International Hotel Killarney

Historical Killarney

2009-04-14T15:28:00.007+01:00

We hope to tempt you to a short historical break with us in Killarney. Killarney is a treasure trove of historical sites and activities that will ensure your break is full of things to do and see. The International Hotel is a historical landmark located in the heart of Killarney and the gateway to the National Park. The hotel boasts old world charm while offering the luxuries of the modern day. www.killarneyinternational.com

Why not explore the wonderful Muckross House? Muckross House is situated close to the shores of Muckross Lake, amidst the beautiful scenery of Killarney National Park. The house is a focal point within the Park and is the ideal base from which to explore its terrain.

Muckross House was built for Henry Arthur Albert and his wife, the watercolourist Mary Balfour Herbert in 1839. Today the principal rooms are furnished in period style and portray the elegant lifestyle of the 19th century landowning class. While downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the house. Muckross house is also home to a number of skilled craftworkers who can be viewed using traditional skills in the crafts of weaving, bookbinding and pottery.

You may also explore the traditional farms and the extensive gardens which adjoin the house. Meet and chat with the farmers and their wives as they go about their daily work in the houses, on the land and with the animals. Muckross Traditional Farms take you for a stroll down memory lane to a time before the advent of electricity when all work was carried out using traditional methods. Three separate working farms complete with animals, poultry and traditional farm machinery will help you re-live the past.

There are many other archaeological sites to see in Killarney. Some of the most impressive archaeological remains date from early Christian times however, and the most important of these is the ruined monastery found on Inisfallen Insland in Lough Leane. this monastery was founded in the 7th century by St. Finian the Leper, and was occupied for approximately 700 years.

The second major ecclesiastical site is Muckross Abbey, which was founded in about 1448 by the Observantine Franciscans. It has a tumultuous history and was damaged and reconstructed several times. The inhabitants were persecuted and were often raided by marauding groups. Today the Abbey's most striking feature is a central courtyard which contains a huge Yew tree and is surrounded by a vaulted cloister.

A third major site would be Ross Castle, on the shores of Lough Leane. This is a fine 15th century tower house, once the residence of the chieftain O' Donoghue Mor. It was extended in the 17th century with the attachment of domestic buildings which were used for a time as an army barracks. The castle was restored in recent times and is now open to the public.

As you can see Killarney has many sites for the intrepid historian to explore.

Dingle Peninsula

2009-04-07T13:12:00.005+01:00

Dingle Peninsula

With it’s versatile terrain, it is clear that the Dingle Peninsula went through many physical changes throughout the years. This is evident in it’s sculpted landscape where mountains, sea-cliffs and coves exist south and west of the peninsula with 32km of sandy coastline to the northern shore.

The Peninsula is home to over two thousand archaeological sites. Here the Gaeltacht is preserved where it is common to speak Irish from day to day. There are so many things to see, to do, to explore, to experience on the Dingle Peninsula, from visiting the many archaeological sites, to swimming with Fungie, a bottlenose dolphin who’s been living at the mouth of Dingle harbour since 1984, to a day spent on the Blasket Islands.

Visitors to Dingle should visit St Mary’s Catholic Church. This is a particularly handsome building of red sandstone designed by JJ McCarthy, the architectural successor of AW Pugin and the leading exponent of the neo-Gothic style of the time. The church was opened in 1865. More recent renovations have altered the distinctive Gothic character of the church, which remains a remarkable building.

Retirement Party at the International Hotel

2009-04-01T11:25:00.004+01:00

Jerry O' Connell and Joan Broderick celebrate their retirement from the Department of Justice on Friday 27th March with their friends and colleagues in the International Hotel. Both have over 40 years of service in the Department. We wish them health and happiness in their retirement.

The Ring Of Kerry

2009-03-31T14:56:00.007+01:00

This is one of the most famed tourist trails in the world, the spectacular unspoiled beauty of the Ring of Kerry boasts beaches, landscape and an ancient heritage found nowhere else. The Ring of Kerry comprises 180km of outstanding natural beauty.

Start from Killarney and travel all round the Iveragh Peninsula. The route allows you to capture amazing pictures of seascape, beaches, cliffs, mountain and lakes. It is home to over 2000 archaeological remains and is the most extensive and varied of the Peninsula fingers. This a route for a day or a week.

