THE BREHON
Killarney,Co. Kerry
The Brehon enquiries
www.thebrehon.com
- Home to the fabulous Angsana Spa
- Beautiful location beside Killarney National Park
- Exceptional food and service.
We first visited the Brehon Hotel almost two years ago and we loved it. We found it to be elegant, spacious, gracious and very chic. We were hoping that a new visit would not bring disappointment like some hotels we have re-visited. Thankfully that was not the case with the Brehon which remains without doubt one of the top hotels in town.
ACCOMMODATION AT THE BREHON HOTEL
The sense of space is evident as soon as you enter the doors of this elegant building, and yet clever design ensures a feeling of warmth. I loved my bedroom, which was also very spacious and offered wonderful views of Killarney Park. With windows that actually opened, individually controlled air conditioning, large bathroom with separate bath and power shower and top of the range towels, linen and toiletries, this room had it all. I loved the fact that a turn-down service magically happened while I was at diner, and left me with chocolates, the next day’s weather forecast, fresh towels and a scroll on my pillow with a story at bedtime!All the staff, without exception, were friendly and helpful. That “Brehon Promise” which is based on laws that governed Ireland’s ancient society is evident. The guest feels really welcomed.
DINING AT THE BREHON
I had arrived early and went straight to the bar to read the papers. It was a beautiful spring day and so I decided to try the Brehon Spring Salad, which was a lovely dish of tropical fruits, asparagus, chick peas and toasted cashew nuts in a light dressing. I knew dinner was going to be good as there was some interesting imagination at work in the kitchen here.We enjoyed a glass of wine in the bar before dinner, and the choices all consisted of good wines by the glass – none of the dreaded little quarter bottles here. The wine list is very balanced and we were able to find something that suited our diverse choices. Our starter choices were a Pan Seared Foie Gras and Duck Confit Leg with Plum and Pineapple Chutney; and Marinated Tiger Prawn Salad with Pineapple and Lime Jus. Both were generous and delicious and the salad had a lovely spicy ting to the “Jus”. We continued be opposites with our main courses, Tender Loin of Venison, Sauerkraut and Apple Gratin, Baby Beetroot and Walnut Ravioli with a Berry Jus; and Fillet of Monkfish in a Honey and Cayenne Crust with Tiger Prawns, Mussels and leeks in a Curried Cream. Sounded like there was a lot going on in those dishes, but they worked extremely well and we cleared our plates. A spicy Pinot Noir from Louis Jadot was a good choice to bridge the gap between our different dishes. There is also a full Vegetarian Menu with multiple choices, and breakfast the next morning contained plenty of unusual dishes along with the popular choices. I threw the diet concerns to the wind and enjoyed a fabulous “Brehon Baked Eggs”, with cream and chorizo. Delicious!