Meals at Parknasilla Resort a highlight of three-day trip to County Kerry

 Meals at Parknasilla Resort a highlight of three-day trip to County Kerry

Pan Seared Fillet of Halibut (Roasted Fennel, White Asparagus Velouté, Crispy Hazelnut and Bacon)

No shortage of dining options at the magnificent 4-star Parknasilla Resort in County Kerry, situated on a prime coastal site between Kenmare and Sneem and with some 500 acres, much of it covered with trees, to walk up an appetite or perhaps to walk off any excess. 

Spiced Vegetables Tagine (Chickpeas, Cherry Tomatoes, Herb Cous Cous), Lamb option included. 

The main building, the hotel, has two dining rooms, the Pygmalion and the Eliza Doolittle called, respectively, after a 1913 play by George Bernard Shaw and a character in the play. Shaw was a regular visitor here and loved the place.

Chicken Liver Paté (Brioche, Hazelnut Crumble, Red Onion Jam, Port Reduction) 

Pygmalion  is the more “high class” of the two, not to say that Doolittle is in any way low class. But you will pay more and expect a little extra by way of fine food in Pygmalion and that is exactly what you’ll get. Pygmalion also offers Specials while Eliza does not!

Those specials are well worth checking out. Our Halibut was exquisite on the first night, the Pork Fillet on the second. You may see the full menus here https://parknasillaresort.com/pygmalion-menu.

Roast Medallions of Monkfish (Asparagus and Leek, Confit Cherry Tomato, Garlic Butter and Herb Velouté) 

The service, including from the bar (try a superb Sullivan’s Red Ale), was also excellent. Everything went like clockwork with time too for little hints and chats and big smiles.

Salmon Gravlax (Burnt Orange Gel, Blackened Citrus, Marmalade)

Our booking for the third night was in Eliza Doolittle and again we enjoyed it, start to finish. As a little bonus, the music was livelier than the piano in Pygmalion! And there was no slackening of the super service with everyone on the team playing a part making it a very pleasant experience.

Bacon Wrapped Fillet of Pork (Sautéed Savoy Cabbage, Chorizo, Apple Puree, Glazed Rainbow Carrot, Fig Chutney,
Red Wine Jus)

The menu is more accessible, for sure, and will suit family groups more. Remember, besides the hotel itself there are two groups of lodges and residences in the grounds. Highlight for us on the night were the Spiced Vegetables Tagine, enhanced by the added lamb, a dram of Method & Madness single malt and a surprisingly good Croix Des Vents Cinsault Rosé.

Pan Seared Fillet of Salmon (Courgette and Herb Orzo, Bell Pepper Puree, Cherry Tomato, Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cream)

Rosé

Besides the two main dining rooms, you may also pop into the Railway Express Barista Café for a cup of coffee or tea and a treat or visit the even more informal Tram Street Food.

If you can drag yourself away from all the food here, from the activities, including a variety of aquatic attractions, golf, tennis and kilometres of walks (children catered for also) and are looking for a midday snack, here are two that we availed. 

We rarely pass Maison Gourmet  in Kenmare. It is a busy spot but worth a little wait in the queue as their breads and pastries are on a par with anything you’ll find in a French town. 

Breakfast Pancakes

In Portmagee, on our way out of Valentia, we visited the very friendly Skellig Seafront Restaurant for a scone and pastry and a cuppa. Quite a large place, well situated by the harbour, where you can see the Skellig Islands boats come and go through the large window or, on a good day, you can sit outside, enjoy your food and the activity. And don’t forget to pay on the way out as they trust you on the way in!

Also on this trip:

A right royal booze cruise in the Kingdom (coming soon)

Pear Amandine 

Castlerosse Hotel. Ace Kingdom Base.

Castlerosse Hotel. Ace Kingdom Base.

Morning view from Ross Castle

The Castlerosse

The comfortable Castlerosse Hotel was our base for a packed two day trip to the Kingdom last month (Aug 2022). It is a low rise building overlooking its own golf course and offers much for the active person, young and old alike. Not to mention the excellent Mulligan’s Bar where they serve the local craft beer on draught.  No shortage of music in the bar either.

Aside from the spacious hotel rooms, they offer many chalets on the grounds, ideal for families with young kids who can of course avail of the hotel’s facilities including pool. In addition, the kids can get on their bikes and head off, accompanied of course, on at least two paths into the Killarney National Park.

The Workmen's Rowing Club

We didn’t take the bikes but we did walk the paths which are signed. One late afternoon, we headed off on the shorter one through the woods and by the fields to Killarney. After about 25 minutes, you come close to the cathedral and a stroll down New Street will take you into the very centre. Our destination was the Celtic Whiskey Bar. Whiskey on my mind but that changed when I saw the long list of craft beer on offer and here we enjoyed the Rascal’s 4.4% Stout and the Tom Crean St Brigid’s Lager.

The other walk is almost double that and takes you around the golf course all the way to Ross Castle. We did this on our final morning. We hadn’t seen a jarvey and jaunting car since we had arrived but, having just remarked on it, no less than six appeared in a row, all coming from the castle. Must have been a tour bus there! Very enjoyable walk, also met a few deer on the way, and enjoyed the views over the waters and the islands.

Ross Castle

We also made a couple of "sterner" walks. Perhaps, no perhaps about it actually, the biggest challenge for us was the Cronin’s Yard Loop Walk (8km) that takes you close to Carrauntoohil (Ireland’s highest mountain). Tough enough going for these old legs but most enjoyable. 

Ross Castle

Breakfast

Another, easier, walk was also completed, the splendid Bray Head Walk on Valentia Island. Take the bridge from Portmagee (you may also get the ferry from Caherciveen) and turn left (signed) after the Skellig Experience and then left again (also signed for Bray Head). Roads are narrow so take it easy! Soon you come to the car park, on your left (cost €2.00). Enjoy the walk and its great views including the Skelligs themselves.

After all that exercise, it was so great to look forward to the comfortable and friendly Castlerosse for a leisurely break before heading out again later on. It is the kind of hotel that we’ll return to, especially for any attraction or visit on the western side of the town (like the soon to be opened visitor centre at the Killarney distillery and brewery in Fossa). A bientôt Castlerosse!

Also on this trip:

Check out the Kingdom 1795, Kerry Restaurant of the Year

Valentia Island's spectacular Bray Head Walk 

Cronin's Yard Loop Walk (near Carrauntoohil)

Superb Killarney Dinner at The Mad Monk by Quinlans