Ireland’s Best Hotel: Killarney Park Hotel Review

A few months ago I was invited to Killarney Ireland to speak about creating engaging Instagram Stories and Snapchat video content at the TBEX European conference. By chance they put me in the 5 star Killarney Park Hotel for my stay and I was more than thrilled.

Since my visit the hotel has been listed as the number one hotel in all of Ireland by TripAdvisor. As well as also being in the top 5 of the best hotels in Europe and in the top 20 of best hotels in the world.

Ireland’s Best Hotel: Killarney Park Hotel Review

 

Early check-in

I arrived at the hotel around 9am after a long overnight flight from Toronto and three hour drive from Dublin. I was in need of  sleep. At that time my room wasn’t available yet, but the front desk offered for me to enjoy breakfast in the dining room. It was nice to grab a bite and soon after they had a room ready for me. Early check-ins are not always available of course but I was thrilled that they were able to accommodate me as soon as possible.

Afternoon Tea at the Killarney Park Hotel

One of my favourite things to do in life is enjoy a fancy afternoon tea. Partly because 1) I like being fancy 2) I like eating tiny egg salad sandwiches and mini desserts. After a much needed nap on my first afternoon I scheduled a delightful afternoon tea. Served in the hotel lounge in the lobby nestled nicely by the fireplace, it was perfect.

The afternoon tea costs 35 euro per person (a reasonable price) and 50 euro for it to include champagne. There are 10 teas available to choose from and a few coffee selections as well. The food to go along with the tea all arrived together on a unique 3 tiered stand with scones, sandwiches, desserts and even a shrimp cocktail.

Getting to leisurely enjoy the lounge, fireplace and afternoon tea was quite the treat. It was also a bit more casual than other teas I have done. I wasn’t being rushed away and was able to stay and enjoy my tea for as long as I wanted.

The Room

I stayed in the O’Connell Suite and it was massive. Probably one of the biggest hotel rooms that I have ever stayed in. The property offers five different room sizes with varying prices and amenities such as the Classic, Premium, and Signature Rooms, Suites and the Master Suite. The O’Connell Suite features two comfy king sized beds and a great seating area surrounding the fireplace. There is also a large bathroom with double sinks and a separate shower and tub. The room also included a mini fridge, lots of storage space, a desk to work at as well as a table to sit and eat at and a second couch. Again, massive room.

My favourite thing was definitely the gas fireplace, such a nice luxury to have in a hotel. Especially nice to curl up next to after a typical rainy Irish day.

Service

The service at the property was great. From always being greeted with a smile to having any questions answered and quick room service, especially for when I couldn’t figure out the fireplace on my own. It was what you could expect from a 5 star property and more.

They are also quite active on their twitter account. When I had questions or when I was away from the property they were always there to respond and help in any way.

image by the Killarney Park Hotel

The Park Restaurant and Dining Room

Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel was included with my stay and featured a large buffet and breakfast menu that you could order hot food from. Held in the elegant Park Restaurant and dining room which also serves a delicious dinner menu of fresh local ingredients.

The Tayto Sandwich

The tayto sandwich isn’t specific to this hotel, but they went above and beyond for me to enjoy one so I can’t not mention it. Irish friends of mine told me about this tasty late night Irish “delicacy”. My friends and I were keen to enjoy one and I jokingly tweeted at the hotel, a 5 star hotel, asking if they served them. Expecting a few chuckles, an apology and a no, they surprised me instead. When I arrived back to my room that evening all of the supplies for the best Tayto sandwich imaginable were there waiting for me.

A tayto sandwich is cheese and onion flavoured Tayto brand potato chips on top of two buttered pieces of white bread. That is literally it. For a bit more flavour you can also add some tobasco sauce and or a tomato/ketchup kind of jam or preserve.

Sounds weird and odd, but it is delicious, especially late at night after a few pints.

What to do in Killarney

If visiting Killarney I also recommend checking out a few of the below recommendations that I enjoyed and much more.

Visit The Shire, Ireland’s only Lord of the Rings themed pub. Located just a few minutes walk away, the Shire is one the most quirky pubs that I have ever been too. Whether you are a Lord of the Rings fan or not I definitely recommend checking it out. Aside from Gandalf, Smeagol and all of the LOTR themed things they also have great gourmet burgers, beers and live entertainment.

Enjoy lunch and one of the best Guinness’s in Kerry Co at Murphy’s Bar. They also have great fish and chips, delicious desserts and you can’t beat their Irish coffee.

In nearby Kenmare Co, I also recommend a visit to Lorge Chocolatier to try the chocolates and take chocolate making classes. In the area you can also go seal watching with Seafari or enjoy another delicious afternoon tea at the Sheen Falls Lodge.

For rates or to book your stay at the Killarney Park Hotel NOW, visit HERE. 

If you are visiting Killarney I can highly recommend staying at the Killarney Park hotel. Have you been? How was your experience?

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Thank you to TBEX for having me. As always all opinions, views and full bellies are my own.

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