ROOMS WITH A VIEW INTHE KINGDOM’S CROWNING GLORY
With the constant bombardment of cheap flights to far-flung locations it has become all too easy to forget holidays at home. But – without wanting to sound like an advert for Fáilte Ireland or Dorothy from Oz – there really is no place like home.
Since childhood, Kerry has been a favourite destination of mine, so I had high hopes for The Europe hotel in Killarney. It has received excellent reviews, won countless accolades and, more importantly for me, any friends who have stayed there have given it rave reviews.
With flights costing just €80 with Aer Lingus we decided to leave the car and fly down instead. A mere 40 minutes after take-off we landed in Farranfore. Another 20 minutes later we were sweeping up the drive of the hotel.
Wow! The first thing you see when you enter The Europe is floor-to-ceiling windows with jaw-dropping views of Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
The Europe is owned by the Liebherr Group, a family-run German crane company that has three hotels in Kerry, the others being The Dunloe and Ard na Sidhe Country House.
The Europe Hotel originally opened its doors in 1965 but, in recent years, underwent a multimillion euro makeover.
We stayed in a lake-view room with a large balcony, perfect for taking in the atmosphere and indulging in a glass of rioja while watch- ing the sun settle on the Reeks. While there was so much to see and do here, I was at The Europe for the food and the spa. But for more energetic souls, there’s horse-riding, fishing, golf, walking, hiking, cycling and even paint-balling.
For me, though, the only exertion was finding my way to the Espa on level three. Billed as one of the most luxurious spas in Europe it didn’t disappoint. My travel companion, a spa aficionado who is in the beauty industry, hailed it as one of the ‘best’ she has ever been to. The active level has two pools, a fitness studio and thermal suite with a saltwater pool, sauna, steam room, ice fountain and relaxation areas, again overlooking the hotel grounds. There’s also a spa bistro with a great menu for a light lunch.
Our treatment of choice was the stressrelieving Ultimate Body Envelopment, combining exfoliation, body wrap, scalp massage and eye treatment. Indulgence from head to toe! After that, we visited the ladies-only thermal suite and adjoining heated pool. All the pools at The Europe are both indoor and outdoor. To be in a heated pool outdoors in the crisp Kerry air is truly wonderful!
After all that pampering a girl has got to eat! The Europe has two restaurants The Panorama – which has the best views but you have to book – and the more relaxed Brasserie, serving everything from locally sourced fish to steak.
My last day at The Europe was one of the sunniest of the year. Sitting in the infinity pool overlooking the lakes I didn’t want to leave. So much so, I tried to stretch out the break by just one more day. But, alas it was not to be and with a heavy heart but lighter head I made my way back to the airport.
My advice? Skip Europe and go to The Europe. If Kerry is indeed the Kingdom of Ireland then The Europe is the jewel in its crown.