Mangerton Rd, Muckross, Killarney, Ireland | (888) 708-2081
Tranquil, beautiful setting inside Killarney National Park
Surrounded by lovely gardens, lawns, and woodlands
Cozy, homey interiors with rustic details
Clean rooms with flat-screen TVs and coffee- and tea-making facilities
Pleasant lounge with fireplace, plus a selection of books
and games
Patio and garden with shaded tables and seating
Large, varied breakfast included in the room rate
Free Wi-Fi throughout, and parking
Town not within walking distance
Limited choice of nearby restaurants
Dated decor
The 10-room, family-owned Friars Glen is a charming, mid-range property set within the secluded woodlands of Killarney National Park, about a 10-minute drive from the town of
Killarney. The hotel attracts nature lovers and urban dwellers seeking a country retreat. Cozy interiors feature rustic details such as stone walls, exposed
wood beams, wood floors, and plenty of cushy armchairs and couches. Guests can settle in by the fireplace with a book or a glass or wine, or sit outside on the patio that overlooks green lawns. Rooms are clean and include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and coffee- and tea-making facilities, although the furnishings are a bit dated. The nearby Muckross Park Hotel and Spa is more luxurious, with a spa and more dining options but steeper rates.
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Scene
Charming, cozy country-house hotel inside Killarney National Park
Friars Glen, a charming, homey property housed in a quaint
country house, is one of a few hotels inside Killarney National Park. The hotel
is named after the nearby glen, where the friars from Muckross Abbey went on retreat and sought refuge in times of threat. Tranquility is what travelers can expect to find in this secluded but accessible property. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and
countryside, and skirted in flowers and immaculately maintained lawns, with
plenty of lovely corners to take in the picturesque views.
The interiors are cozy and rustic, with stone walls, wooden floors, and exposed
wood beams, complemented by wooden furniture and old family heirlooms, such as
grandfather clocks and a lovely China tea set in the dining room. The snug lobby
lounge encourages lingering in front of the fireplace, and the dining room is lined with large windows that offer beautiful views over the
grounds. Some of the spaces are dated and dowdy, such as the Residence Lounge, which
has old couches and armchairs but a lovely fireplace framed by wood beams, and a selection of books and board
games on hand. The atmosphere is friendly, inviting, and personal, and the hotel attracts nature lovers, walkers, and travelers seeking a retreat from urban life.
Location
Secluded location inside Killarney National Park
Friars Glen is located inside Killarney National Park,
situated on 28 peaceful acres of green land. The property is secluded, and an
eight-minute drive from the town of Killarney. There are a handful of hotels nearby, including Muckross Park Hotel and
Spa (within an eight-minute walk), and Muckross Riding Stables B&B, about 10 minutes away on foot. Muckross House, a beautiful 19th-century mansion that is now
a museum with a cafe, lovely gardens, and working farm, is a 12-minute drive
from the hotel. The nearest dining choices, Jarvey’s Rest Traditional Irish Pub and the Yew
Tree Restaurant, are within walking distance. Several other sights are within a short drive,
including Ross Castle (a 10-minute drive) and the Torc Waterfall (a five-minute drive).
Rooms
Clean, pleasant rooms with with simple but dated, decor
Rooms at the Friars Glen are clean and traditionally
decorated with sturdy wooden furniture. They come with flat-screen TVs and tea- and coffee-making facilities but lack mini-fridges or minibars. Decor is simple, and while the turquoise carpets and
matching armchairs are a bit dated, the rooms are well-maintained and cozy,
with lovely views of the grounds and gardens. Bathrooms are small but clean, with white tiles, shower/tub combos, and basic toiletries.
Features
Big, varied breakfast, lounge with fireplace, books, and games, and free Wi-Fi and parking
Breakfast is a standout at the Friars Glen. There's a cold buffet of juices, cereals, fruit, yogurt, and freshly baked breads, and a selection of such made-to-order items as pancakes, and a full Irish breakfast, served in the lovely dining room
with views over the garden. The hotel does not serve lunch or dinner, but there is a restaurant and pub within
walking distance of the property. The hotel has a cozy lounge with a fireplace,
as well as a selection of books, magazines, and games. Situated on 28 acres of
green land, there’s also plenty of outdoor space, with shaded tables
and seating on the patio or in the garden. Wi-Fi is free throughout the
property, and on-site parking is free.