Leaving Killarney, veer left for the Killorglin road, pass Killarney Golf Club on your left (1.5 miles) and you are on the road to Killorglin. Killorglin is famous for a Puck Fair pagan festival dating back 3000 years (10th, 11th and 12th August). Further on you will also pass the Red Fox Inn and Traditional Bog Village.

Next stop is Glenbeigh, it has a beautiful beach at Rossbeigh, and 3 miles of sandy beach and head back to the N70 to Kells or go over the mountain at Cahill's pub (cars only) to join the N70. From the mountain stage there is a great view of Dingle bay, this is a good spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the view.

Caherciveen is next, at the new bridge on the left can be seen the birth place of Daniel O'Connell “The Liberator” and hero to the Irish people in the 1800's. It is also home of two stone forts dating back to the 9th.Century; all visitor information can be found at the tower like building, a refurbished R.I.C Barracks near the town centre. There is also a Train Engine here that was used here on the old Railway.You can also find Ballycabbery Castle (ruin) once a fortress to The McCarthy Mór. Leaving Caherciveen on your right hand side you can see Valentia Island which can be accessed from Caherciveen by a car ferry at Renard pier and exit at the bridge in Portmagee on the other side of Valentia.

Valentia was where the first Transatlantic Cable was laid to America in 1857, you can also visit the Slate Quarry and the Light House, there are many remains of old structures including Stone (Ring) Forts and Churches. Out to Sea you can see The Skellig Rocks (700 feet out of the Atlantic Ocean) was used by monks as a monastery from the 5th. Century, you can visit the rocks by boat and is highly recommended. You now have an option to take the "Skellig Ring" and visit Saint Finians Bay, it is a narrow road but worth it for the scenery, it is breath-taking, natural rugged Irish Coastline. Go to Ballinskelligs and then head on to Waterville.

Heading on to Waterville turn right at the church and right again and head to the Waterville golf course. Why not drop in to the club house for lunch, after lunch walk the beach to stretch your legs, Charlie Chaplin, Shirley McClaine, Walt Disney, Tiger Woods, Pane Stuart and Michael Jordan have all visited here. Next you travel on one mile to the Village along where Charlie Chaplin used to walk every morning and park on the right side and take a walk on the promenade. You can visit Charlie Chaplin's statue.

Leaving Waterville you head up and over the mountains at Coomakista Pass, park here and enjoy the views, to the north Ballinskelligs Bay and to the south Derrynane and Castlecove, in the far distance you can see Co. Cork. If it is a nice day go to Derrynane, there is a beautiful beach here. You can also visit Daniel O'Connell's home which is now a museum.

After Caherdaniel head for Staigue Fort (2500 years old) and experience the way it was, 2500 years ago for the Celt's. Next stop Sneem home of the Legend Casey brothers, The New York times wrote: “The Toughest Family That Ever Lived “. Steve Casey was the undisputed world wrestling Champion for more than ten years, when wrestling was very hard. Joe Louis refused many offers from Steve Casey as he feared this Irish man who could box as well as wrestle, there is a life size statue of Steve ( the crusher ) Casey on the left as you leave Sneem. It is said his hands were 15 inches wide form the point of his Thumb to the point of his little finger.

To complete the Ring of Kerry you head to Kenmare next or turn left and head for Molls Gap, here you will have a good view of the Mountains of Kerry, left at Molls Gap and you will see lakes on your left with the Black Valley and the Head of the Gap (the Gap of Dunloe ) in the distance. You will pass the Upper Lake and the Middle Lake before you get to Torc Waterfall on your right and then on to Muckross House and Gardens, well worth a visit and stretch those legs after a great day.

Things to Do in Killarney

2009-03-25T13:09:00.004Z

Things to do in Killarney

Nestled in the heart of Ireland's most scenic countryside, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, woodlands and lakes, Killarney has been immortalised as Beauty's Home, Heaven's Reflex. Killarney's tradition of entertaining visitors began over to hundred and fifty years ago. Tales of the legendary lakes and mountains surrounding the town initiated a wave of tourism that continues to this day. Killarney is an ideal base for touring the Ring of Kerry, Dingle and Tralee.

