Exploring Sheen Falls Lodge: A Luxurious Retreat in Kenmare, Ireland

Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Kenmare, Ireland, Sheen Falls Lodge stands as a beacon of luxury and tranquility. Once a 17th-century fishing lodge, this exquisite five-star haven has been transformed into a retreat where nature, history, and heritage converge to offer an unforgettable experience. Situated just minutes from the charming town of Kenmare, Sheen Falls Lodge invites guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Irish countryside while indulging in unparalleled luxury. In this comprehensive hotel review, we’ll delve into the enchanting allure of Sheen Falls Lodge, exploring its accommodations, amenities, dining experiences, and surrounding attractions.

When it comes to 5-star hotels in Ireland, you can’t get much better than Sheen Falls Lodge, cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay. Travelling to Ireland, especially to the kingdom of Kerry, is a magical experience that can only be topped off by staying in a luxurious 5-star hotel like Sheen Falls. 5-star hotels in Ireland are the best of the best when it comes to luxury, hospitality, and quality. They offer an experience that you won’t easily forget. Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare takes Irish hospitality to the next level, and it should be experienced, whether you are on an Irish staycation or whether you are simply visiting the Emerald Isle for the first time.

Nicknamed the Emerald Isle, Ireland boasts verdant mountains and valleys, heaths, lakes, cliffs, and a dramatic coastline battered by the surrounding seas. From Downpatrick Head to Kilkee Cliffs, Ireland is a land celebrating hospitality and sharing, raised on the literature of James Joyce. Guinness gushes from the taps of Temple Bar in Dublin on Saint Patrick’s Day, and there is nothing quite like the Irish craic. Ireland has all this to offer and more. From its small towns to its country villages, from the Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim coast to the hikes of Connemara, Ireland has a magnificent selection of the best nature has to offer. 

5-star hotels in Ireland

Every corner of Ireland has its own castle or stately manor, many of which have been turned into luxurious 5-star hotels. We have been lucky enough to have stayed in some of the best 5-star hotels in Ireland, including the majestic Ashford Castle so we know what to look for when it comes to luxury stays in Ireland. Sheen Falls Lodge is a Relais & Châteaux hotel that has 5-star luxury but so much more!

Arrival and Welcome at Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare, Ireland

As you approach Sheen Falls Lodge, a sense of serenity envelops you. The sprawling estate is surrounded by lush woodlands, cascading waterfalls, and the tranquil waters of Kenmare Bay. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with warm Irish hospitality and a sense of exclusivity that sets the tone for an exceptional stay. The staff at Sheen Falls Lodge are renowned for their attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of your visit exceeds expectations.

When we arrived for our stay, it was the heaviest rainfall we had seen in Ireland for a long time (and that is saying a lot about Irish weather!) On entry, guests are greeted by artist Christine Bowen’s vibrant floral mural at reception. Scott, the hotel manager, was on hand to welcome us in to roaring open fires and a homely, cosy atmosphere. The hotel receptionist even walked us personally to our room.

We don’t know about you, but we don’t like 5-star hotels that feel snobby and stuffy. When it comes to 5-star luxury in Ireland, we look for an authentic and genuine feeling from the moment we arrive. There is a reason why Sheen Falls Lodge was voted the No. 1 hotel resort in Europe by Conde Nast Traveller. 

Where is Sheen Falls Lodge?

Sheen Falls Lodge is located near the colourful village of Kenmare in County Kerry. Kenmare is the gateway to the Beara Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, the Killarney Lakes, and the southern part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Magical, breathtaking scenery is everywhere. Surrounded by purple heather-covered mountains, Kenmare is one of the spots in Ireland that the Irish themselves like best. It just epitomises Irish charm.

Kenmare is known for its piano-jazz ambience, trad sessions in the pub, its collection of old Irish whiskeys, and the dishes prepared from salmon caught in the nearby river. There are unrivalled views of Kenmare Bay, the McGuillicuddy Reeks, and cascading Sheen waterfalls. All of this, combined with outstanding Irish hospitality and Celtic legends, creates a pervading sense of magic.

Kenmare is known in Irish as “Neidin” (the little nest) because the town “nestles” amongst the surrounding mountains, which are such a prominent feature of the landscape. The town also benefits from being a coastal town positioned on the estuary of Kenmare Bay. It is an award-winning heritage town, a serene, pretty place that bustles at an Irish pace. Its reputation for warm and welcoming hospitality is renowned.

Cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay, Sheen Falls Lodge is the perfect springboard for discovering the rugid beauty of the south-west of Ireland. It is the perfect place to create everlasting memories.

What to pack for Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare, Ireland

Sheen Falls Lodge, a Country Retreat

The Sheen Falls Lodge Estate and its history have always been connected to salmon fishing and deer hunting. The 300-acre estate is often visited by wandering deer. A cottage on the grounds became the base for the First Earl of Kerry for the pursuit of fishing and hunting. In 1988, the property was sold to a Danish family who took on the task of developing the guest house into a 5-star luxury hotel. It opened its doors to guests in April 1991 and has been a member of Relais & Châteaux since then.

The hotel has undergone a fairly recent transformation to recreate the original purpose of the hunting lodge and make it a decadent home away from home. When you first enter the hotel, you are greeted by an open, roaring fire with a prominent stag head hanging above it, adding to the country hunting lodge atmosphere.

