Sheen Falls Lodge

Sheen Falls Lodge grew from the 17th-century fishing lodge of the Marquess of Lansdowne, whose estate commanded the point where the Sheen river tumbles over rock terraces into Kenmare Bay. The falls remain the property's signature—floodlit at night, audible from the bar terrace—and 300 acres of woodland, river frontage and gardens keep the modern lodge feeling like a private domain across the water from Kenmare town.

The interiors take a warmer, more contemporary country-house line than many Irish rivals: open fires and deep sofas, yes, but with a light touch, plus a library and billiard room for soft evenings. Rooms and suites mostly face the falls or the bay, and a scattering of villas and cottages through the grounds suits families and longer stays. Riding, falconry, guided walks and salmon fishing on the lodge's own stretch of river fill the daylight hours.

The Falls restaurant makes the most of its cascading backdrop with polished Irish cooking and a notably deep wine cellar, while the spa adds a pool, thermal facilities and treatments after days on the peninsulas. Kenmare's restaurants are five minutes away, with the Ring of Kerry and Beara looping out from the doorstep. As a comfortable, activity-rich base for south-west Ireland, the Lodge takes some beating.