Opera & Gardens in the Kingdom of Kerry
A six night escorted visit to the beautiful Parknasilla Resort with London Festival Opera
- 7 June 2021
Due to the popularity of this tour and the exceptional feedback we receive each year, we are once again returning to the beautiful Parknasilla Resort on the ‘Ring of Kerry’ for a week of marvellous scenery, splendid gardens and uplifting music. All the best ingredients are here; magical scenery, gardens at their early summer best, opera performances in stunning settings and warm Irish hospitality in one of Ireland’s most renowned hotels.
Together with our good friends at London Festival Opera we can offer seven days of absolute bliss. There will be time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s excellent facilities as well as guided trips to some of Kerry’s and West Cork’s famous gardens. We will explore the ‘Ring of Kerry’ and drive over the mountains to Bantry House and Gardens. Here, after a guided tour of the gardens, we will enjoy a performance by London Festival Opera in the grand setting of Bantry House. Other highlights will include a visit to Garnish Island in West Cork, a spectacular garden of almost sub-tropical splendour and Muckross House by the Lakes of Killarney. In the main the tours will be limited to half days in order that you may enjoy the Parknasilla Resort and its breathtaking beautiful position.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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Our View
The impressive Parknasilla Hotel is one of the most charming accommodations in the area offering a high quality of cuisine, excellent service and sumptuous afternoon teas. The large pool and first class wellness centre are perfect for those moments of relaxation and the many walkways overlooking the water offer stunning views close to the hotel. All this is combined with scenic excursions visiting a variety of gardens and guided tours of two heritage houses. Enjoy performances by London Festival Opera both at the hotel and an outstanding gala performance in the family library at ‘Bantry House’.
Parknasilla Hotel
For generations this very special place has captured the imagination of many including such literary luminaries as George Bernard Shaw. Pictures can only do limited justice to its location where water, islands and mountains create something spellbinding. Being the West Coast of Ireland, we cannot promise you long sunny days for your entire stay. In fact you are likely to experience the full spectrum of weather in one day, but it is this maritime climate and warming Atlantic influences that create the almost sub-tropical landscape. Situated in 500 acres, Parknasilla Resort is situated in the middle of some of Kerry’s finest scenery. Here you will find interesting walks and tiny sandy coves for those who wish to swim in the sea.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Cork, Ireland.
Fly by scheduled flight. Drive to the Parknasilla Resort. Welcome drinks and dinner this evening.
Day 2 - Derreen Gardens & Beara Peninsula.
After breakfast depart on a morning drive to Derreen Gardens. Designed and planted by the fifth Marquis of Lansdowne in the 1870s, it is now owned and managed by his great-grandson, David Bigham, and his wife Anthea. Derreen is famous for its tree ferns as well as azaleas and rhododendrons. Enjoy the magnificent views across Kilmackillogue Harbour to the Caha Mountains before we return to the hotel for a few hours of relaxation. In the late afternoon there will be a performance by London Festival Opera followed by afternoon tea.
Day 3 - Derrynane House & Kenmare.
This morning visit Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell. The house is a museum commemorating one of Ireland’s leading historical figures. In the afternoon a bus transfer will be provided to the local town of Kenmare for time to explore and shop at leisure.
Day 4 - Lakes of Killarney & Muckross House.
Morning excursion to the Killarney National Park and the house and gardens of Muckross House. Tour the gardens and house which was once owned by the Herbert family who entertained Queen Victoria here in 1861. The setting by the lake shore with its mountain backdrop is stunning. Afternoon at leisure. In the late afternoon London Festival Opera will perform for us followed by afternoon tea.
Day 5 - Parknasilla Resort.
It would be unforgivable to come to such a place as this and not have a complete day to enjoy the hotel and its extensive grounds. For the energetic there will be a choice of a guided short or long walk through the grounds and along the coast. Otherwise, relax with a good book in one of the many vantage points scattered throughout the grounds.
Day 6 - Garnish Island & Bantry House.
Drive over the mountains to Bantry Bay on a full day excursion that will include a morning visit to Garnish Island and the beautiful Ilnacullin Gardens. These remarkable gardens owe their existence to the creative partnership, some seventy years ago of Anna Bryce, then owner of the island and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer. The sheltered position and Gulf Stream is favourable to the growth of ornamental plants, many normally only found in sub-tropical or Mediterranean climates. Continue to Bantry House, overlooking Bantry Bay. We will explore the house, one of the finest historic houses in Ireland along with the gardens. After a light lunch, London Festival Opera will perform their farewell concert in one of the grand rooms. Return to the Parknasilla Resort later this afternoon.
