The Lodge

The Irish name for Kenmare, An Neidin, means “the little nest” which is a good description of this attractive town nestling beside the River Kenmare at the foot of some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. On the Cork road, out of the main bustle of town, The Lodge (purpose-built as a guesthouse and a substantial family home for the Quills and their four young sons) sits back from the road in 2 acres of grassy garden. Finbar works in the family’s woollen shop in town, which has the largest selection of sweaters in Kenmare, if not all of Kerry, while Rosemary runs the bed and breakfast. She is exceedingly personable as is her staff of local ladies. Not a thing in the place (with the possible exception of two gigantic vases) is older than the house, from the traditional furniture to the portraits that line the staircase. Bedrooms are spacious and have large, top-of-the-line bathrooms. All have queen-size beds (one a grand four-poster) and nine are large enough to accommodate an additional single bed. One ground-floor bedroom is specially equipped for the handicapped. Kenmare is ideally placed for touring the Ring of Kerry and the prettier Beara Peninsula, as well as for visiting several historic houses and gardens including Muckross House and Derrynane House, home of Daniel O’Connell.