Visiting Sheen Falls in Kerry
In the lead up to the Christmas busyness I was craving some time out and dreaming of nourishing food, cozy fires, glasses of wine and crisp Winter walks. Sheen Falls is a five-star Relais & Chateaux hotel renowned for its 2AA Rosette restaurant and luxurious rooms based on a 300-acre estate where they truly have perfected the art of escapism. Within moments of arriving, dropping off our bags to the room we were in the bar feeling like the switch off was well underway. I was so delighted to see a dedicated plant based menu with lots of options.
What sets here apart from anywhere else I’ve ever been is the setting. The nature surrounding is lush, full of autumnal colours and so beautifully maintained. The loud sound of the falls is instantly relaxing and the lodge has such a cozy welcoming feeling. It was fully decked out for Christmas and there were open fires throughout and attentive staff. Whether it was advising on restaurants or just chatting away about the drive down or the past year they were always welcoming and helpful.
What’s so stunning about the setting is the beauty of nature being so close. Our room opened out onto the most spectacular view of the river and the sound of it was so soothing - like a permanent white noise machine. There was a recycling basket in the room and also in the bathroom they had full size products as against mini versions which I personally don’t like as there’s so much plastic waste with them - so I loved seeing they were conscious to minimise plastic waste.
Food is important to me and naturally being vegan can present difficulties especially when travelling. Over the years I’ve learnt how to navigate menus and bring snacks with me but it’s so lovely to see it becoming more normal for there to be ample vegan options. In Sheen Falls at all opportunity there was a plant based menu. In particular the breakfast was spectacular and included coconut yogurt, Vegan Berry Croissants and a gorgeous Tofu Hash which I had every morning and loved. At night we ate one evening in the more formal dining room and the second night in the bar. Both were wonderful but I have to say the atmosphere in the Falls restaurant overlooking the water with piano being played in the background was so special.
Of course it’s gorgeous to enjoy the hotel, spa and surroundings but also there are some lovely things to do locally. We drove on a particularly misty day to Gleninchaquin park. You need to bring cash and entry is €6 per person. It’s absolutely spectacular and real rugged wilderness with different trails and hikes you can take too.
Kenmare town is about a 30 minute walk but the hotel have bikes which you can borrow to cycle in in under 15 minutes. They also provide helmets and high vis jackets and locks for the bikes too. We went into the town on both nights once for a drink and another night for a gorgeous meal in Anois. There’s lots of lovely traditional style pubs.
After 3 nights we felt so refreshed and revived. it’s been a busy and long year and it felt like such a treat to be taken care of and enjoy all the gorgeous comforts on offer. No doubt it’s beautiful all year round but there was something very special being there during the Winter.
I’m looking forward to returning again so soon!
See the Sheen Falls Website for more information or >here< for their offers.
We were kindly gifted a reduced rate for our stay.
