My fiancee and I stayed in Parknasilla on the May Bank Holiday weekend - we actually got engaged there. We took out a junior suite for the occasion and weren't disappointed. This was our second stay in Parknasilla and we love the place.

You just won't get better in terms of views and gardens.

On the down side, I agree with other reviews in that the hotel is definitely getting shabby. It was 2 years since we had stayed and the deterioration was noticeable. Also, we found the restaurant very poor - my starter was stone cold and the Eastern European waiter threw it back to me without even apologising after he had it reheated - not accepatable for a hotel of this calibre.

That said, I would go back in the morning - the place just draws you back, it's that good (in general!).

And don't worry too much about the roads, that is part of the charm of the experience!

I won a trip here with work - 3 night stay - no way I could have afforded this in Ireland (I live here!) otherwise. I saw the other reviews - faded decor, bit run down etc. Please please remember this hotel is up for sale in order to fund refurbishment at Dublin airport which is absolutely scandalous in itself when you take into account the history of the place and the people who have stayed here over the years. The building, the location, the grounds & the hotel itself are part of our heritage and its future is currently under threat. We had a wonderful stay - the staff are top notch and are the icing on the cake - their attention to the guests comfort and enjoyment are not be rivalled anywhere we have stayed in the world. The weather was superb and the location stands alone against anywhere you could ever go. We enjoyed clay pigeon shooting with kevin - a truly personal and unique experience - and a wonderful boat trip around Kenmare bay spotting seals and jelly fish. Also a few dips in the pool and some table tennis. For the first time in our lives we didnt leave the hotel for 3 days there was so much to do. Dinner was wonderful, breakfast was amazing, and the bar was well stocked and staffed by 2 lovely bar staff with plenty of chat and banter. I really hope someone rescues this place, keeps the staff and then restores it to its fitting former glory. Stay here while you can - you will never forget the experience!

Just back from a weekend break at the hotel.

We were very impressed with the location of the hotel. Beautiful entrance and grounds, spectacular views and very warm welcome by excellent staff.
We were disappointed with the bedroom as it was a little bit tired with little investment in a long time, however spotlessly clean. A walk around the impressive grounds cheered us up a touch as they are very special and the best I have come across anywhere. Our visit was during the World cup and we were disappointed that there was no TV room set up that might have generated some atmosphere - we went into a pub in the local town and spotted some other guests who had the same idea.

Food in the restaurant was excellent - it was expensive but superb service with a good selection. Breakfast was also superb. The menu covers were ancient and falling apart and there is no excuse for this.

We may have used the swimming pool but to be fair it has got dated like other parts of the hotel so we passed.

Overall we were blown away by the views, the grounds and the service but the property is tired but unique.

Will be back !

We first found Parknasilla in 2000 when staying in Kenmare on our Honeymoon we visited for afternoon tea and said we would come back one day - we did for my 40th in 2002 and stayed for a week which was wonderful - the views and local attractions are breathtaking and we celebrated my 40th by a lazy day at the hotel and a nice walk in the grounds looking at the seals swimming nearby.
We returned in 2005 for my wife's 40th and stayed 10 days including St. Patricks Day and went to nearby Sneem to watch the celebrations - it was a fantastic holiday though the weather was appalling but when you are in such a lovely hotel who cares.
I read the other comments about decor and whilst there are areas like the pool that could do with some updating the hotel and facilities and the grounds are truly stunning and the food delicious - not the place to go if you are on a diet - Guiness everty night and a nice scotch after a 4 course dinner with coffee is lovely.
I do believe there are plans to modernise the pool in the future and build some park lodges but please do not do too much to the hotel as it is out on its own and we will come back when we can.
Travel - we flew from Heathrow to Cork and hired a car (prebooked) as we found this an easier route than Heathrow-Dublin-Kerry. It does not take long to drive there probably a couple of hours and the roads are good - Try and do some of the Kerry Way as it is beautiful -the roads are narrow in places and try and avoid the afternoons as lots of coaches pass by - Kenmare is a lovely place with nice restaurants and cross over the bridge and turn right to explore the Beara area - if you drive to the end of this drive and go to Dursey you will see a cable car across the sea to Dursey Island - you need to allow a day for this trip - there are also some great walks in the mountains in this area.