My husband and I spent several days exploring Ireland and stayed in a variety of accommodations from the occasional luxury hotel, but more frequently in hotels designed for the traveler.
Of them all, our favorite stay was at the Bianconi in Killorglin, along the Ring of Kerry. The Bianconi Inn has a wonderful Irish flair. The hotel is right in town so the visitor gets a view of local establishments and feels a part of the community.
We weren’t sure when we would be arriving so unfortunately missed the opportunity to take advantage of an internet special of room for 2, dinner for 2 with wine and an Irish breakfast, all for €99. (Keep your eye out!)
The room, renovated in 2011 was spacious (2 wonderful queen beds) and nicely appointed with soft downy comforters, great pillows, marble bath with heated towel racks and one of the few flat panel TVs we encountered. Understated luxury.
We ate downstairs in the restaurant and the food was delicious! (Outstanding shank of lamb.) Wait staff very friendly and helpful. Many locals were also dining, which is always a high recommendation. Ray, hotel owner and host was gracious, and very accommodating.
It’s hard to put a finger on what was so outstanding about this hotel. It had a certain feeling about it that is difficult to explain; the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, as if we were old friends returning for a visit.
We stayed at some pretty swank hotels on our trip, but overall, the Bianconi Inn was the place we would return to.