An elegant, lakeside Edwardian country house in a secluded setting …
NEED TO KNOW:Ard na Sidhe translates as Hill of the Fairies and was originally built by Lady Edith Gordon in 1913, as her dream house. A noted gardener, traveller and writer (she wrote the memoir The Winds of Time), Gordon was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, with much of the building’s original character surviving in its panelled walls, oak doors, stone flooring and mullioned windows. Now owned by the Liebherr family, the hotel is part of the Killarney Hotel Group which includes The Europe Hotel & Resort and Dunloe Hotel & Gardens – guests have access to all three hotel’s facilities.
ROOMS: There are 18 spacious bedroom options across the Main House and the more contemporary Garden House. I stayed in a corner room in the main house overlooking Caragh Lake and the magnificent gardens. Details included a four-poster bed, William Morris fabrics, antique furniture, interesting reading material (televisions are only available on request), Bewley’s coffee and ESPA bath products.
DINING: Breakfast and dinner is served in the pretty Dining Room where chef Dave Norris’ menus are light, delicious and beautifully presented. Romantic candlelit tables are dressed in crisp linens and crystal glasses. Afternoon tea is a highlight, served in one of the reception rooms or on the terrace.
DO: Order a picnic to enjoy in one of the many secret glades on the grounds, home to wild deer, hares and rehomed hedgehogs. Then star gaze as the hotel is within the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve.
DON’T: Miss spending a few blissful hours bobbing along in the hotel’s rowing boat, taking in the views and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range. Fishing rods are also available to borrow. Have an early morning run on Rossbeigh Beach.
VERDICT: An enchanting mix of historic, homely and heavenly elements.
SEE MORE: Cabu By The Lakes In Cavan
