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Patrick’s father, Bobby Hanley, is remembered by many as the man who, alongside his wife Breda, welcomed guests to The Lansdowne Arms for almost three decades. But Bobby’s contribution to Kenmare extended well beyond the hotel. He was also involved in the town’s tourism and development efforts at a time when a dedicated group of local people were working to protect Kenmare’s heritage, celebrate its history and create opportunities for its future. Their work helped lay foundat

The Lansdowne has stood at the top of Kenmare for a very long time. Not quite forever, although there have probably been mornings when it felt that way. For many years, the story told about the building was that it began life as a grand townhouse for the Lansdowne family. It is a fine story. It just doesn't appear to be the right one. The records point to something rather more interesting. This site appears to have been about hospitality from the beginning. A town being built

Sometimes the best way to understand the history of a building is to see it in miniature. We recently spent some time looking at this wonderful model of Kenmare as it appeared in 1895, on display at the Kenmare Heritage Centre, and naturally our eyes went straight to The Lansdowne. And what a fascinating glimpse it gives us. By 1895, The Lansdowne had already been part of life in Kenmare for around a century. Originally established as an inn in the 1790s, the building became

If you have stopped for a drink at the bar at The Lansdowne Kenmare, you may already have met one of our more unusual little residents. Perched on the bar, cocktail shaker in hand and ears standing to attention, is The Mixologist, a wonderfully characterful bronze hare by Irish sculptor Donnacha Cahill. He has become very much part of the furniture here at The Lansdowne and, rather appropriately, keeps a watchful eye over proceedings at the bar! We are lucky enough to have

A remarkable new heritage installation has arrived at the Bell Height in Kenmare, inviting locals and visitors to stop for a while and discover the fascinating story beneath one of the town’s most familiar landmarks. Bridging Memories is the work of Simon Linnell and Tessa Dennison, created in conjunction with the Kenmare Archive and the Kenmare Chronicle. Through a series of beautifully designed large scale poster panels, the installation traces almost two centuries of histo

Every year, on the 15th of August, something rather extraordinary happens in Kenmare. The streets fill with horses and ponies, traders set out their stalls, old acquaintances meet again and thousands of people descend on the town. For one day, the elegant heritage town we know today becomes something altogether different. This is Kenmare Fair Day, and it has been happening, in one form or another, for more than 250 years. A tradition dating back to the 1760s To understand Fai

Recently, a guest staying in Kenmare asked us about an old copper vessel that sits quietly in The Lansdowne. Today it is home to a flourishing plant, but they wondered where it had come from so naturally, the Miss Marple in me was prompted to do a little detective work. Looking closely, we discovered a small transfer on the front reading ‘Great Southern & Western Railway Queenstown’ and immediately, a fascinating piece of Irish history began to unfold. A Link to Queenstown

Learning the Art of Restoration, One Thread at a Time! On a recent visit to Old Chairs, we had the privilege of spending the day with Nigel and Pepe, two craftspeople whose knowledge, patience, and passion for restoration felt like a masterclass in heritage itself. Surrounded by wood shavings, well-worn tools, and pieces of furniture waiting to be brought back to life, we were reminded that true craftsmanship is not rushed. It is learned, practiced, and passed on. We were

Kenmare is a wonderful destination for curious young minds, with plenty of opportunities for children to learn new skills, get creative and make lasting memories. Chocolate Making at Lorge Chocolatier A favourite with both children and adults, award winning chocolatier Benoit Lorge offers fun, hands on chocolate making workshops where families can learn about chocolate, create their own treats and, of course, enjoy plenty of tasting along the way. Children's workshops are a

Sunday 21st June There is something deeply special about the Summer Solstice. For thousands of years across Ireland, the longest day of the year has been marked as a time of gathering, celebration and gratitude. Long before calendars and clocks, our ancestors watched the sun, the seasons and the land, recognising the solstice as a turning point in the year. It was a time for feasting after months of hard work, for music and storytelling, for dancing, laughter, bonfires and