Day 7 - Cork to London.
Transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 7 to 13 June 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| West Wing Standard Double/Twin | £2295 | |
| West Wing Superior Double/Twin | £2395 | |
| Main House Manor Sea View Double/Twin | £2595 | |
| Main House Superior Manor Sea View Double/Twin | £2695 | |
| Main House Manor Suite | £2895 | |
| West Wing Balcony Suite | £2995 | |
| West Wing Parknasilla Suite with Balcony | £2995 | |
| Main House Princess Grace Suite | £3195 | |
| West Wing Standard Single | £2695 | |
| West Wing Small Parknasilla Superior Single | £2895 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAKERRY
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class return scheduled air travel • Six nights at the Parknasilla Resort with full Irish breakfast and dinner from a la carte menu daily • Two afternoon teas at Parknasilla Resort • Guided excursions • Performances by London Festival Opera • Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, lunches.
Parknasilla Hotel
For generations this very special place has captured the imagination of many including such literary luminaries as George Bernard Shaw. Pictures can only do limited justice to its location where water, islands and mountains create something spellbinding. Being the West Coast of Ireland, we cannot promise you long sunny days for your entire stay. In fact you are likely to experience the full spectrum of weather in one day, but it is this maritime climate and warming Atlantic influences that create the almost sub-tropical landscape. Situated in 500 acres, Parknasilla Resort is situated in the middle of some of Kerry’s finest scenery. Here you will find interesting walks and tiny sandy coves for those who wish to swim in the sea.
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Hotel Directory
Hotel Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the hotel or click on the booklet to download.
Parknasilla Resort & Spa overlooks the Atlantic coast on 500 acres of tropical paradise along the Wild Atlantic Way and The Ring of Kerry, sixteen miles from Kenmare town and two miles from the village of Sneem.
The Hotel has 89 bedrooms including stunning suites. Unwind in the sanctuary of County Kerry’s spectacular and awe inspiring resort, nestling next to the breathtaking Kerry Mountains and caressed by the lapping waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The facilities of this historic hotel include an elegant restaurant, traditional bar, indulgent spa and 12 hole golf course.
ADAPTORS
A limited number of adaptors for hairdryers, mobile phones etc. are for sale from the Concierge Desk, located in the foyer.
COMMUNICATIONS
If you wish to contact the hotel please call + 353 (0)64 6675600. There is a phone in your hotel room, which has access to an outside line. Outgoing call costs will be advised by reception. You can make room-to-room calls free of charge (see section on Telephone Calls). You can contact the hotel by email at reservations@parknasillaresort.com. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Your Tour Manager will confirm the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities the previous evening.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free or low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once checked in, please speak with the Maitre’D on your first night to reconfirm your requirements.
DINING & DRINKING
Pygmalion Restaurant
Begin a new day with hot Irish porridge, a traditional Irish breakfast or a selection of tempting continental pastries and fresh fruit, served in the Pygmalion Restaurant by the highly trained and highly personable waiting staff. In the evening dine by candlelight in the Victorian splendour and comfort of the Pygmalion, where culinary art is complemented by breathtaking views. The menu offers the best in modern Irish and international cuisine. After a busy day exploring the grounds or being pampered in the spa, look forward to freshly caught fish, local farm vegetables and prime Irish meat, accompanied by a fine selection of wines. The dress code is smart/casual.
Doolittle Bar
The beautifully decorated Doolittle Bar is the perfect place for a light bite or lazy lunch. Come in the evening when the bar bursts into life with conversation, song and laughter. Enjoy a pint of local beer, a glass of chilled wine, an aged Irish whiskey or watch as the expert bartender mixes your favourite cocktail.
DRESS CODE
You may dress however you feel comfortable, whether it be casual, summery or smart.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage is 220 volts. All bathrooms are equipped with a shaver socket. There are a limited number of adaptors available in the hotel, which can be provided upon request.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your stay, we ask that you remain calm and follow the instructions of the staff. We request that as soon as you enter your room, you carefully read the safety instructions fixed on the inside of your hotel room door.
