In a spellbinding location overlooking Caragh Lake on the Ring of Kerry, Ard Na Sidhe is a wonderfully serene historic country house hotel that simply oozes good taste. As a relaxing base for exploring Southwest Ireland, Ard Na Sidhe cannot be bettered.
Glorious location overlooking Caragh Lake on the Ring of Kerry
Quiet and intimate - the perfect romantic escape
Stylish decor and a sophisticated ambience
Magical gardens to explore
Hidden away amongst a riot of sub-tropical vegetation above the bewitching waters of Caragh Lake near the small town of Killorglin in County Kerry, Ard Na Sidhe is a beautiful small manor hotel that offers, a palpable sense of harmony and tranquility along with the most authentic of Irish welcomes. For discerning travellers, Ard Na Sidhe is pure magic.
Once the Edwardian country retreat of renowned Anglo-Irish gardener and travel writer Lady Edith Gordon, Ard Na Sidhe has retained its quirky Arts and Crafts style, and rooms are filled with antiques, mullioned windows and an unutterable sense of peace – so much so in fact that many guests stay put simply to enjoy the gorgeous lake and gardens, ringed evocatively by the mountains of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.
There are 18 uniquely decorated rooms at Ard Na Sidhe, ten in the main house and eight in the more contemporary-styled Garden House. Rooms in the main house are more atmospheric (five have lake views), but all are wonderfully restful and fitted out with luxury amenities. Don’t, however, expect a TV in your room – Ard Na Sidhe is a place to tune out the modern world.
An intimate dining room offers sustaining Irish breakfasts and more elegant candle-lit fare in the evenings that draws on superb local provender such as wild Atlantic seafood, Kerry lamb and summer fruits. After dinner enjoy a brandy from the honesty bar and relax convivially by the open fire.
The gardens, full of secret glades, rare trees and hidden paths, are divine, sweeping down to the edge of the lake. If you wish you can play a game of croquet on the lawn, dream away the afternoon with tea on the terrace as you take in the blissful views or stroll down to the shoreline and take out a rowing boat to Robert’s Island.
If you can pull yourself away from the lotus land that is Ard Na Sidhe, you’ll find some of Ireland’s most magical places nearby. Its location means that reaching both the fabled island of Skellig Michael and the Dingle Peninsula is much easier than if you were to stay in Kenmare or Killarney, and staff will happily advise on and arrange your time here if you wish, and even provide a picnic basket for you to enjoy while exploring a stone circle or on a wild beach pounded by Atlantic breakers.
When to visit
Special experiences can be found on the lake. One such in particular involves kayaking in the moonlight. A romantic evening to be sure.
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Enquire NowArd Na Sidhe is located on the Ring of Kerry overlooking Caragh Lake outside the village of Killorglin in County Kerry.
The nearest airports are Kerry Airport (1 hour by road) and Shannon International Airport (2.5 hours by road).
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