Sheen Falls Lodge is a nature lover’s paradise in the South West of Ireland. Originally a 17th-century fishing and hunting lodge, this expansive 300-acre property is filled with natural beauty.
As we drove up to the property, we were greeted with a typical Irish landscape. Shaggy sheep chew along rolling meadows covered in thick green grass. It felt like my vision had been altered by a saturation filter that intensified the colors of the landscape.
Carla Pope/Travel + Leisure
Rainbow over the lodge grounds
The lodge is located between Kenmare Bay and the River Sheen. When we arrived, a porter greeted us and immediately took our luggage and guided us to our room. I looked at the crackling fireplace and made a mental note to go look again. As I walked up the wide staircase carpeted in forest green, I stopped in amazement at the seating area on the landing. Above the salmon-colored sofa hung watercolor paintings of martini glasses that looked like chickens.
Barry Murphy/Courtesy of Sheen Falls Lodge
Cozy fireplace in lodge lobby and reception
My suite was significantly larger than my New York City apartment, with large bay windows and waterfall views from every room, including the bathroom. During the three nights I stayed at this property, I was lulled to sleep by the sound of a waterfall just outside my window. Even if you’re a bad sleeper, there’s no need to bring a portable sound machine to this property. The natural soundtrack will ensure a restful sleep.
Every morning, we started our day with a hearty Irish breakfast. Breakfast was delivered promptly to the room at the desired time. Then start your day with a concierge-organized activity such as falconry or a tour of the nearby Beara Peninsula, or a treatment at the on-site luxury spa.
Read my full review of Sheen Falls Lodge.
Sheen Falls Lodge
On-site falconry is an unforgettable and thrilling activity that complements our outdoor-friendly environment.
Guest suites offer mesmerizing views of cascading waterfalls or serene views of Kenmare Bay.
We offer a free shuttle to the nearest town, Kenmare.
The Rooms
If you don’t like ordinary rooms, you’re in luck. At Sheen Falls Lodge, no two accommodations are the same. There are 60 guest rooms, 12 suites, and 5 cottages, each with unique design features and layouts. What they all have in common are gardens, waterfalls or stunning views of Kenmare Bay. Each of our four deluxe suites and cottages offers a front row seat to the area’s breathtaking natural scenery.
When I’m not taking pictures of amazing waterfall views, I can be found lounging on my couch or working at my large wooden desk in my bedroom. The entire space was a perfect environment for writing, reading, and relaxing. The overwhelming silence was truly an escape from reality.
In addition to staying in the suite, we had dinner in one of the two bay villas (cottage category). This property is perfect for large groups as it features multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, and a full kitchen.
Eating and drinking
Our first meal at Sheen Falls was at The Stables Brasserie & Bar. It set the tone for what I would experience for the rest of my stay. I ordered homemade tomato soup as an appetizer and it was fresh, piping hot and delicious. This was followed by a main dish of locally caught fish that day (locally caught fish included sea bass and flounder). We finished the meal with a refreshing combination of blackberry and raspberry sorbet.
During our stay, we also ate at The Scene Lounge, which serves light meals such as soups, sandwiches, desserts, and afternoon tea. Seating includes comfortable sofas upholstered in chic prints. Sofas and chaise lounges are intentionally placed in front of the windows for optimal views of the waterfall.
For fine dining, head to The Falls. The menu features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The cuisine is a wonderful combination of Irish cuisine and French influences. I had lobster bisque as a starter, followed by cod and whipped frozen coconut marshmallow for dessert.
For wine lovers, the wine cellar is a must-see. Located in the basement of Sheen Falls Lodge, this sophisticated cellar houses more than 10,000 bottles sourced from 23 countries. A private space, usually reserved for weddings and dinner parties.
Nua Vista is also an on-site restaurant. It is located within the Ring of Kerry Golf Club, eight miles from Sheen Falls Lodge, but is still part of the estate. It serves Mediterranean cuisine including pasta and fresh seafood. The restaurant offers a change of scenery with panoramic views of the Caha Mountains and McGillycuddy Reeks. Free transportation can be arranged by contacting the concierge.
Activities and experiences
Barry Murphy/Courtesy of Sheen Falls Lodge
Lodge guests riding horses across stone bridges and waterfalls
The property offers activities such as fishing, horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, archery, ax throwing, genealogy consulting, golf, and falconry. The concierge can also arrange off-site excursions such as night kayaking, horse-drawn carriage rides, and whiskey tasting.
The lodge also offers free bicycle rental. If you would like to explore the beautiful area on an electric bike, we can also arrange for you to do so. If maintaining healthy habits is a top priority, you can book a private yoga class in your room or anywhere on the property.
Products for families
This accommodation is very child friendly. Children ages 7 and up can try their hand at falconry without leaving the grounds. A great way for young children to learn about winged wildlife in a controlled and supervised environment. Teens (ages 14 and older) interested in archery can test their bow and arrow skills on-site.
One popular off-site option for children is the chocolate-making workshop. On this fun excursion, you’ll learn how to make delicious melt-in-your-mouth treats that your kids can eat or take home. Led by an expert chocolatier, this two-hour session will be held at Lorge Chocolatier in Kenmare.
The Spa
Barry Murphy/Courtesy of Sheen Falls Lodge
Indoor pool at Esanna Spa and Health Club
Isanna Wellness & Spa made me feel at ease from the moment I arrived. The beautiful pool area has floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the lush greenery. When I practiced breathing techniques with a specialist, I felt the tension leave my body with every exhale. The spa also offers a variety of relaxing treatments for guests, including massages, facials, and even wellness rituals for those undergoing cancer treatment.
The spa uses products from local skin care company Seabody for many of its treatments. You can still use the spa facilities even if you don’t book a treatment. And it’s well worth it. There is a heated pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, relaxation room and fitness suite.
position
Provided by Bob Berry/Sheen Falls Lodge
Sheen Falls Lodge’s green Buick parked in Kenmare
Sheen Falls Lodge is located in Kenmare, County Kerry, in south-west Ireland.
Getting to this area can be a bit of a trek. It is a 4 hour drive from Dublin Airport. Instead, choose to fly to a closer airport such as Kerry Airport (also known as Farranfore Airport) or Shannon Airport. Aer Lingus and American Airlines offer non-stop flights from Boston Logan International Airport to Shannon Airport. When we visited Sheen Falls Lodge, we arrived at Dublin Airport and departed via Shannon Airport, both of which were easy.
The small town of Kenmare is a 5 minute drive away with plenty of restaurants, bars, boutiques, cafes, galleries and local shops. A free shuttle into the city is provided for guests wishing to explore the area.
accessibility and sustainability
The property is wheelchair accessible. A free electric vehicle charging station is also available to guests during their stay.
How to make the most of your stay
Our hotel offers several ways to make the most of your stay. Packages such as Scene Magic include a two-night stay in a suite with waterfall views, a full Irish breakfast each morning, afternoon tea for two, a three-course dinner at The Falls Restaurant and a spa credit. I am. Additionally, we offer a 10% discount if you choose to pay for your stay in advance.
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