A weekend stay at The Europe hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry is a treat for the senses …
Days at The Europe are spent walking the grounds around Lough Léin, or horse-riding on the special sandy-coloured Haflinger ponies. When rain clouds cast over the lake, guests retire to the Library bar for chess and Irish coffees by the fire. Or retreat to the spa, built deep into ground level, with views over Ireland’s highest mountain range, Carrauntoohil and the MacGillycuddy Reeks. Of course, it’s not unusual to experience all four seasons in one day – the resort’s American tourists are likely baffled by the weather, which changes by the hour – but when the sun shines, there is nowhere you’d rather be.
Stepping into reception, the landscape is revealed through floor-to-ceiling windows, a hint of what’s to come. And on checking into a lakeview room, it’s even more impactful.
The premier lakeview rooms were recently redesigned, with large private balconies to offer views over the lake. The hotel’s aspect means lakeview rooms are primed for drinks on the balcony while watching the sunset. Others look over Killarney Golf Course and National Park. All include ESPA products, luxurious robes and a Nespresso machine for coffee. The generously proportioned super-king beds invite you to dive in, but there’s far too much to explore to succumb to the temptation of a duvet day.
Downstairs on the active level, there’s a large indoor pool and outdoor vitality pool, while the thermal suite is complete with saltwater pool, sauna, steam room and cryo fountain. It’s worth nothing that children are allowed in the pool area, so it can get busy at times, though there is an adults-only slot each evening. Book a treatment in the spa and you’ll gain access to the private relaxation suite with indoor-outdoor vitality pool, which is much more peaceful and quiet.
Overlooking the lake and mountains, this has to be one of the most spectacular spa views in Ireland. If it rains, dip inside and slip onto one of the heated loungers. When we visited there was no-one else in the pool or sauna, making this spa trip seriously serene. We recommend booking ahead for an ESPA treatment as appointments tend to fill up quickly. We tried the ESPA LED + Nano Dermabrasion Active Nutrients Facial and therapist Caitlin was so attentive, tweaking the treatment to suit skin sensitivities.
Rest assured, even without a booking all overnight guests at The Europe will enjoy incredible views from The Panorama restaurant where breakfast is served. Indeed, there are no bad views, but a window table in the back room is hard to beat.
Choose from an array of buffet options or an à la carte breakfast menu – which includes classics like eggs benedict as well as grilled fish of the day or a fillet mignon of beef with grilled tomato, mushroom and Béarnaise sauce – where pancakes “for dessert” are greatly encouraged by the always friendly staff. There’s no rushed service, no hurried clearing of plates to make space for the next sitting; the restaurant’s vast size means breakfast can be as long and as leisurely as you wish. Room service is also available for those who find it difficult to tear themselves away from their luxurious room.
When dinner-time rolls around, there are three restaurants to choose from: Riva’s Italian-inspired casual dining, The Brasserie bistro and fine-dining in The Panorama with wraparound windows that let the landscape come flooding in. During the day, guests often stop by Riva straight from the spa for lunch outdoors, but in the evening the experience is elevated with a cocktail menu and full wine list to choose from to pair with wood-fired pizza or pasta. The Brasserie all-day menu is open for lunch, served on the terrace if weather permits, and for dinner when restaurant manager Emmanuelle will recommend a suitable wine from the extensive list, and talk you through standout dishes.
The seafood platter is as fresh as it gets, and the beef and lamb comes from the hotel’s own 400-acre farm managed by Séan Moriarty. Don’t miss the Guinness and walnut bread made on site each morning. It’s worth noting that there are no bookings for Riva or The Brasserie, so guests are advised to put their names down with the host around an hour before dinner. Bookings can only be made for The Panorama where executive chef Alex Nahke’s commitment to local suppliers is clear. Spillane’s Seafood was listed as “supplier of the month” just one kilometre away, so it really doesn’t get much more local than that. Whichever restaurant you choose, post-dinner you’ll likely find yourself hiding away in the cosy wood-panelled bar for a nightcap.
The hotel sits right beside Killarney National Park, is a ten-minute drive from town and has more golf courses in the vicinity than you can count, ensuring there’s plenty to explore in the area. But be warned, once you step foot into The Europe you’ll find it hard to leave. Boating, fishing and kayaking on the lake are also available from the hotel’s private pier.
However you choose to spend your time at The Europe, be prepared to have to float back down to earth upon checkout … before promptly booking your next stay.
Need to know: The Europe has a package for two nights’ bed and breakfast with dinner on one evening, from €450 per night. See www.theeurope.com for more.