There are little design touches everywhere that add to the feeling of being in a hunting lodge. Antler chandeliers hang over the beautiful marble entrance and creative artwork by local artist Christine Bowen. The vibe here is authentically Irish.

Bowen’s iconic mural adorns the hotel reception wall as well as a fabulous botanical mural in The Falls restaurant. Drawing on Kenmare for inspiration, you’ll find Bowen’s paintings hanging in multitudes throughout the hotel. Hues of green, peach, and cream create a homely yet decadently relaxing atmosphere, and quality traditional furnishings add to that country home vibe. The hotel feels comfortable and luxurious, but not showy!

How Many Bedrooms does Sheen Falls Lodge Have?

Sheen Falls Lodge has 72 rooms to choose from, and every room is a room with a view. There are 60 rooms, 12 incredible suites, and 5 private cottages, so there is a suitable style of accommodation to suit everyone. You can choose between luxurious rooms and sensational suites, each unique and beautifully understated in palettes that reflect the seasons. Riverside, you’ll enjoy the gentle babble of the cascading Sheen Falls by your window, while bayside, you’ll find sweeping views over Kenmare Bay, with the constantly changing seascape for company.

Luxurious Accommodations at Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare

Sheen Falls Lodge offers a range of luxurious accommodations to suit every taste and preference. From elegantly appointed rooms to spacious suites and private cottages, each space is meticulously designed to provide the utmost comfort and relaxation. Guests can expect plush furnishings, sumptuous bedding, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family retreat, or a solo escape, Sheen Falls Lodge offers the perfect sanctuary for your stay.

Check out our guide to the best places for a romantic break in Ireland.

Bedrooms are calming and prioritise comfort. The beds are large and beckoning. Interiors channel the colour palette of Kenmare Bay – think marshy greens, pure blues, and soft yellows – with modern touches (namely contemporary wooden bedside tables and desks) peppered across the space. Suites come with a separate drawing room plus some rather special views, and bathrooms (stocked with Elemis) are all marble.

We stayed in room 209, one of the hotel’s luxurious Signature Suites. Our room was breathtaking! A chic and cosy haven that was spacious, stylish, and beautifully furnished. The star of the show was a wrap-around wall of windows facing the waterfall. We don’t think we have ever seen anything quite as beautiful. Double doors opened out to a spacious balcony overlooking the River Sheen. Our room was sumptuous and relaxing, with neutral tones and soothing shades of green. We still can’t believe that we got to go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the cascading waterfall.

We had a separate seating area to relax and watch TV (if you could take your eyes off the scenery framed by the windows!) and a large marble bathroom with his and her sinks, Elemis products and the fluffiest towels to just wrap yourself up in.

Five historic thatched cottages are available for anyone looking for a bit more space on the estate. Be sure to utilize all of the hotel’s services, and when the weather turns chilly, curl up on the couch with a movie or read a book in front of the fire, a glass of wine in hand, in your own cottage.

Amenities and Activities at Sheen Falls Lodge

At Sheen Falls Lodge, the opportunities for relaxation and recreation are endless. Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment at the onsite Easanna Spa, where expert therapists offer a range of holistic therapies designed to nourish the body, mind, and soul. Choose from Elemis and the Irish organic range, Voya, for your treatments.

For those seeking adventure, the surrounding area offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, golfing, and horseback riding. Back at the lodge, guests can unwind in the indoor heated pool, sauna, or steam room, or simply soak up the serene ambiance on the scenic terrace overlooking the falls.

Dining at Sheen Falls Lodge

The hotel prides itself on its exquisite dining options, from the elegant Falls Restaurant to the more intimate Sheen Lounge/Bistro. The Falls Restaurant serves guests innovative cuisine with a unique twist on traditional Irish fare. Seasonal menus reflect the richness of Kerry’s bounty: estate-smoked salmon, mountain lamb, vension, organic vegetables, and microherbs grown locally. The team sources the finest from beyond the county too – farmhouse cheese, Atlantic seafood, and Hereford beef – to create gorgeous seasonal dishes.

The ambiance in the restaurant is so romantic. Dulcet tones from the piano player in the corner add to the phenomenal views of the tumbling falls outside. The Falls restaurant is the ultimate in fine dining; they have earned two AA Rosettes for cooking, and they plan to impress you, which they most certainly do. The dining staff are incredibly knowledgeable and will recommend pre-dinner cocktails and wine to go with every course. They also describe exactly what is on your plate as they bring it to you, adding to the whole dining experience.

We were so impressed that it definitely made it into our top five dining experiences ever!

The dress code is smart/casual, so be sure to dress appropriately.

The Sheen Lounge is the perfect spot for afternoon tea or lunch, while later in the day it makes an ideal spot for bistro-style dining. You’ll find deep-seated sofas, luxurious armchairs, and a roaring log fire to curl up in front of. Sink into a leather armchair in the old-school authentic Sheen Bar and try a Signature cocktail before dinner.

Diners can also select from an impressive wine collection. Hidden beneath Sheen Falls Lodge, secret stairs lead to a legendary cellar, one of the largest in Ireland. Celebrated the world over, their impressive wine collection houses more than 10,000 bottles, sourced from 18 different countries. You can request a tour of this vaulted cavern and select your own wine from more than 800 labels. You can also host a private dinner party, arrange an intimate table for two, or experience a private whiskey, gin or port tasting deep beneath the lodge. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this very special space.

Things to do at Sheen Falls Lodge

Facilities available at Sheen Falls Lodge include: