The Parknasilla Resort and Spa stands like a courtly estate on Kenmare Bay along Ireland’s famous Ring of Kerry in Sneem.
The Parknasilla Resort & Spa stands like a courtly estate along scenic Kenmare Bay. This Irish manor-house hotel along Ireland’s famous Ring of Kerry is part of Original Irish Hotels and a four-star accommodation in the small town of Sneem. Over the years its guests have included playwrights like George Bernard Shaw and royalty like Princess Grace of Monaco.
After a day of touring, I arrived at Parknasilla Resort & Spa for my hosted stay in the late afternoon. The sunny fall day had exceptional sunny weather temperatures that pushed into the late 60s. The combination meant guests were taking full advantage of the resort’s 500-acre grounds. On the lawn and patio, couples lounged with glasses of wine. Families hiked on the surrounding trails. And, I’d soon find myself lounging in my Edwardian-style guest room admiring the view from my private balcony.
The hotel’s main entrance takes full advantage of its scenic surroundings. Photo courtesy Parknasilla Resort & Spa
A Little Bit of History
In 1895, the hotel began in the Bishop’s House, which is still on the property. Two years later, the Bland family chose to build Parknasilla House near the Bishop’s House and closer to Kenmare River. The Scottish Baronial-style hotel featured a Turkish bath, game rooms, reading and reception rooms, a bathroom on each floor, and bedrooms with sea views.
Today, the resort combines Old Word elegance and modernity, with the historic main house and newer buildings spread throughout the property. Guests can choose rooms, suites, courtyard lodges, and villas. There is also a full-service restaurant, bar, child-care facilities, and spa.
Parknasilla Resort & Spa includes original and modern buildings. Photo by Lara Dunning
An Elegant Room
I stayed in the main house in a Superior Manor Room. This one-bedroom suite featured a king bed with a window offering water views. The spacious sitting area with Edwardian-style furnishings included a desk, dressing table, small dining table, and multiple chairs. The room included plenty of closet space, a double-sink bathroom, and a private balcony.
Many rooms are decorated with Edwardian-style furniture and have views of Kenmare Bay. Photo courtesy of Parknasilla Resort & Spa
After spending the better part of the day exploring the Skellig Ring, an additional route along the Ring of Kerry, all I wanted to do was unwind. The room had the right amount of refinement and coziness, which made for a very relaxing experience. Plus, I found it hard to pull myself from my private view of Kenmare Bay and its wild coastline.
A breathtaking view of Kenmare Bay. Photo by Lara Dunning
Making the Most of the Resort Amenities
One of the draws of the property is its extensive and well-maintained grounds. If you are a nature lover, there are ten mapped walking trails, including the kid-friendly Fairy Trail and PJ’s Treasure Trail. Walks can take as little as 30 minutes or as long as two hours, and some routes even include island hopping and castle ruins.
The resort has ten mapped walking trails to explore. Photo courtesy of Parknasilla Resort & Spa
There is also a 12-hole golf course and opportunities for archery, horseback riding, biking, and water activities such as boating, wildlife cruises, and kayaking.
Kayaking is one of the many resort water activities guests can do. Photo courtesy of Parknasilla Resort & Spa
Indulge in a Spa Day
Unfortunately, I arrived too late to explore the walking trails, and the sunny weather turned rainy the next day. Instead, I spent the morning luxuriating at The Spa at Parknasilla Resort. The facilities include a thermal suite with various features such as an ice fountain, experience showers, and aromatherapy steam rooms. My favorite was the heated loungers with views of the bay.
The thermal spa is the perfect place to relax. Photo courtesy of Parknasilla Resort & Spa
Various spa treatments are available, and all guests have access to the thermal suite, indoor pool, and outdoor hot tub.
The resort pool features panoramic views of Kenmare Bay, and the tilework reflects the colors of the water. Photo by Lara Dunning
The resort has plenty of reading and game rooms with intimate seating arrangements for travelers who would rather spend time reading or socializing.
The Centenary Lounge is one of the places guests can gather for drinks or socializing. Photo courtesy of Parknasilla Resort & Spa
Dining at the Parknasilla Resort & Spa
The hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar, and a new seasonal tram food truck. I highly recommend dining at The Pygmalion Restaurant, which is situated to take in the water views. I suggest arriving early or making a reservation and requesting a window seat.
The view from The Pygmalion Restaurant. Photo by Lara Dunning
I arrived early and enjoyed a glass of wine while the sun set.
Sunset is the perfect time for dinner at The Pygmalion Restaurant. Photo by Lara Dunning
The restaurant features an a la carte menu and a four-course tasting meal. Wanting to try some of everything, I opted for a multi-course dinner.
I started with herb-crusted Boilie goat’s cheese with beetroot carpaccio, sun-dried tomato, asparagus, and salad greens with white balsamic and mustard dressing.
Goat cheese dishes in Ireland are creative and flavorful. Photo by Lara Dunning
For my entree, I chose the roasted cannon of Kerry lamb (when in Ireland!) with a mini shepherd’s pie, peas, pea puree, and lamb jus.
Photo by Lara Dunning
For dessert, the sticky toffee pudding with gingerbread ice cream, butterscotch sauce, and chantilly cream.
Photo by Lara Dunning
The meal was excellent, and the service was very attentive. In the morning, a hearty breakfast buffet is served in the restaurant.
Stay at Parknasilla Resort & Spa
My stay at Parknasilla Resort & Spa ended far too soon. The beautiful setting, the extensive grounds, and the hotel itself left a lasting impression. For travelers wanting to experience luxury, relaxation, and the great outdoors, the Parknasilla Resort & Spa is the perfect destination for your Ireland adventure.
To book a room at Parknasilla Resort & Spa, visit their website. For more things to do and see in Ireland, check out more articles by Wander writers. Have you always wanted to travel but can’t because your boss says you don’t have the time? Perhaps it’s time to consider working for yourself. You can form an LLC from anywhere. For example, if you live in Chicago, you might consider forming an LLC in Illinois.
Well, this looks like just an amazing place to stay! So many wonderful amenities surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery and beautiful gardens. I think I would be out exploring the coastline but relishing the return to a cosy room and a delicious dinner! Thanks for sharing… on my list for Ireland!
That spa with the view of Kenmare Bay is so stunning! I love the feel of this whole resort. It seems very relaxing and like a nice break from everyday reality!
Will definitely have to look into this for our UK trip next spring. I think my parents would like it here for sure! The photos are gorgeous and it looks as I would picture an Ireland resort to look! Your room was stunning, wow! Golf course for dad and husband, perfect…horseback riding for mom and me, check…spa for mom and me too! Gorgeous pool! You had me at goat cheese for The Pygmalion Restaurant!
I love the luxury on the Ring of Kerry. Parknasilla looks elegant from top to bottom. The four course tasting meal looks to die for. I could see ourselves staying here when we make it to Ireland.
Parknasilla Resort and Spa seems like a complete package – accommodation, spa, good food, good views and outdoor activities. This is definitely a place to check out in Sneem.
How fitting that I just (I mean really just) booked flights to Ireland for next year! And the Ring of Kerry is on our agenda. I’m so going to look up the Parknasilla Resort to see if it will fit into our schedule. I love that it’s a mix of historic and contemporary, and that there are plenty of things to do onsite or nearby — both indoors and outdoors. Good fit for anyone!
This place is just gorgeous! What an amazing escape! <3
Awesome photos. This really is a luxury option for visiting Ireland, including the views!
What a gorgeous property to visit and stay at. The Superior Manor Room looks stunning and what a big property to have so many walking trails and so many activities to choose from. I love a thermal spa run. Dinner looks great too, a classic menu for those parts.
Wow, this resort looks so elegant, and the surroundings look beautiful, as well. I didn’t get to spend time visiting the Ring of Kerry when I was in Ireland last, but now I know where I want to stay when I go back!
NICE! I WOULD LOVE TO CHECK OUT THE THERMAL SUITE AND THE AROMATHERAPY STEAM ROOMS IN THE SPA. THAT SOUNDS VERY FUN. THE FOOD LOOKS DELICIOUS AND I LIKE THE COLOR SCHEMES FOR THE ROOMS AND LOBBY. DO YOU GOLF?
What an amazing place to unwind. That spa with the heated loungers and aromatherapy steam rooms sound like the perfect indulgence. What a lovely menu and such delicious options. The carpaccio and lamb are calling my name. Haven’t been to Ireland yet, but hope to visit soon! Great review.
Loving the location, the gardens, the decor and the food. Everything about the Parknasilla Resort works for me. We will be sure to look this up if we are in the area. Great pick!
Wow! This looks like the ultimate luxury stay! The activities like horseback riding and wildlife tours sound amazing too. The food looks spectacular and the presentation is so beautiful. I would love to stay here someday!
What a treat to be able to stay there and experience the ammenities and history. Nothing like a grand manor estate. Now the views and activities (for sure we would be kayaking) look sublime, but you had me at sticky toffee pudding with gingerbread ice cream … for that I might cross an ocean.
Wow! What an incredible location! We haven’t visited Ireland yet but this is definitely one place I’m going to seek out when we do visit. The rooms are just beautiful and that view from the spa! Amazing!
What a cool and historic place to stay! I loved learning about the history of the hotel. I bet you felt like royalty staying there! I would love to stay in that pool all day!