Sheen Falls Lodge

Sheen Falls Lodge is one of the larger Relais & Châteaux properties and is located in the beautiful town of Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland. Set amid 300 acres of breathtaking scenery, the lodge overlooks the cascading Sheen Falls and Kenmare Bay. It offers elegant rooms and suites, exceptional dining at The Falls Restaurant, and a spa.

Guests can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, clay pigeon shooting, and hiking. Renowned for its warmth, charm, and lovely atmosphere, Sheen Falls Lodge seamlessly blends natural beauty with great comfort. It’s an ideal destination for romantic getaways, family vacations, or a peaceful retreat amidst Ireland’s stunning southwest landscapes.

I arrived in Kenmare in the afternoon, and after a 20-minute walk, I reached the hotel. I had to wait a few minutes as there was only one receptionist on duty, and when it was my turn, they simply asked for my name. I was then escorted to my room and received plenty of useful information about the hotel.

In 2012, I stayed in a Deluxe Room, which is the main room category at Sheen Falls. It’s 45 square metres — a little tired in some areas, but with a great overall feel. The bed was very soft and comfortable, which is something I appreciate. The room also had a flatscreen TV and a working desk, which is important as Sheen Falls attracts a good number of business travellers. The bathroom could need an update and have a separate shower from the bathtub. Overall, it was a comfortable room, but the room alone is not the top reason to stay at Sheen Falls.

Sheen Falls Lodge no longer holds a Michelin star, as they now consider it too expensive to maintain. Instead, they operate a larger restaurant that serves excellent food, in fact, better than meals I’ve had at some Michelin-starred restaurants. Their own smoked salmon was really impressive.

The service level overall was good. The restaurant staff — all foreigners — were very well-trained and genuinely kind. The property itself, along with its surroundings, is stunning and exudes a wonderful atmosphere. That’s what makes Sheen Falls an experience. In addition, they offer full 5-star facilities, and it’s a hotel that can appeal to everyone.

To sum up, I really liked Sheen Falls Lodge and consider it a great countryside experience. Ireland is one of my favourite countries, and I can definitely recommend Sheen Falls Lodge as part of a trip to Ireland.

Update: The photos below are amateur photos taken by me years ago:

My opinion: Great experience.