END OF STAY QUESTIONNAIRE
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you by your Tour Manager.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
A laundry service is available in the hotel. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the wardrobe in your hotel room. Please fill in the laundry list and leave it together with the items to be laundered and call reception to have it collected. In the interest of the environment, towels will not be automatically changed every day. We ask that you put used towels in the bath if you wish them to be changed for fresh towels. Towels left hanging on the towel rack will not be changed.
LIFT
There is only one lift in the hotel and this services the floors which include the Manor Seaview rooms, Superior Manor Seaview rooms, Manor Suites and Princess Grace Suite. The hotel rooms in the West Wing are only accessible by stairs.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you check out, please check your hotel room to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia directly.
MAIL
Letters or postcards can be left at reception for postage. The post leaves the hotel each day from Monday to Friday at 11.30am. (Excludes Bank Holidays). Postage can be bought at reception and charged to your room account.
NEWS
News channels are available on your TV in your hotel room.
PUBLIC AREAS
Lounges
The Lounges, with open fires and soft couches, are the perfect place to curl up with a good book or read the daily newspaper while taking in the breathtaking views over Kenmare Bay and the Kerry mountains.
Fitness & Sport
Walking is one of the most popular ways to immerse yourself in the pleasures of the lush vegetation, woodland setting and coastal delights. Maps, markers and guides are available to help you enjoy the many scenic walks around the resort. In the gym, located in the spa, you will find dumbbells, treadmill, cycling machine, cross trainer, bench press/shoulder press, rowing machine and free standing weights for more focused workouts, and the adjoining thermal suite area will enhance your general well-being.
ROOM ACCOUNT
All guests will have their own “room account” once credit card details have been given to reception on arrival which allows you to sign for any expenses and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of your stay. Prices are shown and charged in Euro. Your room account can be paid by: • Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). • Cash (Euros)
ROOMS & SUITES
From antiques and soft pastels to contemporary chic, the hotel offers spacious rooms to satisfy the most diverse and discerning tastes. All rooms offer crisp white sheets and duvet, en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, selection of soft fluffy towels, bathrobe and slippers, luxury bath products, multi-channel TV, tea & coffee making facilities, mineral water, direct dial telephones and Wi-Fi. Approximate sizes of rooms listed below.
Standard Double/Twin – West Wing. Rooms are decorated in soft colours with a view of Kerry Mountains and feature a large double bed, spacious seating area, writing desk and an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. (21ft4 x 11ft9)
Superior Double/Twin – West Wing. Spacious and bright these rooms benefit from lovely sea views which are synonymous with Parknasilla or look on to the majestic Kerry Mountains. All have king size beds, relaxing reading area and stunning bathrooms with bath/shower or shower only. (21ft x 11ft)
Manor Sea View – Main House. Rooms are designed in keeping with the period when Parknasilla was built with restored mahogany and walnut furniture. With breathtaking views of the Kenmare Bay, Parknasilla’s lush grounds and the Kerry Mountains beyond, each room has their own character and style. These rooms feature a king size bed and en-suite bathroom with shower only. (15ft9 x 24ft3)
Superior Manor Sea View – Main House. Rooms are beautifully spacious and open plan in design with a large sleeping area and relaxation space with awe inspiring views of Kenmare Bay and Kerry Mountains. These rooms feature a king size bed and en-suite bathroom with shower only. (17ft5 x 26ft)
Manor Suite – Main House. This suite exudes the air of understated elegance of a bygone era. Individually designed with breath-taking views of the Kenmare Bay, Parknasilla’s lush grounds and the Kerry Mountains beyond. Bathrooms with stucco lustro painted walls and elegant Thomas Crapper and Co Victorian/Edwardian fittings. Rooms feature a king size bed with bath and shower. (19ft x 11ft9)
Balcony Suite – West Wing. Indulge your taste for contemporary luxury in the Balcony Suite with a large bedroom and separate sitting room. The Balcony Suite contains floor to ceiling windows leading on to a large balcony to ensure that the serene views of Kenmare Bay or the Kerry Mountains are truly memorable. Rooms feature a king size bed with an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower.(33ft x 26ft)
Parknasilla Suite with Balcony – West Wing. Situated in the newest part of the West Wing, the Parknasilla Suite with balcony rooms are open plan with soft couches and lavish furnishings. The suites with balcony feature floor to ceiling windows leading on to a large balcony to ensure that the stunning views of Kenmare Bay or the Kerry Mountains are truly memorable. This suite feature a king size bed with bath and shower. (17ft x 26ft)
Princess Grace Suite – Main House. Parknasilla’s most famous suite is the Princess Grace Suite and is made up of a large living area, double bedroom, spacious bathroom and separate toilet. The wonderful sea views and large wrap around balcony makes the suite extra special. This suite features a king size bed with bath and shower. (37ft x 25ft)
Small Parknasilla Superior Single – West Wing. These rooms are designed in a contemporary style and located in the newest part of the West Wing with a double bed, en-suite bathroom with shower. (17ft9 x 16ft1)
Standard Single – West Wing. These rooms are smaller than the Superior Singles and offer a double bed with en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. (13ft9 x 11ft2)
SAFE
There are a number of safety deposit boxes available at reception. Should you require one, please contact reception.
