Travel
Take a break on the Costa Del Cork and Kerry!
The four star Kenmare Bay Hotel offer a range of accommodation including their two bedroom luxury lodges
Mairead Robinson suggests some great self-catering options for late summer There is no doubt that it has been a long and lonely year for many of us, with the senior population being the one that has stuck most obediently to the restrictions. But the upside to this situation is that the government has been rolling out the vaccines according to age, with the eldest citizens at the top of the queue. The relief for so many people is huge, and the opportunity to meet family and friends again is very welcome. It also means that fully vaccinated seniors are the first out of the traps when it comes being able to organize a well earned holiday break. While traditional sun spots might not be on the cards for everybody just yet, Irish hospitality is ready and able to welcome visitors for a well-deserved break. So now that inter-county travel is back, it is time to head to the hills and coast for a well deserved break. There are many popular destinations in Ireland for the domestic visitor, but in my opinion there is nowhere better than the south west of the country, specifically Cork and Kerry. I am somewhat biased, as I have made my home in both counties, while having originated from the capital. Firstly there is the climate, East Cork benefits from being in the ‘Sunny South East’, while West Cork and Kerry benefit from the gentle gulf stream, which means that palm trees and exotic plants flourish – just visit Dursey Island for an example. The scenery is second to none, there are an abundance of castles and historic sites to visit, pristine beaches to enjoy, and gorgeous routes to drive that will take your breath away. Also I have noticed over the past few years how the food scene has improved so dramatically. You are not limited to a ‘Toasted Special & Chips’ when you stop for lunch any more, there are wonderful seafood platters, farmhouse cheeses, chowders and wholesome brown bread to choose from. So whether you are driving around the Wild Atlantic Way, or basing yourself in a
self-catering cottage in the region, you have an abundance of choice when it comes to enjoying local cuisine. I like to opt for selfcatering to enjoy privacy and independence and also if you choose a self catering lodge or cottage that is connected to a good hotel, you really have the best of both worlds. You can enjoy all the amenities of the hotel - restaurant, bars, golf, leisure centre, spa etc. – while having your own private ‘home’ to return to. You can also choose different restaurants and cafes in the area to sample, without being restricted to the hotel restaurant all the time. These days are so many four and five star hotels that offer great luxury self-catering options, and in my opinion, this is certainly a great option when visiting an area. A favourite destination for many people from the capital is the town of Killarney. If you prefer not to drive, and instead take advantage of your Travel Pass, you can opt for the train to the centre of the town, and from there it will be a short hop to your chosen hotel. Some hotels even provide a pick up from the station, and there are plenty of taxis ready to meet all the arriving trains. Killarney is a great town to base yourself in and from where you can tour the ring of Kerry. The Gleneagle Hotel will even pick you up from the train station. They have luxury apartments which can accommodate up to 5 people, and are offering a three night stay in a two bed apartment for up to five people for just €255 There is also a four night stay for just €250 and then this goes down to €225 per night for a seven night stay. Check out the hotel for availability and best rates. Residents have full use of extensive leisure facilities. www.gleneagle.com The Castlerosse Park Resort have luxury lodges right on their scenic golf course and are very popular with golfers. Guests also have full use of their leisure facilities so if golf in a gorgeous setting is your thing, they are offering
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a midweek four night break from €345 and a two night weekend break for just €240 www.castlerosse.ie Killarney Park Hotel: so if you fancy some serious five star luxury right in the centre of town, The Killarney Park Hotel are offering four nights for the price of three in July. If you want to have a bit of luxury in the midst of your selfcatering break, this is the best hotel in town. Enjoy four nights from just €1,050.00 www.killarneyparkhotel.ie The gourmet town of Kenmare is situated just forty minutes drive from Killarney and offers a host of accommodation choices from the five star Park Hotel and Sheen Falls Hotel and there are great dining options in Kenmare town itself. The four star Kenmare Bay Hotel offer a range of accommodation including their two bedroom luxury lodges which are available for just €314 depending on the length of stay. Self catering options at the Kenmare Bay Hotel are very popular for both their Luxury Lodges where they have a 3 nights for the price of 2, or 4 nights for the price of 3 on certain dates. www.kenmarebayhotel.com Just outside of Kenmare on the Sneem side, sits the lovely Parknasilla Resort & Spa www.parknasillahotel.com – who also have self-catering accommodation, however this is very heavily booked for the summer months. Great value is available if you want to travel in the off-peak season, with October rates just €155 for their luxury two bed Courtyard Lodges. The Sneem Hotel enjoys a beautiful location on the sea front entering the picturesque town of Sneem. Their self-catering options start at €250 for a 2 night stay, €355 for a 3 night stay and €420 for four nights. Once again this is for a two bedroom accommodation. www.sneemhotel.com
