Kirsty
15 April 2017
Stay at Bonane House and explore the South West of Ireland
Set within three acres of idyllic gardens and woodland, Bonane House provides the perfect backdrop for a family holiday in the South West of Ireland. This impressive and welcoming holiday home sleeps up to six adults and two children in four bedrooms. From all windows of the house guests can appreciate the mesmerising views of the Sheen Valley.
We love this property as its location allows families to create wonderful holiday memories. There is so much to see and do in the local area. It is a paradise for photographers, a utopia for adventure seekers and heaven for foodies. It ticks so many boxes for so many different types of holidays.
Getting out and about
This stunning part of Ireland is jam-packed with things to see and do. From outstanding hiking and horse-riding to foraging for shellfish, boat trips and even surfing. Here are just a few ideas for you:
- Indulge in delicious handmade chocolates
Taking inspiration from the stunning Caha Mountains, lakes and bays that surround him, Benoit at Lorge Chocolatier creates unique and exquisitely crafted chocolates. Using the finest ingredients from all over the world he sells them from his shop in Bonane. He also offers fun chocolate making workshops for children.
- Admire the magnificent scenery on the Wild Atlantic Way
Explore 2,500km of breath-taking coastal road on the Wild Atlantic Way, one of Europe’s great undiscovered secrets. Running from Donegal to Cork, this spectacular journey allows you to get all the way from Bonane House to Glenlusk Lodge, our beautiful family holiday home in County Galway.
Marvel at natural coastal spectacles as you breathe in delightfully salty sea air. Take in the rugged coastline, alive with flocks of singing birds. Admire great sweeps of golden sand and stop to catch some waves in the jewel blue sea. Climb the towers of romantic castles, delve into ancient historical sites and wander around glorious gardens. Meet friendly local characters in traditional villages with welcoming pubs and restaurants and discover the magic of the west coast. And for the avid golfer, there is always a scenic golf course along the way.
- Take a hike through Bonane Heritage Park
Bonane House makes the perfect base to explore the Bonane Heritage Park, the home of one of the most significant stone circles in Ireland. Whilst enjoying some stunning scenery on the 2000 metre walk you can appreciate the abundance of well-preserved multi-period archaeological sites. These range from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age right up to pre-Famine times. Sites include a stone circle, a ringfort, standing stones and a fulacht fiadh.
- Pony Trekking in the Ring of Kerry
There are several stables within the Ring of Kerry, which offer superb pony trekking. Dromquinna, Blackwater and River Valley are the closest stables to Bonane House and allow you to experience a different view of the magnificent landscape. Treks lead you through lush woodland, spectacular mountains and along the sea for a cooling dip.
- Explore the town of Kenmare
Kenmare is a haven of gourmet food, traditional Irish pubs and fantastic local shopping. If you find yourself looking for the perfect souvenir to take home there are a selection of art galleries, an Irish lace shop and plenty of boutique stores selling local gifts and produce. Try some delicious local food at The Mews, Packies or Mulcahy’s Restaurant, which come highly recommended by Lucy and Paul, the owners of Bonane House.
Known as the gateway to the Ring of Beara and Ring of Kerry, Kenmare is ideally located on the Wild Atlantic Way. A walkers paradise, it offers many outdoor pursuits for those seeking some adventure. Try coasteering, canyoning, gorge walking and more at Eclipse Adventure and Equestrian Centre. Or hop aboard the Star of Kenmare Cruise Trip and cruise through the tranquil waters of Kenmare Bay.
- Enjoy delicious fresh fish at the Beara Peninsula
Visit the biggest white-fish port in Ireland at Castletownbere on the southern coast of the Beara Peninsula. Treat yourself to some fresh fish on the menu at the majority of friendly local restaurants. Or catch your own at one of the many great shore angling locations dotted around the peninsula.
- Get adventurous in Killarney
Take some unforgettable memories home with you and have the adventure of a lifetime in Killarney. Hike to the top of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil or take a kayak adventure to Innisfallen Island. Rock climb and abseil in the Gap of Dunloe, venture through the Killarney National Park or take a trip to Ross Castle and look out for the swans. Visit Torc Waterfall and climb ‘Cardiac Hill’ for the best view in Killarney or take a relaxing stroll around Muckross House & Gardens.
- Discover the gardens of Glengarriff
Glengarriff is situated on world-renowned Bantry Bay, where the mountains meet the sea at the Gateway to the Wild Atlantic. Take a boat trip to Garnish island with its array of ornamental gardens and watch in awe as you take in the largest colony of endearing Harbour seals. Potter around Glengarriff Bamboo Park or The Ewe Sculpture Garden & Gallery. No trip is complete without visiting the Glengarriff Nature Reserve, which has one of the largest oak forests still intact in Ireland.
- A round of golf at Ring of Kerry Golf Club
Boasting panoramic views across Kenmare Bay with the beautiful Kerry mountains as a backdrop, the Ring of Kerry Golf Club is both challenging and enjoyable. As quoted by Sir Terry Wogan, ‘A superb course set amidst the finest scenery in the world.’ You can hire clubs there.
Book a stay at Bonane House today and have a holiday to remember surrounded by the ones you love the most.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.