Muckross Park Hotel

Lakes of Killarney, Killarney,
Kerry
Muckross Park Hotel enquiries
www.muckrosspark.com

• Superb spa with unique treatments
• Fresh fruit smoothies for breakfast
• Large and luxurious bedrooms

It was a beautiful bright late spring morning and I had an early meeting in Killarney. With all business completed by lunchtime, I headed out the leafy Kenmare road to the newly renovated Muckross Park Hotel.

Bill Cullen and the glamorous Jackie Lavin are the proprietors of this picturesquely situated hotel. I heard that Jackie had added a sanctuary for mind and body known as The Cloisters Spa that offered treatments unique to Ireland. I was keen to know more!

On arrival I was shown to a lovely room with a fabulous four-poster bed and lovely bathroom. Keen to visit The Cloisters, I soon entered the hollowed walls to begin my afternoon of spa time.

After consultation with therapist Michelle, we decided I would have a Lomi Lomi massage, which hails from Hawaii and is unlike any treatment I have had before! It certainly seemed to get the energy flowing around the body.
That was followed by a Dr Perricone facial, whose motto is “aging is optional”. I had a manicure and pedicure while I was at it, and when I emerged from the spa nearly four hours later, I really did feel rejuvenated from head to toe. While I was relaxing in the serenity area, I noticed the lovely Jackie outside the window discussing with gardeners the positioning of several large ceramic urns around the extensive grounds. She really is ‘hands-on’ in the creation of this spa, and as she looks so fantastic is an inspiration to everybody!

When I returned dreamily to my room, I realized that I was going to be late for dinner, but luckily this was not a problem either for my guest or for the hotel. Everybody seemed to be so relaxed and accommodating, or was that just my altered state from the usual stressed and rushed person that I am?

Dinner was pleasant; we had a delightful waitress from Burma who was all smiles. It is rather a mini United Nations at Muckross Park, with staff of several nationalities working in all sectors of the hotel! There are several dining options available, we ate in GB Shaws Bistro where there were good meat and fish choices on the menu, the table was perfectly positioned where we could chat in private, and yet still see everything that was going on.

Next morning I spent some time in the Vitality Pool before breakfast, and was delighted to find that I had it to myself! Such indulgence at the start of the day. It was raining, “a soft day” as they say locally, so a walk was out. Yet such is the magic of Kerry weather, that by the time I had finished my breakfast, packed and was ready to leave, the sun was shining again. The mountains glistened, the lakes shone, and the birds were in fine voice as I reluctantly left the magic of Muckross.

What’s to do here?
Killarney is Ireland’s premier town, and there is plenty to do. The scenery is so special, so enjoy it in a pony and trap, on a boat, walking or climbing in the hills, picnicking by the lakes or driving leisurely around the Ring of Kerry.
Muckross Abbey and Muckross House are just up the road, the traditional farms are well worth a visit, and Torc Waterfall is also on your doorstep.
There are a wide choice of golf courses in the area, for a really scenic experience you can’t beat the Ring of Kerry Course, check out www.ringofkerrygolf.com

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