If you stroll across from the Killarney International Hotel you can explore the 25,000 acres of Killarney National Park, home to thousands of Sika and red Deer. There are endless walking trails through the park, there is no difficulty with access so this is a walker's paradise. Try to climb Carrauntoohil-at 1041 meters, the average time to summit Ireland’s tallest mountain is 4 hours and depending on the approach you take, it can be as leisurely or as challenging as you feel up to. Be sure to get expert guidance and good navigational skills are mandatory. Delve into the history of Killarney with a visit to Muckross House situated on the shores of Muckross lake. Visit The Gap of Dunloe. This amazing sight was forged by shifting Glaciers during the Ice Age and is rugged and wild. We can arrange for you to travel through the Gap and to finish your trip by boat.

One of the most authentic modes of travel Ireland has to offer has to be the Jaunting Car. This is the perfect option to show you the hidden delights of Killarney that will forever captivate you by their beauty and charm. The starting point for all journeys is no more than 20 metres from the door of the International Hotel Killarney. With many of Killarney’s most wonderful sights hidden in the woodland of Killarney’s 25,000 acre National Park, you would be well advised to consider hiring one of these horse drawn carriages.

One of the most famous tourist trails in the world, the spectacular Ring of Kerry, boasts Beaches, Landscape and an ancient heritage found nowhere else. Whether you choose to tour the Ring of Kerry by Car or Coach this trip is a definite "must". Another must when in Kerry is a visit to the Dingle Peninsula, a quaint charming town where the locals still converse in Gaelic.

Visiting golfers must be thankful for the high precipitation levels which helps maintain some of the finest Golf courses in the world. Killarney itself is home to numerous excellent golf courses including 3 championship courses in the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club-Killeen, Mahony's Point & Lackabane. The Ross, Beaufort and Dunloe Golf Clubs are also in Killarney so you will never have to travel to hit the ball. These courses offer all you could desire in parkland or links golfing and you can be assured that everything you need from tee-time reservations to drying rooms will be provided by the staff of the International Hotel.

Sightseeing in Killarney is endless with amazing attractions such as Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Ladies View and Dunloe Castle. For those wanting an active break, the South West of Ireland has some of the best Hill Walking, Climbing and Fishing in Europe. The International Hotel is well serviced by transport - bus, train, and the nearby Kerry Airport. Killarney is a definite place to visit if you are discovering Ireland.

2009-03-17T11:11:00.003Z

Happy St Patricks Day

from all the Management and Staff at
the International Hotel.

Wishing you all a great day.

Hope you to see you again soon.

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!

International Hotel Goes Web Crazy

2009-03-10T11:54:00.003Z

The International Hotel has launched their new web presense.

We can now be found on Twitter at

http://twitter.com/InterHotel

So please follow our updates on Twitter.

And we have a page on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/International-Hotel-Killarney/55510633093?v=posts&viewas=756231340

Feel free to leave any comments or reviews of the hotel.

So why don't you have a look at our pages and see what you think! Thanks for all the feedback on our new venture!

Golf at the International Hotel

2009-03-05T11:42:00.002Z

The ideally located town centre International Hotel boasts old world charm while offering you all the luxuries of the modern day. From the moment you step inside our doors a warm welcome awaits you. There are 90 beautifully appointed bedrooms, all rooms from deluxe to suites are designed and decorated to the highest standard and offer you the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Our restaurants offer a choice of dining experiences both in classic and contemporary settings. Hannigan's bar with its glowing hearth and convivial atmosphere is the ideal place to relax after a day of golfing.

For our golfing clientele we offer a tailored and personalised service.

Discounted Green Fees and Preferential Tee Times.
Golf Club Storage & Drying Room Facilities
Live Music Nightly
Tailored menus
Private rooms for Welcome dinners, Prize Givings or Drink Receptions
Snooker Room
3D Golf Simulator
Gymnasium and Sauna.
For more information Please click here

The International Hotel, Killarney Wins Best Western Excellence in Customer Care 2008 Award

2009-02-18T15:00:00.000Z

The International Hotel Killarney has great cause for celebration this year. The hotel won the Best Western Excellence in Customer Care 2008 at the Best Western AGM in Galway last week. The Best Western Chain is the largest hotel chain in Ireland with 20 hotels; each hotel is individually owned and operated. This is a brand new award and is based on three criteria, the quality assurance marks in the annual inspection, customer care ratio based on numbers of complaints and guest satisfaction surveys completed by each guest.

The International Hotel scored the highest guest satisfaction mark in all of the 20 hotels with 8.76 out of 10 and received no complaint from a guest for 2008.

