Legend of the falls
The “little nest” of Kenmare is part of the famed Ring of Kerry, making it a prime spot for a visit, especially if you’re into your food, as Janice Butler found out during a recent break in the pretty town
Where to stay:
Surrounded by woodlands and beside a waterfall, Sheen Falls Lodge sits delightfully at the edge of Kenmare Bay.
If we’re lucky enough to have an Indian summer, make your way to the beautiful terrace off the bar, right on the edge of the dramatic waterfall. The fall isn’t the only impressive thing here, as the hotel itself is an absolute treat. In addition to cottages, there is a range of 66 rooms and suites. The rooms have soft décor, with lots of cosy wool throws on the chairs and beds, freshly picked flowers and all but one room has a view of the falls. Guests can unwind at Easanna Spa, which includes an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and Voya and Elemis treatments. Other hotel activities include fishing, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, kayaking, walking, bicycle use and tennis. The surrounding area offers golf, water-based sports, mountain-climbing, chocolate-making and pottery lessons. Ask to be shown the hotel’s smokehouse, where locally caught salmon is smoked in preparation for dinner at the Lodge’s 2AA Rosette restaurant.
A must-do! Kenmare Foodies Tour
I’ve met few people as passionate about food as blogger Karen Coakley. Based in Kenmare, she began her blog three years ago because she loves to cook and is proud of the food of her locale. She conducts a walking food tour in Kenmare, with behind the scenes stops at local cafés, restaurants and producers. These include the fabulous French bakery Maison Gourmet, Benoit Lorge Chocolates, Kenmare Ice Cream, Expedition Ale and Tom Crean Fish and Wine.
See kenmarefoodies.com for details
Other places to eat The Boathouse Bistro, Bistro for the view
The Boathouse Wine Bar and Bistro is located on the waterfront in a boathouse dating from the 1800s. With décor reminiscent of Cape Cod, The Boathouse serves a decent array of dishes all day in cosy nooks an d crannies or out on the spacious terrace, the perfect place for a blissful afternoon over a chilled bottle of Chablis.
Mick & Jimmy’s, for brunch
A casual, funky-chic café opened by twin brothers Mick and Jimmy Wilson in 2015, serving a great breakfast and brunch. They are also open for dinner on various holidays throughout the year. The menu is wide-ranging, influenced by California, Mexico and Asia, but with a distinctive Irish twist.
No. 35, for some fine dining
A firm favourite in Kenmare is the award-winning restaurant No 35. Local ingredients are at the heart of the creations here, carefully sourced by proprietor Dermot Brennan and head chef Tony Schwartz and his team. The menu is a fusion of European dishes with an Irish twist; including lamb with harissa spiced couscous, roast hake with prawn provençale, slow cooked octopus, Gubbeen chorizo and chickpeas.
For lots more information about Kenmare and its surroundings, see kenmare.ie