Kells Bay House & Gardens
Kells Bay House & Gardens
Kells Bay House & Gardens
4.5
09:30 - 20:00
Monday
09:30 - 20:00
Tuesday
09:30 - 20:00
Wednesday
09:30 - 20:00
Thursday
09:30 - 20:00
Friday
09:30 - 20:00
Saturday
09:30 - 20:00
Sunday
09:30 - 20:00
About
Kells Bay House & Gardens is Ireland's premier sub-tropical botanical gardens situated overlooking Dingle Bay on the Ring of Kerry. It is home of the SkyWalk, Ireland's longest rope bridge (112 foot long). Ideal for everyone with over 3 kms of walks and lots of Dinosaurs for the children. We also have 4 star accommodation in the former Hunting Lodge, with our Cafe and our Thai restaurant, Sala Thai, open daily throughout the year (by prior appointment only in January).
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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4.5
380 reviews
Excellent
241
Very good
62
Average
37
Poor
18
Terrible
22
K S
19 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
The man at reception was more than helpful
Upon arrival. The room was lovely with a sea view. It was spacious and had its own entrance. There was a nice seating area in the main house with a view of the sea. The room was very cold upon arrival. After speaking with management twice it was rectified with a plug in heater. The heating system kicked in eventually. There was a thai restaraunt on site which we didn't eat so I can't comment that. When I looked out the window I could see some refuse bags left by the bins and a load of cats hanging around by the bins. This was not a nice sight to see. I felt it brought down the place a bit. I could also hear the family in the room above us walking around. But it is an old house so there's not much can be done about that really. I felt that theres so much more potential to the hotel. For the price we paid it would have been good if breakfast was included. I wouldn't stay again.
Upon arrival. The room was lovely with a sea view. It was spacious and had its own entrance. There was a nice seating area in the main house with a view of the sea. The room was very cold upon arrival. After speaking with management twice it was rectified with a plug in heater. The heating system kicked in eventually. There was a thai restaraunt on site which we didn't eat so I can't comment that. When I looked out the window I could see some refuse bags left by the bins and a load of cats hanging around by the bins. This was not a nice sight to see. I felt it brought down the place a bit. I could also hear the family in the room above us walking around. But it is an old house so there's not much can be done about that really. I felt that theres so much more potential to the hotel. For the price we paid it would have been good if breakfast was included. I wouldn't stay again.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
YazzyH97
London, UK36 contributions
Jan 2023
My husband and I stayed here in January 2023 for a weekend trip of the Ring of Kerry. We were greeted by Penn who kindly allowed us to change our room due to a booking error on the third-party website which stated "en-suite" but the room allocated was not (we paid 8euro more but she was happy to do this for us).
She then offered us a table at Sala Thai for the evening although keen for us to take an earlier booking 1hr after our arrival. Penn hosted us at the restaurant too and was very kind, and checking in with us during our meal. She then made recommendations for us to walk to Kells Bay Beach and visit the gardens for the following day.
Unfortunately it was raining the next day (out of anyone's control!) but we took a stroll through the gardens. The maps weren't 100% coherent with the signage but we managed to find the route with the coloured arrows marked along the trail. Even with the intermittent rain it was a lovely trail walk and the waterfall and rope bridge completed it.
The guest information handbook did state the tap water may be brown due to the source of the water, and it did make the bath brown, but they were accommodating in providing bottled water for us. The guestbook was very useful during our stay with important information.
Penn was very attentive during our stay and helped us with all of our queries. No complaints!
She then offered us a table at Sala Thai for the evening although keen for us to take an earlier booking 1hr after our arrival. Penn hosted us at the restaurant too and was very kind, and checking in with us during our meal. She then made recommendations for us to walk to Kells Bay Beach and visit the gardens for the following day.
Unfortunately it was raining the next day (out of anyone's control!) but we took a stroll through the gardens. The maps weren't 100% coherent with the signage but we managed to find the route with the coloured arrows marked along the trail. Even with the intermittent rain it was a lovely trail walk and the waterfall and rope bridge completed it.
The guest information handbook did state the tap water may be brown due to the source of the water, and it did make the bath brown, but they were accommodating in providing bottled water for us. The guestbook was very useful during our stay with important information.
Penn was very attentive during our stay and helped us with all of our queries. No complaints!
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colin S
Virginia, Ireland2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Had a "wonderful" stay at Kells Bay House and Gardens. Can thoroughly recommend, the gardens are genuinely unique, unlike anything I've seen in other period houses. What also makes this place very different is the authentic home cooked Thai cuisine. Fantastic food, sumptuous rooms, easy access to the ring of Kerry, sea views and easy access to harbour for a dip. For garden and foodies this place ticks all boxes and more. Enjoy. Thanks to Billy & Penn for a wonderful stay. Shall return in the summer
Col
Col
Written 31 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary O
5 contributions
Nov 2022
Room was fantastic, comfortable and spacious accomodation. Staff excellent, especially POM, dinner goodwith a variety to choose from and tasted great, breakfast was excellent too with fresh fruit-continental or a fully cooked Irish Breakfast, all very good portions.
Written 13 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kiddal
Dublin, Ireland28 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We enjoyed a beautiful two night stay in Kells Bay for our honeymoon. Our room was exquisite with fantastic views of the bay and a beautiful ensuite with rainfall shower and freestanding bath.
