village of Sneem to the west. It’s also just 41km away from the lakes and winding trails of Killarney National Park. The hotel has that timeless Irish feel; the rooms are cosy, the food is spectacular, and the view is awe-inspiring.
Sheen Falls Lodge
Wrapped in 300 acres of private woodland and waterfalls on the edge of Kenmare Bay, Sheen Falls Lodge is a five-star country estate that has cemented its global reputation. It recently became one of the world’s first Two-Michelin-Key Hotels and earned the top spot as Ireland’s number one resort in the Travel + Leisure Best of Awards 2025. And this recognition is for good reason. My stay at Sheen Falls Lodge is one I won’t forget. Cosy and welcoming, it exudes an effortless elegance that doesn’t try too hard. The staff strike that perfect balance between professional and personal, making you feel less like a guest and more like a returning friend. With crackling fires, plush armchairs and views that look like paintings, a stay there feels like a warm blanket.
Ard na Sidhe Country House
Located on the tranquil shores of Caragh Lake and just minutes from Killorglin on the Ring of Kerry, Ard na Sidhe (meaning the ‘Hill of the Fairies’) is a secluded 32-acre estate filled with gardens, secret woodland pathways and lakeside views. With just 18 rooms, it feels more like a private estate than a hotel. It’s a uniquely peaceful destination and is the kind of place where time slows down. A real hidden gem in Kerry’s hospitality catalogue.
Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa
The epitome of Kerry hospitality, Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa is set against the backdrop of the Slieve Mish Mountains and surrounded by 180 acres of meadows and woodlands. One of Kerry’s most beloved hotels, it has been family-owned for three generations and blends an old-school feel with contemporary luxury – think open fires, signature suites and locally sourced menus. A stone’s throw from Tralee town, the hotel is also home to the incredible Nádúr Spa, which is a calming, light-filled sanctuary offering seaweed baths, thermal experiences and views across the estate gardens.
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