Property Spotlight: Sheen Falls Lodge - Where Luxury Meets Off-The-Grid in the Irish countryside

If you’re dreaming of a luxury escape in Ireland that blends five-star comfort with the beauty of the great outdoors, Sheen Falls Lodge is a countryside retreat that delivers on every front. We spent two dreamy days here, just outside the charming town of Kenmare along the Wild Atlantic Way, and left feeling truly recharged.

This five-star Relais & Châteaux property feels like a secret hideaway—elegant yet inviting, luxurious yet deeply rooted in its natural surroundings. Whether you're here for a romantic retreat, a scenic stop along the Ring of Kerry, or simply to exhale and be present, Sheen Falls offers a slice of Irish magic that lingers long after you leave.

A room with a view (...and a waterfall!)

Our home for the stay was the stunning Oscar’s Suite, and it was every bit as special as it sounds. Think spacious, elegant interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the soothing soundtrack of waterfalls just outside. The private terrace with the ever-present view of the Sheen River winding past the lodge made for the most peaceful mornings and cozy evenings.

All their guestrooms come with picturesque views of the outdoors - either the river, the bay, or the surrounding countryside. If total tranquility is what you’re after, you can also consider staying in one of the luxurious cottages or villas for a fully immersive escape.  It's rare to find a luxury hotel in Ireland that invites you to slow down so effortlessly.

Room tour of the Oscar's Suite at Sheen Falls Lodge, Ireland

Luxury surrounded by nature

Sheen Falls is one of the world's first two Michelin Keys hotels — a mark of excellence that recognizes the outstanding quality and experience provided. One of the biggest luxuries at the property is its deep connection to nature. What was once a summer home for the Marquis of Landsdowne is now one of Ireland's finest country house hotels, surrounded by over 300 acres of parklands and forests. From the moment you arrive, the sounds of rushing waterfalls and rustling leaves replace the usual buzz of everyday life. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee while watching the river rush by or heading out on one of the many on-site nature trails, the setting encourages you to take a deep breath and be present. Every window frames a view worth pausing for — be it forest, water, or wildflowers — and even the interiors feel designed to reflect the outside world. Here, nature isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a central part of the experience.

(As a side note, they also do weddings - the boathouse by the water is genuinely one of the most scenic wedding settings we've seen!)

Dining that champions local Irish produce

The dining experience at Sheen Falls Lodge is rooted in its commitment to supporting local Irish suppliers. Every meal is a celebration of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and thoughtful presentation. The afternoon tea in Kenmare was a highlight for us—delicate, delicious, and served with a stunning view of the river. We found that the setting delivered a delicate balance between elevated luxury and not being pretentious or over the top.

Breakfast is also served overlooking the river (if you're lucky enough to snag one of the tables by the window) and consists of an elegant buffet as well as made-to-order hot dishes.

There are two other restaurants on site - a brasserie for casual dining called the Stables, and The Falls for elegant fine dining experience (breakfast also served in this beautiful location). We dined at the Stables Brasserie and loved the cozy ambience, and the steak and wines were delicious!

The staff at Sheen Falls Lodge are truly the heart of the experience. Warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do, they strike a wonderful balance between professionalism and Irish hospitality - especially when it came to mealtimes and dining with a toddler. We were touched when they prepared Maya her own dish and cutlery — she loved that independence!

Local art and Irish culture

We loved seeing Sheen Falls' support for the local creative community. The reception area features a beautiful mural by Kerry-based artist Christine Bowen, and her artwork is displayed throughout the property. It adds a sense of place and personality to every corner of the hotel, making the stay feel authentically Irish.

There’s also a beautifully maintained vintage Buick parked out front that adds a touch of nostalgic elegance to the estate. This 1936 Roadmaster was driven from Demark to Kenmare over three days, and gifted to the hotel's owner in 1992 to commemorate the opening of the Lodge. Today, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary tour of picturesque town of Kenmare in this classic car - what a special experience!

Activities at Sheen Falls Lodge

This luxury hotel offers a wide range of activities for couples and families alike, making it a great choice no matter your travel style. Whether you’re in the mood for total relaxation or want to stay active, Sheen Falls Lodge has something for everyone. You can go fly fishing, take a riverside walk, or head to the nearby Ring of Kerry Golf Club for a scenic round of golf. There are also more quirky activities like axe throwing!

For a bit of me-time, you can enjoy a treatment at the award-winning spa, or leverage the property's many lounges for a bit of relaxed reading. We loved the library setting, and we later learned that local bookshop owners come in once a week to curate the library as well as the books placed in the guestrooms. What a lovely way to include the community in your setting!

An ideal stop on the Ring of Kerry

Planning a Ring of Kerry road trip? Sheen Falls Lodge makes for the perfect start, end, or stopover on this iconic scenic drive. Located just outside Kenmare, it offers a luxurious and peaceful break after a day of winding coastal roads and dramatic viewpoints. Whether you're spending one night to recharge before continuing on, or wrapping up your journey with a bit of indulgence, Sheen Falls adds a restful, refined touch to any multi-day Ring of Kerry itinerary.

Save this post for your Ring of Kerry itinerary, and don’t forget to check out our posts on Instagram for a visual taste of our time in Ireland!

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The Travel with the Laws Lowdown

• Vibe: Peaceful, refined, and completely in tune with nature. Escapism with a touch of luxury.

• Perfect for: Couples looking to disconnect, families craving quality time, or anyone needing a true luxury reset in Ireland.

• Would we stay again? In a heartbeat. This is Ireland at its most serene, and we’d return tomorrow if we could!

For more information about the hotel's special offers, click here.