Killarney, IrelandMuckross
Muckross Park Hotel & Spa
Historic woodland lodge
Muckross Killarney, Ireland
Renovated
2015
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Wellness LocalOutside the door
Historic woodland lodge
The park surrounds the old hunting lodge on all sides, keeping stays centered on wilderness trails and open hearths.
What it’s good at
Notable
Killarney's oldest hotel address, established in 1795 and visited by Queen Victoria.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The hotel’s 70 rooms and suites are marked by plush furniture, ornately patterned drapery, and walls and furnishings in rich, royal colors, and they’re furnished with the full complement of high-end modern comforts.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Ancient woodland surrounds the grounds, and trails lead directly into 25,000 acres of national parkland.
The rooms
Bedrooms lean into traditional manor style with rich jewel tones and heavy patterned drapery.
The vitality pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 12-metre heated pool sits beneath Gothic stone arches, fitted with concealed hydromassage jets.
The spa
Treatments draw on organic formulations by The Organic Pharmacy, and curtained daybeds line the sunlit relaxation room.
The thermal suite
Heated mosaic loungers accompany a botanical sauna and an outdoor hot tub beside the Blue Pool River.
Bar
Colgans Pub
Exposed timber beams and stone snugs line the tavern, where bartenders pour Irish whiskeys beside open fireplaces.
At the table
The Yew Tree serves regional Kerry produce under Victorian ceilings, and Monk's Lounge pours cocktails beside an open hearth.
How it began
The Herbert family transformed a 1795 hunting lodge into The Herbert Arms, establishing Killarney's first hotel.
Killarney
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.