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