February 2017: The Park Hotel Kenmare is delighted to announce that it celebrates its 120th anniversary this year.
Park Hotel Kenmare is a special place, the hotel’s location is special, commanding views of the Kenmare Estuary and surrounded on three sides by some of the most mystical scenery to be found in Ireland. Its near legendary reputation for superb service and comfort draws visitors from near and far who return repeatedly to enjoy unostentatious luxury and tranquillity.
From the moment in the 1890's that Lord Lansdowne began discussions with the Great Southern & Western Railways about the new Kenmare rail line it was implicit that a hotel would accompany it.
Mr. James Franklin Fuller was appointed as architect, surveyors produced their initial estimate in October 1894 and the hotel opened its doors less than three years later May 1st 1897. It cost £10,000 to build. Designed in the style of a Tudor mansion, the architect made extensive use of dressed Portland stone. Accommodation comprised of 30 bedrooms as well as sitting, dining and smoking rooms. The furniture and silver were all Irish manufacture and the hotel was distinguished by the innovative attraction of electric light. The hotel used 400 incandescent bulbs, which were powered by a water-driven generator on the River Roughty.
Francis Brennan opened the hotel under the Park Hotel Kenmare brand in July 1980 having had an extensive refurbishment programme transforming the property into a luxurious haven and he then purchased it in 1986.
When the guests arrived, they received the best of Irish hospitality, in a luxury setting provided by a wonderful local team. Francis later added an additional 16 bedrooms, bringing the total to 46 rooms and suites. In the early 1990s, John, Francis's brother, relocated to Kenmare and he spearheaded the development of additional hotel facilities. 2007 saw the opening of SAMAS, Irelands first Deluxe Destination Spa and in 2009 Irelands only 25m stainless steel lap pool was added. The world class spa coupled with the complimentary Lifestyle classes and programmes are greatly welcomed by new and repeat guests. In mid-2008 The Retreats, opened, which are 18, 2 bedroomed residences designed for those who like to linger longer in Kenmare and all purchasers have found their new Kenmare bolthole to be life changing.
Francis has commented that “Park Hotel Kenmare has afforded John and I a wonderful life, not without hard work and combined with a loyal workforce has brought much joy to many. I hope that future generations of our family can continue the tradition, for happy people are those who make a happy world. I cannot express my gratitude enough to our colleagues at the Park Hotel Kenmare, for the care, welcome and Irish hospitality they extend to each guest is what truly makes the Park Hotel Kenmare special. “
Generations of visitors have felt themselves to be welcome guests, valued and respected as friends not just customers. But it is probably the almost magical combination of all these factors, and maybe a few others, which makes the Park Hotel Kenmare so special. This fine hotel is far more than bricks and mortar; it is the sum of 120 years of experience. Its history is shared with the Heritage town of Kenmare, of which it is an integral part.
