Once back from your adventures , the entire experience here is one of luxurious charm , relaxation and refinement , beginning with your room .
Refurbished in 2019 , the hotel is part whimsical country house abode , part modern art gallery showcase , a theme that continues throughout its 60 rooms , 12 suites and five cottages , almost all of which have a view or connection to the surrounding waterfall or water vista .
Our own signature suite , one of four offered by the lodge , was an incredible demonstration of comfortable elegance . Found by ascending the grand but secluded staircase to the left of the lounge and bar , opening the heaving traditional door unveiled a huge marble bathroom , grand master bedroom and a show-stopping lounge with a circular panorama of picture windows framing the water of the estate beyond . From sunset to sunrise , high tide to low , it was simply incredible .
Wanting the relaxation to continue it seemed apt to head straight for the spa . Nestled across the courtyard , the reception area of the Easanna Wellness & Spa , Sheen Falls Lodge ’ s newly imagined spa is a traditional space with a contemporary twist flooded with natural light and beautiful furnishings that offers a pool , jacuzzi , sauna , steam room and fitness centre .
While in one of the five restful treatment rooms , guests can indulge in a range of signature spa treatments and rituals using both Elemis and cult Irish organic range VOYA products . Here , I was able to recharge even more at one with nature courtesy of Easanna ’ s signature hot stone massage , which combines the use of water-heated basalt lava stones with traditional massage , aromatherapy and oil treatment - sheer bliss .
Relaxation achieved and appetites whetted from hours of exploring and by the promise of head chef Mark Treacy ’ s take on traditional French cookery with an Irish flair which he demonstrates on his new taster menus , it was time for dinner . ( With one quick pitstop for a waterfall-side signature cocktail in the bar , of course - the smoked whisky sour is a must !)
The Falls Restaurant is the epitome of grand country manor restaurant chic . Large round tables were laid for two with adjacent chairs set to take in the dusk views of the waterfalls beyond the window . Guests are met first by restaurant manager Gabriella Molnar , before being expertly escorted first through the Champagne and sparkling wine trolley of delight and next through the extensive wine list by sommelier Aogdhan Coakley , who has returned to his native roots via extensive training in Malta and the Med .
The concept of The Falls restaurant is simple : great Irish produce and traditional French cookery techniques set to a backdrop of gentle piano music and artwork by acclaimed fine artist , Christine Bowen . The result , however , is a fabulous mix of creative , delicious , indulgence offset with some refined Irish charm .
From estate-smoked salmon to mountain lamb , organic vegetables and micro herbs grown mere footsteps from the kitchen , the team here seek the finest ingredients from the county and beyond to develop their seasonal menus .
An amuse bouche of seaweed nori cracker with beef tartare ( Irish of course ) and tiny puffed pastry topped with whipped Parmesan came before copious amounts of fresh chorizo loaf and glazed baguettes . Starters of Castletownbere scallops , perfectly seared and offset with pork croquette , Jerusalem artichoke and truffle veloute , capers and raisins , and a tartare of Balfego tuna with oyster cream , buttermilk and bonito vinaigrette followed , before mains of Irish lamb rump with a divine braised shoulder and green asparagus , earthy morels and wild garlic , and the signature Pat McLoughlin ’ s beef - a crisp pomme maxime sat atop a beautifully seared fillet of beef offset with melt-in-the-mouth braised short rib and red wine jus . Dessert showstoppers of passion fruit souffle with vanilla and ginger cream and a chocolate parfait with pistachio ice cream and cherry sorbet finished off a truly triumphant meal ; each and every bite divine .
It is easy to see why the former 17th-century fishinglodge-come-luxury-escape has earned such an iconic reputation and deservedly so . Sheen Falls Lodge is rightfully the go-to hotspot for local couples and families . Be it engagements , anniversaries and birthdays that warrant celebrating , everyone from across the county fights for a sought-after spot at the table or room at the lodge , which also offers the ultimate base for intrepid yet luxe-driven visitors , all of whom are encouraged to ‘ surrender to the scenery , embark on an outdoor adventure , dine superbly , and bask in the warmth of its legendary Irish hospitality .’ The only question - when will this gem of the Emerald Isle become your next stylish back-to-nature break ?
Sheen Falls Lodge Kenmare County Kerry Ireland www . sheenfallslodge . ie
sheenfallslodge sheenfalls
Three nights accommodation with full Irish breakfast each morning , dinner on one evening in The Falls Restaurant and a second dinner in The Stables Brasserie . A third night is included on a complimentary B & B basis . Rate from £ 612.75 in total based on two people sharing in a Classic Room . Readers of insideKENT will also receive an upgrade subject to availability – please mention insideKENT when making a reservation .
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