T+L’s Hotel Review of Sheen Falls Lodge in Ireland

Sheen Falls Lodge is a nature lover’s paradise tucked away in the southwestern part of Ireland. The sprawling 300-acre property, which was originally a 17th-century fishing and hunting lodge, is filled with natural beauty.

Driving up to the property, I was treated to quintessential Irish scenery: wooly sheep chewing along rolling meadows blanketed in thick green grass. It felt like my vision had been altered with a saturation filter that intensified the landscape’s color.

The lodge is nestled between Kenmare Bay and the Sheen River. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by porters who quickly took my bags and escorted me to my room. I glanced at the crackling fireplace and made a mental note to revisit. As I climbed the wide, forest-green-carpeted stairs, I stopped to marvel at the seating area at the landing. There were several watercolor paintings of martini glasses that looked like chickens hung above a salmon-colored couch.

My suite — quite a bit bigger than my New York City apartment — had large bay windows and views of a waterfall from every room, even the bathroom. Over the three nights I stayed at the property, I was lulled to sleep by the sounds of cascading falls right outside my window. No need for poor sleepers to pack a portable sound machine for this property. Nature’s soundtrack ensures a sound slumber.

Every morning, I started the day with a hearty Irish breakfast, which was delivered promptly to my room at my preferred scheduled time. Then I’d get the day started with some activities, like falconry and a tour of the nearby Beara peninsula, organized by the concierge, or a treatment at the luxe on-site spa.

Read on for my full review of Sheen Falls Lodge.

The Rooms

If cookie-cutter rooms are not your jam, you’re in luck. None of the accommodations are the same at Sheen Falls Lodge. With 60 rooms, 12 suites, and five cottages, they all have their own unique design features and layouts. What they do have in common are magnificent views of either the gardens, waterfalls, or Kenmare Bay. Each of the four deluxe suites and cottage offers a front-row seat to the region’s breathtaking natural scenery.

When I wasn’t taking photos of the exceptional waterfall views, I was lounging on the couch or working at the large wooden desk in the bedroom. The entire space was the perfect setting for writing, reading, and relaxing. The overwhelming sense of tranquility made it a true escape.

In addition to staying in my suite, I had dinner in one of the two bay villas (under the cottage category). This accommodation is ideal for large groups since it has multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas and a full kitchen.

Food and Drink

My first meal at Sheen Falls was at The Stables Brasserie & Bar. It set the tone for what I would experience for the remainder of my stay. I ordered homemade tomato soup as my starter, which was fresh, piping hot, and delicious. I followed it up with the local catch of the day as my entrée (fish from around here includes sea bass and flouder among others). I rounded out my meal with a refreshing combo of blackberry and raspberry sorbet.

Throughout my visit, I also dined at The Sheen Lounge, which serves lighter fare like soups, sandwiches, desserts, and afternoon tea. The seating is plush with comfy couches upholstered with chic prints. The sofas and banquettes are intentionally placed in front of the windows for optimal waterfall viewing.

For a taste of fine dining, guests head to The Falls. The menu features locally sourced seasonal produce. The food is a masterful mix of Irish cuisine with touches of French influence; I had the lobster bisque as my starter followed by cod and a whipped frozen coconut marshmallow for dessert.

For wine enthusiasts, a visit to The Wine Cellar is a must. Located in the basement of Sheen Falls Lodge, this sophisticated cellar houses more than 10,000 bottles, sourced from 23 different countries. It’s private and typically reserved for wedding or dinner parties.

Nua Vista is another restaurant on property. While it’s located five miles from Sheen Falls Lodge within the Ring of Kerry Golf Club, it’s still a part of the estate. It serves Mediterranean fare, including pasta and fresh seafood. The restaurant offers a change of scenery by giving guests panoramic views of the Caha Mountains and McGillycuddy Reeks. Guests can contact the concierge to arrange complimentary transfers.

Activities and Experiences

The property offers activities like fishing, horse riding, clay-pigeon shooting, tennis, archery, ax throwing, genealogy consultations, golf, falconry, and more. The concierge can arrange off-site excursions, too, including night kayaking, horse and carriage rides, and whiskey tastings.

The lodge also offers complimentary bicycle rentals. If you want to tour the picturesque area on an electric bike, that can also be organized. If staying on top of your wellness routine is a priority, guests can book private yoga classes, either in your room or anywhere on the estate grounds.

Family-friendly Offerings

The property is super kid friendly. Kids 7 years of age and older can try their hand at falconry without leaving the premises. It’s a great way for little ones to learn about winged wildlife in a controlled and supervised environment. Teens (14 and up) interested in archery can exercise their bow and arrow skills on property.

One of the popular off-site options for children is the chocolate-making workshop. This sweet excursion allows kiddos to learn the art of crafting delicious melt-in-your-mouth treats that they can eat or take home. This two-hour session led by expert chocolatiers is located at Lorge Chocolatier in Kenmare.

The Spa

Easanna Wellness & Spa put me at ease from the moment I arrived. The stunning pool area has floor-to-ceiling windows that gaze out at lush greenery. I tried a breathwork practice with a specialist, and with every exhale, I felt tension leave my body. The spa also offers a diverse range of treatments for guests to decompress including massages, facials, and even well-being rituals for those undergoing cancer treatment.

The spa uses products from Seabody, a local skin care company, for many of their treatments. Guests are also welcome to visit the spa facilities even if they don’t book a treatment. And it’s well worth it; there’s a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, relaxation room, and fitness suite.

Location

Sheen Falls Lodge is in Kenmare, County Kerry, which is in the southwestern part of Ireland.

Getting to the area can be a bit of a trek; it’s a four-hour drive from Dublin Airport. Instead, opt to fly into closer airports like Kerry Airport (also called Farranfore Airport) or Shannon Airport. Aer Lingus and American Airlines has direct flights from Boston Logan International Airport to Shannon Airport. When visiting Sheen Falls Lodge, I flew into Dublin Airport and left through Shannon Airport, and both were a breeze.

It’s also a five-minute drive to Kenmare, which is a small town chock-full of restaurants, bars, boutiques, cafés, galleries, and local shops. The property provides complimentary shuttles to town for guests who want to explore.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The property is wheelchair accessible. It also has free, electric car charging stations for guests to use throughout their stay.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay

The hotel offers several ways for guests to maximize their stay. Packages like the Sheen Magic includes a two-night stay in a suite with waterfall views, full Irish breakfast each morning, an Afternoon Tea for two, a three-course dinner at The Falls restaurant, and a spa credit. Further, the property offers a 10% discount for those who opt to pay for their stay in advance.