Sheen Falls Lodge

The sprawling Sheen Falls Lodge, opened in 1991, stands on the site of a former 18th-century farmhouse where gentlemen once came for shooting and fishing getaways. The current hotel, opened in 1991, is a sprawling building that feels like a country manor.

The lobby makes a grand impression, with its dramatic red carpeted staircase flanked by lion statues, a crystal chandelier, and gilded mirrors, while most other areas have an air of casual elegance. Guests will find leather couches, a wood-burning fireplace, oriental rug, and coat of arms off of the reception area, while the Sun Lounge and drawing room are refined spaces with views of Kenmare Bay. The cozy library isn't just for show; its selection of books is well used by guests, and the fireplace and green tufted leather couches make it in inviting place to curl up and read.

Guests can participate in all the traditional activities of a country estate, such as clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding, croquet, and fishing, as well as more modern pastimes such as tennis, bicycling, and hiking. The hotel also offers an impressive indoor pool, small spa, fitness center, and nightly tastings in the wine cellar.

Sheen Falls Lodge is a short drive from Kenmare, a small, quaint town with brightly painted buildings. It's a convenient home base for exploring County Kerry, which is famous for its scenic drives (The Ring of Kerry and Slea Head Drive are the most notable) as well as its cultural attractions, such as Muckross House.

• 3-minute drive to Kenmare
• 31-minute drive to Muckross House and Killarney National Park
• 36-minute drive to Killarney, where tour buses depart on the Ring of Kerry
• 1-hour-40-minute drive to Dingle, where Slea Head Drive begins

Rooms at Sheen Falls Lodge have traditional style -- crown moldings, pale yellow walls, white lattice radiator screens, and floor-to ceiling curtains. Cheerful country prints -- including use of plaids and florals in moderation -- add country charm, though the overall feel is still elegant. Renovations are being rolled out slowly to the various categories, and Deluxe Rooms and Superior Junior Suites have been refurbished. 

All rooms have large marble bathrooms with hotel-brand toiletries; many have separate showers and tubs.

• Water views from all rooms but one
• Flat-screen TVs and DVD players
• Marble bathrooms, some with shower/tub combos and many with separate showers and tubs
• Free Wi-Fi and free newspapers
• Free bottled water
• Turndown service
• Bathrobes and slippers
• CD players
• No minibars, and tea/coffee upon request only

• Certain Deluxe Rooms can fit two extra beds to accommodate families of four; Junior Suites have two wall beds.
• Suites can fit two adults and up to three children.
• Cottages and villas on the grounds with two to five bedrooms
• Indoor pool has dedicated family times
• Loaner bicycles
• Kids' DVDs and board games available
• Kids' menus sample items include fish and chips and spaghetti with tomato sauce) and high chairs
• Baby cots, changing mats, and nappy bins upon request
• Babysitting service

La Cascade is the main restaurant, and has a formal dinner setting with white tablecloths, candlelight, live piano music, and views of the waterfalls. Prices are steep, but the dishes are certainly gourmet the menu changes with the season, and sample items include poached organic duck egg with summer truffle and pan-fried sea bream on the bone. Two- and three-course prix fixe menus are available. The quality free breakfast buffet, which includes pastries, fresh fruit, cereals, meat, and cheese, is also served at La Cascade.

The Restaurant Lounge is the more casual dinner option; though the white tablecloths are still present, red leather club chairs and a wood-burning fire help create a homey atmosphere. Prices are cheaper than at La Cascade but certainly not cheap. Dishes, while still upscale, are more simply prepared (expect items such as an Irish beef burger and roast breast of chicken).

The Sun Lounge is a refined sitting room with oriental rugs, wood floors, and lovely views of Kenmare Bay; drinks and snacks are served here throughout the day.

The Cocktail Bar has a wooden bar, red club chairs, an extensive whiskey selection, and Cuban cigars on offer.

In addition, the sommelier hosts candlelit wine and port tastings each evening in the brick wine cellar, which has over 10,000 bottles of wine.

• Lovely indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room
• Small fitness center and spa
• Falconry sessions, clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding, tennis, croquet, and fishing
• Walks and hikes on the estate
• Art gallery
• 24-hour room service
• Porter service
• Free self-parking
• Free Wi-Fi throughout
• Hotel can arrange taxis to Kenmare
• William Petty Conference Centre for business meetings
• Helicopter landing pad