THE MOORINGS
Portmagee,
Co. Kerry
The Moorings Kerry enquiries
The Moorings Guesthouse, Bed & Breakfast, Portmagee, Kerry
Proprietors Patricia and Gerard Kennedy have built up a loyal and growing fan base over the years. With traditional music and dancing at the Bridge Bar, fabulous food at Moorings Restaurant, and now even bigger and more luxurious rooms to stay in, it has become of Ireland’s real gems.
Our most recent visit there was to see the new suites and sample the creations from recently-arrived Head Chef Noel Dennehy. Driving through the spectacularly unspoilt south-western peninsula, off the tourist trail of the Ring of Kerry, we were struck once again at the shear beauty of this area. Arriving at the little fishing village of Portmagee with the boats in the harbour and the fishermen mending their nets while the sun was setting, we felt immediately at home.
Settling into our large yet cosy rooms overlooking the harbour, we noted the tasteful furnishing and creature comforts that set this little hotel apart. A stroll along the short pier and breathing in that fresh sea air got our appetites going for the meal ahead. We were not disappointed. Think huge juicy scallops, pan fried sea bass, new season lamb and light Asian seafood salads and you begin to get the picture.
After dinner we adjourned to the Bridge Bar where a traditional music session was in full swing, as it is every Friday night, and often midweek also. Gerard himself is a great singer, and often plays and sings at their regular Irish Nights, where he also teaches set-dancing. There is a warm friendly atmosphere that includes staff and guests, and the open fire and marine setting give a very special ambiance both winter and summertime.
A new addition to the Bridge Bar and The Moorings is their new shop next door. Appropriately named Cois Cuain, meaning Close to the Harbour, it is a little Mecca for tasty foods and crafts. Produce from their own kitchen can be purchased here, as well as locally made delicacies and gift ideas. The new suites incidentally, are situated just above this little building. Painted blue and white the shop is a separate entity from the Moorings, yet run by the same family.
After a great night it was sound slumber and next morning saw us up bright and early to take in the morning air before a hearty breakfast. The birds were dipping and diving for their breakfast too, and the sounds of nature were all that could be heard on that bright Saturday morning.
We were reluctant to leave, tempted to stay the weekend, but in the end compromised with a promise to return and enjoyed a scenic route home taking in more of that breathtaking scenery.
If away from the crowds and off the beaten track, yet with all the comforts of fine hospitality are what you are looking for, then you could not do better than The Moorings. We will be back!
Portmagee,
Co. Kerry
The Moorings Kerry enquiries
The Moorings Guesthouse, Bed & Breakfast, Portmagee, Kerry
- Picture-perfect setting.
- Freshest Atlantic seafood.
- Luxurious new rooms.
Proprietors Patricia and Gerard Kennedy have built up a loyal and growing fan base over the years. With traditional music and dancing at the Bridge Bar, fabulous food at Moorings Restaurant, and now even bigger and more luxurious rooms to stay in, it has become of Ireland’s real gems.
Our most recent visit there was to see the new suites and sample the creations from recently-arrived Head Chef Noel Dennehy. Driving through the spectacularly unspoilt south-western peninsula, off the tourist trail of the Ring of Kerry, we were struck once again at the shear beauty of this area. Arriving at the little fishing village of Portmagee with the boats in the harbour and the fishermen mending their nets while the sun was setting, we felt immediately at home.
Settling into our large yet cosy rooms overlooking the harbour, we noted the tasteful furnishing and creature comforts that set this little hotel apart. A stroll along the short pier and breathing in that fresh sea air got our appetites going for the meal ahead. We were not disappointed. Think huge juicy scallops, pan fried sea bass, new season lamb and light Asian seafood salads and you begin to get the picture.
After dinner we adjourned to the Bridge Bar where a traditional music session was in full swing, as it is every Friday night, and often midweek also. Gerard himself is a great singer, and often plays and sings at their regular Irish Nights, where he also teaches set-dancing. There is a warm friendly atmosphere that includes staff and guests, and the open fire and marine setting give a very special ambiance both winter and summertime.
A new addition to the Bridge Bar and The Moorings is their new shop next door. Appropriately named Cois Cuain, meaning Close to the Harbour, it is a little Mecca for tasty foods and crafts. Produce from their own kitchen can be purchased here, as well as locally made delicacies and gift ideas. The new suites incidentally, are situated just above this little building. Painted blue and white the shop is a separate entity from the Moorings, yet run by the same family.
After a great night it was sound slumber and next morning saw us up bright and early to take in the morning air before a hearty breakfast. The birds were dipping and diving for their breakfast too, and the sounds of nature were all that could be heard on that bright Saturday morning.
We were reluctant to leave, tempted to stay the weekend, but in the end compromised with a promise to return and enjoyed a scenic route home taking in more of that breathtaking scenery.
If away from the crowds and off the beaten track, yet with all the comforts of fine hospitality are what you are looking for, then you could not do better than The Moorings. We will be back!