SAFETY DRILL & SAFETY
Emergency evacuation procedures are located at the back of your bedroom door in the event of an emergency. A fire bell test is performed every Friday at 11.00 am.
SMOKING POLICY
Parknasilla Resort & Spa offers a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted inside the hotel. Smoking is permitted only outside. We kindly request that smokers take the comfort of other guests into consideration.
SPA
Surrounded by the natural beauty of woodland, parkland, river, ocean and mountains, let your troubles drift away as you take in County Kerry’s awe-inspiring backdrop. Swim in the 18 metre pool, enveloped by floor to ceiling windows, and marvel at the sea and the sky with every stroke. Exclusively created for Parknasilla, the thermal spa experience helps to purify, detoxify and ultimately relax you, with a mix of warm, dry and wet heat as well as aromatherapy, steam, light, salt and herb therapies. Let the therapists pamper you from top to toe with a range of Elemis professional and Neom Spa therapies and enliven your senses with luxurious massages, facials, body treatments and hydrotherapies. Spa reservations can be made in advance or at the Spa Reception desk. Fees for all treatments are available at Reception and will be charged to your room account.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Calls to other hotel rooms can be made free of charge by dialling the 8 before the room number. You can make external telephone calls from your hotel room. Lift the handset and press 9 for an outside line. Enter the country code then city code without zero (0) in the beginning followed by the phone number. Example for Ireland: 00 353 (0) phone number #. Costs are available from Reception and charges are automatically billed to your room account.
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
DOOLITTLE BAR Dial 0
RECEPTION Dial 0
PYGMALION RESTAURANT Dial 0
SPA AT PARKNASILLA Dial 0
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY Dial 911
TELEVISION
All hotel rooms are equipped with a 32” HD ready LED Television.
TOILETRIES
All hotel rooms are supplied with the following complimentary amenities: • Shower gel • Hair shampoo • Soap • Shower caps • Nail file • Tissues
WAKE UP CALL
Wake up calls can be requested through the Reception Desk.
WATER
Water from the taps in your room is safe to drink.
WI-FI
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
V.2 November 2019
Our View
The impressive Parknasilla Hotel is one of the most charming accommodations in the area offering a high quality of cuisine, excellent service and sumptuous afternoon teas. The large pool and first class wellness centre are perfect for those moments of relaxation and the many walkways overlooking the water offer stunning views close to the hotel. All this is combined with scenic excursions visiting a variety of gardens and guided tours of two heritage houses. Enjoy performances by London Festival Opera both at the hotel and an outstanding gala performance in the family library at ‘Bantry House’.
Travelling with You
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London Festival Opera
We are delighted to be joined by London Festival Opera on many of our tours and cruises. We have long been associated with London Festival Opera and each year our music themed cruises grow in popularity. London Festival Opera have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in palaces, castles, country houses, theatres, concert halls, embassies and private homes and gardens. Recent engagements have been throughout the UK, Europe and as far afield as Barbados, Marrakech and Moscow.
Particular attention is given to the design and quality of our costumes which are as authentic as possible. Whether it is a period evening dress, such as Regency or Victorian to enhance a gala performance or a full production, the costumes will be of the highest quality and style.
Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the company has a considerable reputation and has appeared in some of the world's leading venues including as a guest company in one of the Italy's greatest opera houses, La Fenice in Venice.
London Festival Opera will be on the following tour dates: 7 to 13 June 2021
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000