So much to see and do, to eat and drink in the Kingdom of Kerry

The Kingdom of Kerry and its spectacular scenery will keep you occupied and entertained on your holiday break.

Carrantwohill is Ireland's highest mountain.

Well fed also! You're on a winner with local beers, whiskeys and friendly people

Our 2024 trip was based at Killeen House Hotel. Now under the ownership of seasoned hotelier Patrick Eviston, it offers a blend of warm Irish hospitality and exquisite French cuisine at Rozzers Restaurant led by Chef Cyrille Durand. Located just outside Killarney, the hotel features stunning views of the Kerry mountains and serves as a great base for exploring the region. 

Rozzers Restaurant delivers an exceptional dining experience with a menu that includes delights such as Seared Castletownbere Scallops and Fricassée of Monkfish Poppadoms, showcasing fresh Irish ingredients with French flair. The tempting dessert selection and extensive wine list further enhance the meal.

Hake breakfast at Killeen

 

Additionally, guests can enjoy friendly service and a delicious breakfast that includes options like Spiced Pear and Mini Irish breakfasts. With the combined expertise of the team, Killeen House and Rozzers are is becoming a standout destination for those seeking culinary excellence and memorable experiences in Killarney.

Over three days, we explored the food and drink scene around Killarney and Kenmare. Starting from Cork, we enjoyed lunch at the Nua Vista restaurant (in the Ring of Kerry Golf Club), where the standout dish was the Thornhill Confit Duck leg with Sweetcorn and Oyster mushrooms. We also visited the Avoca shop to stock up on local items, including West of Dingle Sea Salt. 

Smoked Haddock Beignets with Crab Mayonnaise and Pickled Cucumber at Nua Vista 

Beautiful ware by Ross Kenmare

After a stop at spectacular Torc Waterfall, we headed to Killarney Brewing and Distilling, a neighbour of Killeens House, where we bought some interesting beers. Dinner back at Rozzers included lovely Spiced Pears and Hake. 

Killarney Brewing and Distilling at Fossa, includes restaurant and tours

On the second day, we had lunch at the Stables Brasserie (at Sheen Falls), where we enjoyed another excellent serving of Thornhill Confit Duck Leg. A visit to the Killarney Urban Farm followed, showcasing local produce. We also travelled to the Muckross House area, admiring the tulip gardens before enjoying a hearty lunch at An Síbín on the Beara Peninsula.

The Stables (at Sheen Falls Hotel)

Coming or going to Killarney from Cork, check out the Ballyvourney Mills Inn. This popular dining spot has regained its lively atmosphere after COVID. The extensive menu includes various starters and mains, with a standout dish being the Cajun Spiced Chicken Fillet Burger. The highlight of our meal was the warm homemade Apple Pie, described as one of the best encountered in years. The recommendation is to plan a longer visit to fully enjoy the food and friendly service.

Coming or going, take a relaxing break at Ballyvourney Mills Inn.

Kells Bay Gardens

Kells Bay Gardens is a premier horticultural destination in Europe, known for its collection of tree ferns and exotic plants thriving in a unique microclimate from the Gulf Stream. The gardens, owned by Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner Billy Alexander, feature various rare sub-tropical plants and even new dinosaur sculptures.

Dining options include the Sala Thai, which offers a range of meals. We enjoyed a selection platter of flavourful starters in the conservatory café and indulged in delightful desserts like lychees in syrup and homemade banana fritters.

The Sky Walk at Kells Bay Gardens

The gardens are divided into sections such as The Palm and Succulent Garden and The Waterfall Walk, with the Skywalk being a highlight at 120 feet long and 36 feet high rope bridge, providing a thrilling experience. You can even stay overnight here to explore more in the morning.

Walking towards Bray Head on Valentia Island

Bray Head Tower Walk on Valentia Island is an accessible hike offering stunning views of the Skellig Islands, Portmagee, and the ocean. The walk begins at a designated car park accessible via a short drive from Portmagee.

The crab stuffed Sole Paupiettes (with Sauce Vin Blanc) at The Mad Monk

The Mad Monk by Quinlans

The Mad Monk is a relatively new seafood restaurant by Quinlan’s Seafood located on Plunkett Street in Killarney. One standout dish is the Portmagee Crab Bake, served with a Tomato and Avocado Salsa salad and sourdough bread. The restaurant spans two floors with a capacity for about 80 diners, and is operated by the second generation of the Quinlan family, who have a long history in the seafood business. 

The menu also features a variety of seafood, including Portmagee Oysters, Dingle Bay Wild Squid, and a selection of white fish options. Key dishes include the Pan Roasted Fillet of Hake and the Pan Fried Fillet of Salmon, both highly praised for their quality and presentation. 

Tulips at Muckross House

The restaurant also offers a good selection of wines and local ales on tap. While meat dishes are available, Quinlan’s is particularly recommended for seafood lovers. Overall, the restaurant is very highly recommended.

Yuzu Cake for dessert at the Tan Yard in Killarney's Plaza Hotel

The Tan Yard restaurant in the Plaza Hotel, in Killarney town centre, is another lively dining spot. Look out for their three-course meal that showcases the local produce.  That meal options may include a Gubbeen Chorizo Croquette starter, Lamb Rack as a main, and dessert options like Yuzu Cake or Irish Farmhouse Cheese, with local beers from Killarney Brewing available. Great choices, terrific atmosphere and friendly service. You may well want to overnight in this hotel, owned by O'Donoghue Ring Group.

* Based mostly on a 3-day trip in 2024

View from Killeens House

Gardens at Muckross House

Torc Waterfall