Shelbourne Street, Kenmare, 

Co. Kerry 

Tel: (064) 664 1200, 

parkkenmare.com 

A supremely decadent hotel often voted one of Ireland’s best, this is a firm favourite with fitness buffs, who flock to Kerry for retreats in its SÁMAS spa, an 18 hole golf course and the 25-metre lap pool. As well as being a Victorian landmark, dating from 1897, the hotel is well-known as a centre for peace and tranquility.