We enjoyed dinner in Sala Thai restaurant which was really authentic and delicious.
We loved exploring their unique gardens complete with rope bridge, waterfalls, beautiful collection of ferns and dinosaur carvings. We would recommend to all people who love exploring nature.
We enjoyed dinner in Sala Thai restaurant which was really authentic and delicious.
We loved exploring their unique gardens complete with rope bridge, waterfalls, beautiful collection of ferns and dinosaur carvings. We would recommend to all people who love exploring nature.
Written 21 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Denis L
1 contribution
Sep 2022
We booked this place for 2 nights. There was a gas smell in the room and they said that there was no other room available. Because it was late we decided to stay the 1st night and sleep with all windows opened. The management agreed to cancel the second night and reimburse us. We never got our money back after sending many emails.
Written 12 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dorette
Blackpool, UK75 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We drove to visit on recommendation but it was a huge disappointment. Unkempt throughout the site; poor signage going around the trail. Ladies walled garden inaccessible in areas and appeared to be a dumping ground. There’s some wood carvings of dinosaurs but again no details or interesting facts for the kids to learn. We climbed the rope bridge with caution too! With regards plants; whilst there’s mainly ferns there were no species list or very few interesting facts for gardeners to read. And then the tearoom’s - these weren’t impressive either; in fact grubby with flies on the cills, dirty tables and very little to offer to deem it a ‘tea room’. I’d best not mention the toilets…..overall hugely unimpressed albeit for the sea view from the garden.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
retbanker2022
2 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
This was probably the best experience we had in Co Kerry. The gardens are awesome so unique with all the tree ferns never mind the collection of wooden dinosaurs. Don't miss them if you are in the area. The accommodation also looks exquisite if you are planning on staying in this part of Kerry. Well worth a visit.
Written 24 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gpo1957
County Kerry, Ireland4 contributions
Aug 2022
We had heard good things about the Kells Bay Gardens. The Glossy Brochure and videos are lovely, but sadly the reality is not. We paid for the gardens and a meal in their Thai restaurant , which was mediocre and not good value. We also asked about the accommodation and if we could look at a room there, but they were fully booked.
I saw there was a path leading off the restaurant and asked the owner if it lead to the bay? He asked if We were residents and said it was private. I found his attitude dismissive , after all we had spent money in the restaurant and paid for the gardens.
The Ladies Walled Garden is Unkept.. A beautiful sunny day
I saw there was a path leading off the restaurant and asked the owner if it lead to the bay? He asked if We were residents and said it was private. I found his attitude dismissive , after all we had spent money in the restaurant and paid for the gardens.
The Ladies Walled Garden is Unkept.. A beautiful sunny day
Written 2 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cathi r
Beaufort, SC122 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Beautiful day! The gardens are lovely…. the sculptures from wood are remarkable! The paths are well defined, an easy walk! There is a rope bridge , which is a bit of a challenge, but fun!
There is also a very good cafe with Thai food- the sampler was excellent…. the views of the bay while eating or drinking is super!
There is also a very good cafe with Thai food- the sampler was excellent…. the views of the bay while eating or drinking is super!
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa F
6 contributions
Is it easy to take day trips to other towns or restaurants if you stay here?
JennSenn
Fox Chapel, PA44 contributions
If you have your own vehicle, yes. You are on the Ring of Kerry. We hit Cahersiveen, the Ring of Skellig, the ringforts, Valencia Island, beaches all in the area. Plenty to do, see, eat.
Niamh2hurley
Limerick, Ireland12 contributions
if staying over night, is there a family room? two adults two kids, and also if there is a family room does it have a Tv?
Burningburns
Sligo, Ireland296 contributions
Sorry I wouldn’t know but they have a website or give them a call
Do you accept the OneForAll vouchers
Carla P
Cratloe, Ireland143 contributions
Hi Siobhan,
I cannot say 100% certain, but I doubt they accept it.
Quick way to find out is to' Google' OneForall Vouchers site, and you will find your answer there. Hope this helps.
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Kells Bay House & Gardens | Cahersiveen | UPDATED February 2023 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Kells Bay House & Gardens
- Kells Bay House & Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:30 - 20:00
- Hotels near Kells Bay House & Gardens:
- (0.01 km) Kells Bay House And Gardens
- (0.02 km) Radharc Na Cealla Holiday Home
- (0.02 km) Teach Cuas Gorm Kerry
- (0.28 km) Homerez - House 500 m away from the beach for 10 ppl. with sea view at Co. Kerry
- (0.40 km) Designer Home on Dingle Bay - Modern Meets Traditional (early booking discounts)
- Restaurants near Kells Bay House & Gardens:
- (0.02 km) Sala Thai
- (12.07 km) The Fertha Bar & Restaurant
- (12.03 km) The Glenbeigh Hotel Bar & Restaurant
- (12.16 km) QC's Seafood Restaurant Bar and Townhouse
- (12.29 km) The Oratory Gourmet Pizza and Wine Bar
- Attractions near Kells Bay House & Gardens:
- (1.83 km) Kells Sheep Centre
- (12.30 km) Paddle and Sea
- (15.34 km) Mossie's Tours
- (10.51 km) Rossbeigh Beach
- (14.29 km) Inch Beach