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The Sheen Falls Lodge, a Relais and Chateaux property with 66 rooms, sits on the edge of the beautiful Sheen river with cascades of water falling down the desaturated grey rocks. 300 acres of land surround the hotel, which feels more like a private home, a stone’s throw away from Kenmare Bay, Kenmare town and The Ring of Kerry. This is Ireland’s wild and rugged west coast, but there is nothing rugged about a stay here. It’s pure beauty and luxury around every turn.
The lodge, as it’s called, was recently renovated – their large rooms outfitted in beautiful, country-chic decor. But, this isn’t grandma’s house. The decor is elegant, modern and fits perfectly in the local setting. Huge marble bathrooms, flat screens, DVD players and views of either the bay or the falls are featured in most rooms. Mine had a stunning window seat, perfect for reading a book and listening to the water through the green carpet of grass outside.
Arriving here, you are instantly at a vantage point for exploring the area’s natural attractions. But, if you’d like to stay closer to home, Sheen Falls Lodge can organize everything from clay pigeon shooting to horseback riding. Inside the hotel, you’ll find a spa area with a lovely indoor pool, jacuzzi and steam area.
I spent most of my days exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, one of Ireland’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, as well as some of the interior forests. At night, I returned to the hotel to dine at the incredible, “The Falls” restaurant. This fine-dining establishment, headed by Chef Philip Brazil, offers seasonal and locally sourced ingredients in expertly curated menus. You might find salmon caught on property or vegetables from a farmer down the road. Everything is fresh and absolutely delicious.
A stay at Sheen Falls Lodge is probably one of my favorite experiences in Ireland. Not only am I in-love with the incredible surroundings and majesty of the countryside, but I’m so very impressed at how well executed everything is at the hotel. Nothing is off-beat, but simply perfect and there for you to soak-in.
