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 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

Another five star option in East Cork is the Castlemartyr Resort– www.castlemartyrresort.ie which offers luxury self-catering option on their extensive grounds which include a historical walled garden. Moving west, the Derrynane Hotel and Ocean Front Cottages, www. thederrynanehotel.com - again offering deluxe self catering choices as well as hotel rooms and have one of the most stunning locations in Kerry. Check the hotel for availability and costs of their cottages. Kerry has an abundance of accommodation choices, and it appears that since reopening on 2nd of June this year, bookings have been flying in, so you should get in touch with your chosen accommodations as soon as you decide your itinerary. If you do not get your chosen dates, there is great comfort in knowing that after August, you will be able to avail of even better rates and options.

However a quick look at their websites or indeed a telephone call will very soon be giving you all the information you need. And like Kerry, Cork has choices ranging from basic to luxurious and stretching from west Cork to include Kinsale, Clonakilty and Bantry, to East Cork which includes Ballymaloe, Ballycotton, Youghal and Midleton, home of Jameson Whiskey. Certainly if it is beaches you are looking for, you could not find better than Youghal, where a new extension to its Eco-Boardwalk is about to open stretching it all the way back to Redbarn. Here the Quality Hotel - www.qualityyoughal.ie – offers self catering cottages right beside the beach for a real seaside holiday experience. Three nights self-catering here is priced from just €295 As with all the hotels offering self-catering options, the facilities of the hotel itself are open to selfcatering guests.

Staying with East Cork and the Sunny SouthEast, if you are looking for a five star stay with a luxurious spa, then Fota Island Resort & Lodges - www.fotaisland.ie - is set in beautiful grounds, could be a perfect choice. The fact that it is close to Fota Island Wildlife Park, recently reopened as restrictions are lifted, is an added bonus. There are also spa and golf packages available. Four nights for two people in one of their luxury self-catering cottages is priced at €1,055 Availability is limited, so call the hotel directly at 021-4883700 or check the website for rates and availability.

Another five star option in East Cork is the Castlemartyr Resort– www. castlemartyrresort.ie which offers luxury self-catering option on their extensive grounds which include a historical walled garden. You have blue flag beaches, great restaurants and wonderful walks on your doorstep, and it is merely a half hour drive from Cork city. Again, while staying in the privacy of their luxury lodges, you also have all the facilities of the hotel, including the Spa, Golf and Restaurant. You can choose from The Walled Garden, Heron’s Reach or The Mews for self-catering options. You are also just a short drive from the weekly Farmer’s Market in Middleton, where you can stock up on lots of local produce.

Turning to West Cork there are no shortage of self-catering options, both attached to hotels, and stand-alone houses. If you want to be close to the sea and enjoy some sea water therapy, then the one place has to be is Inchydoney Hotel & Spa – www. inchydoneyisland.com is home to Ireland’s first seawater spa. Apartments can sleep up to six people. Situated in the lovely little town of Clonakilty, there are many independent self-catering options in the immediate area. Facilities include whale watching, surfing, walks, cycling and golf. self-catering lodges for short lets during the off-peak months, and during July and August a week’s stay is priced at €1129, while just €845 in June and September. Contact the hotel directly for best rates.

Another West Cork gem has to be the gourmet town of Kinsale, and here again there are many self-catering options. Kinsale Hotel & Spa www.kinsalehotelandspa.ie - also have some beautifully designed lodges built around the main hotel building. You can choose from the Oysterhaven Suite Lodge, one of twelve Superior Lodges, or four Classic Lodges. Once again the Spa, Leisure Club and Restaurant facilities are all available to guests staying in one of the lodges.

While there are many self-catering options that are not connected to a hotel, I personally feel that having all a good hotel facilities on your doorstep – restaurant, bar, leisure centre, spa, golf etc. is the perfect self-catering package.

However it is very easy to find stand-alone cottages and houses for rent throughout Cork and Kerry in all the most scenic and beautiful locations. A quick search on Google will bring up hundreds of options.

At the time of going to print, it appeared that bookings have been coming in fast and furious over the past couple of weeks since hospitality opened up again. Many hotels said they had almost no availability for July left and limited options for August. However, it is always a great option to look at September, as the weather is often lovely and the roads are quieter. I also recommend always telephoning the hotel to check for best rates, and get in there as early as you can to make sure that you get your well-deserved holiday break in the coming months.