Sallyport House

Kenmare is one of my favorite Irish towns, and how appropriate that several of my favorite bed and breakfasts are located here, amongst them Sallyport House. Janie Arthur returned home after working for 15 years in California to help her brother, John, convert the family home into a luxurious bed and breakfast, decorating it in an uncluttered, sophisticated style. It’s a family affair with John’s wife Helen (who runs O’Sullivans pub at nearby Kilmakilogue) and sister Wanie and her children lending a hand. Return in the evening to chat round the fire in the drawing room or curl up in one of the comfortable chairs in the less formal sitting area with its exposed stone wall and old photographs of Kenmare. Breakfast is the only meal served—for dinner, it’s a two-minute walk into town. The bedrooms are delightful, each furnished with antiques and accompanied by a large luxurious bathroom. Muxnaw has views of Muxnaw Mountain and deep window seats, Ring View looks out to the River Kenmare, Reen a Gross has an American king-sized four-poster bed, The Falls has a view of the pretty garden. It’s delightful to stroll along the riverbank, through the park, and back through the town. You can spend several days exploring the Beara Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, and lakes of Killarney.