Terence Mulcahy, General Manager said, "We are delighted with this award. We pride ourselves on the level of care and attention we give to each guest, service is extremely important to us and this award recognises our efforts. We will continue to ensure that our guests are our number one priority for 2009."

Play the 1st Virtual Golf Simulator in the Golf Rich South West!

2008-06-12T09:53:00.000+01:00

We are pleased to present the First 3-Dimensional Golf Simulator in the South West of Ireland, which allows you to play World Famous courses and you don't even have to travel beyond the hotel's doorstep. It's every golfer's dream. You can play on all the famous courses, using real balls and real clubs. So whether its Pebble Beach or St Andrews takes your fancy-it's up to you!

You can use your own clubs to strike the ball as hard as you would on an outdoor course, directly into a wall-sized image of the world's most famous golf holes. All elements of the ball's flight are tracked by the built-in infrared systems, including flight angle, ball speed and spin. The system tells you where your ball is, what distance it travelled and the remaining distance to the hole.

Features

Play St Andrews, Pebble Beach, Valderrama and other famous courses available

Latest swing analysis technology

1-8 players can play at any one time

Practise range programme

Lessons arranged with P.G.A professionals on request

Golf Clubs can be provided

Wedding at the International Hotel

2008-03-21T14:27:00.007Z

This week was a very exciting week at the International Hotel. March 20th 2008 saw the marriage of Jane and Brian.

We hosted a wedding for 80 guests sitting down to the meal and 40 guests attended the afters. The restaurant used for the event was The Brewery and the room looked amazing.

The menu was mouth-watering:

Beef Wellington
Fillet of Beef with a Mushroom Duxelle in Puff Pastry,
with a Roast Gravy Jus.
Roast Half of Crispy Duck
With a Peach & Apricot Stuffing, Glazed with an Orange Sauce
Oven Roast Supreme of Chicken
On a bed of Mediterranean Vegetables, Tossed with Garlic in a Tomato Sauce
Monkfish Tails
Wrapped in Spinach & Parma Ham with a Mussel& Saffron Sauce
Baked Fillet of Salmon
Stuffed with Scallops, Prawns & Cod with a Beurre Blanc
Vegetarian Spring rolls
Served with Brown Basmati Rice, Sweet Tomato & Chilli Sauce

We would like to wish Jane and Brian every success and happiness for the future.

Golf in Killarney

2008-03-11T14:41:00.000Z

As a golfer visiting Killarney you will find an unbeatable combination of thrilling championship golf courses, breathtaking natural scenery and unparalleled hospitality. Acknowledging that golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, here in Killarney there have been many developments, which compliment established courses.

The Killarney Golf & Fishing Club with its renowned spectacular settings beneath the watchful eye of the Macgillicuddy Reeks and on the shores of the restful Lough Leane, offers three championship 18-hole golf courses and has hosted the Irish Open. Club hire and professional lessons are available.

Castlerosse Golf Club which has a 9-hole golf course, is set on mature parkland while the course commands majestic views of Lough Leane, Killarney's Lower Lake and the Macgillicuddys, Ireland's highest mountains.

Dunloe Golf Course, a 9-hole golf course is set against the glaciated valley of the Gap of Dunloe, which offers spectacular views of Killarney's lakes and mountains.

Ross Golf Course maintains a unique championship 9-hole golf course, situated a half mile from the town centre. It caters for groups and golf societies and professional tuition is available.

Beaufort Golf Club is a beautiful and testing 18-hole parkland course.

To Book a tee-time or a golf package with the International Hotel Book now on 064-6631816 or go to http://www.killarneyinternational.com/.

Welcome to the International Hotel Killarney

2008-02-25T12:52:00.000Z

Killarney's tradition of entertaining visitors began over two hundred and fifty years ago. Tales of the legendary lakes and mountains surrounding the town initiated a wave of tourism that continues to this day. Here at the International Hotel, for over one hundred years, we have strived to play our part in that tradition. We welcome you today as we have welcomed hundreds of thousands of others before you and assure you that it is our dearest wish that your visit to Killarney will be filled with fun and relaxation, rich experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. When you stay at the International Hotel, you have our personal guarantee that from the moment you contact us, to your departure, we will strive to exceed your expectations.
http://www.killarneyinternational.com/