Set gently into the landscape of County Meath, Tara is not defined by dramatic peaks or sweeping cliffs. Instead, it carries a quiet presence. A sense of history that runs deep beneath your feet. For over five thousand years, this has been a place of gathering, ceremony, and meaning. Traditionally known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, Tara is woven into the very fabric of our mythology and identity. Here, kings were crowned at the Lia Fáil, the Stone of Destiny, s

There is something quietly magical about live music in an intimate setting. At The Lansdowne Kenmare, we are delighted to introduce a series of carefully curated evenings in our beautiful Poet’s Lounge, where music, atmosphere and connection come together in a truly special way. Throughout the year, we will welcome a selection of exceptional Irish artists for a number of these intimate performances. These are not large concerts, but rather close, immersive experiences where

When planning a stay in Kenmare, there are plenty of options to choose from. But not all stays are created equal. At The Lansdowne Kenmare, we believe where you stay should feel as special as the destination itself. Booking directly with us is not just about securing a room, it is about choosing a more personal, more authentic experience from the very beginning. A Proud Member of Ireland’s Blue Book The Lansdowne is a proud member of Ireland’s Blue Book, a carefully cura

At The Lansdowne Kenmare, we believe that a stay away should be enjoyed by the whole family. That includes the four-legged members too 🐾 Recently, we welcomed a very special guest to help us showcase our dog friendly offering. Meet Séamus, our newest and perhaps most discerning visitor. Séamus checked into Room 104, our dedicated dog friendly room, and quickly made himself at home. Our dog friendly rooms are perfectly positioned on the ground floor of the hotel, with eas

There are some people whose presence becomes part of a place so completely that it is hard to imagine one without the other. John was one of those people. As we look out our front door from The Lansdowne each day, our eyes are drawn, to that beautiful little bookshop across the street. A place full of character, warmth and quiet charm. For so many years, that shop was more than a business. It was a reflection of John himself. Thoughtful, welcoming, and full of quiet knowledg

Day 1 – Arrival, Heritage & Taste Arrive into Kenmare https://kenmareguide.com/our-history/ , where colourful streets, heritage buildings and a gentle buzz of life immediately set the tone. This is a town that invites you to slow down. Begin with a guided walk through the town with Kerry Tour Guides https://kerrytourguides.com/ , where stories of history, culture and character bring this heritage town to life. Spend the afternoon indulging in the flavours of the region with

There are moments when a place pauses with pride and this week is one of those moments for County Kerry. The extraordinary talent Jessie Buckley has brought global attention to her hometown of Killarney after winning the Academy Award for Best Actress, an achievement that resonates far beyond Hollywood. For those of us who live and work in Kerry, the joy is deeply personal. We know the landscape, the music, the storytelling traditions and the sense of community that shape

International Women’s Day at The Lansdowne There are certain people whose presence becomes part of a house. Long before online bookings and instant confirmations, hospitality at The Lansdowne was built on handwritten letters, ringing telephones and the quiet rhythm of a family welcoming guests into their home and at the heart of it all was Breda, Patrick’s mother. Alongside her beloved Bobby, Breda ran The Lansdowne for 28 wonderful years, welcoming guests from around the wo

At The Lansdowne Kenmare, very little is chosen by accident. Even something as simple as a gin and tonic carries a story, and at the Lansdowne, we love a story and we love history. Our house gin and vodka come from Dingle Distillery, not simply because they are exceptional spirits, but because they represent craftsmanship, artistry and place. Values that sit at the very heart of how we see hospitality. And quietly surrounding our guests throughout the hotel is the visual thre

January is finally gone and always seems to arrive with instructions. Strip things back. Turn off the lights. Get on with it. But historically, winter was never something to simply endure. It was long, dark and uncertain. Warmth mattered. Ritual mattered. Beauty mattered. They were not indulgences. They were survival. So no, our Christmas lights were not still glowing into the early part of February because we were slow to take them down. They stayed because we loved the sof