Ireland’s 100 Best Hotels 2026: Top Luxury and Boutique Stays
- Parknasilla in County Kerry offers a self-contained estate spanning 500 acres of beaches, islands, and forest walks along Kenmare Bay, according to Time Out.
- George Bernard Shaw walked the surrounding woods and coastline during his visits, leaving a legacy that lives on today through portraits, a bronze sculpture, and the naming of...
- Head Chef Paul O’Loughlin oversees the Pygmalion restaurant, serving local seafood and seasonal produce with dishes such as monkfish with ginger arancini and a classic rhubarb crumble, according...
Parknasilla in County Kerry offers a self-contained estate spanning 500 acres of beaches, islands, and forest walks along Kenmare Bay, according to Time Out. First built in 1897, the property features a star-studded history that includes stays by royalty, celebrities, and writer George Bernard Shaw, who described the grounds as a dream world.
A Literary Legacy and Royal History in County Kerry
George Bernard Shaw walked the surrounding woods and coastline during his visits, leaving a legacy that lives on today through portraits, a bronze sculpture, and the naming of the Pygmalion restaurant and Doolittle bar, as reported by Time Out. Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco also stayed at the estate during the 1960s while tracing Irish roots. Guests can choose from doubles and family suites inside the main hotel, courtyard lodges, or woodland villas dotted across the property, with pets welcome throughout the estate. The historical suite once occupied by royalty features restored mahogany antiques, Victorian fittings, and French chandeliers. Meanwhile, newer balcony suites offer wraparound sea views and Jacuzzi baths, providing a modern contrast to the 19th-century architecture.
Dining and Estate Activities at Parknasilla
Head Chef Paul O’Loughlin oversees the Pygmalion restaurant, serving local seafood and seasonal produce with dishes such as monkfish with ginger arancini and a classic rhubarb crumble, according to Time Out. The casual Doolittle dining room serves chowder, burgers, and pizza, followed by live music and fireside chats in the bar. The estate includes an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the bay, a thermal suite, and a treatment menu at the spa. Visitors can also explore subtropical gardens, walking trails, and participate in kayaking, golf, and yoga, or join free guided history walks led by resident poet Tim Buckley.
