Making it's way into my top 10 destinations, this is a hard act to follow.

We booked a last minute two-night stay B&B with one Dinner included on a night of our choice. The cost was very reasonable.

We were greeted by very friendly and polite staff and shown to our room by the porter, who carried our bags for us - I can't remember the last hotel I stayed in where this happened, and that includes several 5* ones!

Our room (Salmon Leaps) was situated in the old part of the castle and was spacious, with a large bathroom with free-standing bath, great shower over the bath, his and hers sinks etc. The bedroom was large with a seperate area just inside the door with wardrobes. We were slightly disappointed that there was no tea / coffee facilities in the room but when we asked at reception it was provided straight away for the duration of our stay. Likewise, a request for an iron resulted in an iron and ironing board being delivered minutes later by housekeeping staff - very good service.

We chose to have dinner in the restaurant on our first evening - with a view to exploring the area the following day and perhaps eating somewhere else or at the hotel again if we couldn't find anywhere suitable nearby.

We weren't disappointed - the meal was delicious - a full five courses, with a generous main course and a good variety to choose from on the menu.

The views from the dining room were stunning, down the river which runs past the hotel, a view that we also had from our bedroom window. I can imagine that once the flowers start to appear and the trees get their leaves again that this would only improve on an already fantastic view.

Prices in the bar were very reasonable for a hotel and our only slight criticism would be that after such a wonderful five course meal on the first night there wasn't really a lighter, cheaper option for the second night. Whilst we thoroughly enjoyed the luxury of the five courses we were also mindful that eating like that every night would have undone our diet very quickly! There were other options available in the 'pub' area of the hotel, but again these were probably more akin to fine dining than to a light meal.

Breakfast was good, with a nice selection of cold and hot food.

We took a walk around the grounds and down the river, the views were lovely and the peace and quiet only punctuated by the very occassional car and the sounds of birds. It's hard to describe just how quiet it was with no obvious traffic noise and just the sound of the running water.

From the hotel we ventured out to Roundstone and the other nearby villages. Again the views were great, although the roads had been ravaged by the winter weather and the maintenance men were out filling in the pot-holes as fast as they could (something I've yet to see in England!)

All in a very relaxing and peaceful couple of days. Great staff, helpful, cheerful and welcoming. Nothing was too much trouble, you didn't have to ask for anything twice, and we left feeling very chilled out and refreshed.

An exceptional escape to a manor house west of Killarney. We steped back in time to a way of life lost for the most part in today's fast paced world. We enjoyed one of a kind scenic walks, spacious rooms with spectacular views and staff committed to our every comfort.

All of the public spaces were inviting with crackling fires in large fireplaces and comfortable seating for guests.

Altogether it was old fashioned quiet elegance from end to end.

An absolutely wonderful hotel - one of the nicest places I've ever stayed in, anywhere in the world. The castle is elegant and charming without being overly fancy or at all stuffy. The staff are fantastic - so attentive, friendly, helpful and obliging. In fact the owners were around the place during the whole day, chatting to guests.
The rooms are gorgeous (they must've been done up since a lot of the traveller photos on this website were taken, they do not do the hotel justice at all), and the beds SO comfy. We had dinner in the restaurant one night and could not fault the food at all, it was absolutely delicious.
It really is a place to go to unwind and relax - there are no computers, noone seemed to have their mobile phone and everyone was really in chill-out mode. It is completely unpretentious and a place to enjoy each other's company - there isn't a spa, no gym, there's only one tv room and the tellies get the basic Irish channels only. The bar is really neat, as close to being in it's original form as they've been able to keep it I'd say, and they poured the best pint of Guinness you will get anywhere in the country.

Stayed at this hotel (not castle) in Oct a few years ago. I keep meaning to write a review on it.
Now firstly, I have to say this hotel is beautiful and location is fantastic. I felt it was a little bit sterile in parts-very nicely decorated and clean but no atmosphere at all. Just full of couples on 'romantic breaks' sitting around fires, afraid to look up from their books to talk to anyone else. I felt the bar was a missed opportunity to creat a very cozy area. The dining room was very formal which was nice for one night. But on the second night we ate in the bar which didnt work at all.
Once again,the bedrooms were nice but completly sterile. We didnt feel like spending any time there. There is nothing to do in this hotel if the weather is bad. And dont underestimate the west of ireland weather!
Next the staff. I cant say they were rude but not really genuine or friendly either. I feel they run a formal place and like to keep it formal. Not irish hospitality or humour at all. I got the impression that the hotel and staff get a lot of compliments and feel they dont have to make any effort on the little touches. By this I dont mean formal things again like lovely pictures on the walls.
Now for the picky things. No free newspapers. For a hotel of this standard and more particularly price this is a simple goodwill gesture. Also there was no information on house,grounds or surrounding area (for free) in the hotel. This house and area must be steeped in history and the hotel should be proud to share this with visitors instead of trying to make more money. Once again,you cant buy goodwill and little touches.
In summery, I suspose this hotel is good if you have loads of money to spare. I dont mind spending money on hotels but like to feel I get a wow experience. I didnt here. Obviouly this is my opinion but I would be surprised if some others didnt share it. Also it is 1 year since I stayed here. I would advise people to shop around. Dont believe all the hype about this place. There are loads of places like this in Ireland. You dont have to spend that sort of money to get much better irish (particularly west of Ireland) hospitality. I'm Irish by the way!
The recession has hit Ireland and the world since my stay there. Therefore, I think now more than ever people want to get value for money.