It may have been over a year since our stay at Carrig Country House on the Ring of Kerry in Ireland, but I think about our short and sweet visit here almost every other day – as it was truly one for the books!!
Last fall, Patrick and I spent two weeks road-tripping through as much of Ireland as we could possibly see over the span of fourteen days. I spent over a year planning our itinerary – filling our holiday with different activities and dream destinations. This vacation was a trip of a lifetime for the two of us. Even a year later, we find ourselves looking back on this experience often – with fabulously fond memories too.
Patrick and I would both say, hands down, our two-night stay at Carrig Country House in County Kerry, Ireland was our favorite part of our entire adventure.
See why in today’s post!
It is very well agreed upon that the Ring of Kerry is one of the most scenic drives in the entire world. It 111 miles, it can easily be driven in a day – but we chose to let our adventures in County Kerry linger so we could explore as many seaside villages, castle ruins and dramatic landscapes as we possible could.
A Centrally Located Stay
That’s why we booked a stay at Carrig Country House. Just south of the town of Killorgin, this family-run bed and breakfast is centrally located and ideal for tourists planning to explore the famous Ring of Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way, or even visiting Killarney National Park.
The pastel exterior of the Victorian Country Manor drips with climbing vines of gorgeous green ivy – giving guests a feeling as if they are truly spending their stay in a hiddin Irish hideaway. It certainly felt that way to me!
Step Back into Time in Style
After spending a few days in Galway, we arrived late in the evening to a smiling greeting from Carrig Country House’s owner Frank Slattery. Patrick and I were eager to rest our feet after exploring the Cliffs of Moher earlier that very same day. Frank had his team take our luggage upstairs while the two of us unwound in the parlor with a glass of wine and a roaring fire.
A nod to the Victorian Country Manor House’s history can be seen in its decor and charm. There were moments sitting in the parlor rooms I felt as if I had stepped back into time amongst the antique furniture and overall atmosphere. Guests mingled together in the common areas where drinks were served, books were read and board games could be uncovered and played.
The Gorgeous Carrig Country House Guest Rooms
Upon check-in we were absolutely surprised to have been given a room upgrade to the Presidential Suite. We booked our standard room six-months in advance and expected be to strolling right into it later that evening. Instead, we were whisked away to a lavish suite boasting an antique four poster bed that was brought all the way over from India. The floral wallpapered room came complete with high ceilings, an ornate fireplace and both a generous sized bathroom and an adjacent his & hers walk-in closet.
Carring Country House has 17 guests room all of which are decorated in period style with lavish antiques and attention to detail.
The creme de la creme of our rooms for the weekend was the living room and its sweeping views of Caragh Lake and the Reek’s District Mountains outisde its windows. Bookshelves also lined the back walls with reading materials for guests to enjoy while lounging about during their visit. Needless to say, Patrick and I both immediatly drapped our jaws in awe upon walking in and realizing we could call this wonderful space “home” for the next 48 hours.
Relax & Unwind at the Carrig Country House
What I think Patrick and I both loved most about our stay here was that time seemed to stand still. This held true especially because the five days prior to our visit to County Kerry were spent squeezing in just about every sight, sound, taste and attraction as we possible could. Something magical in the air at Carrig Country House caused us to press pause for a moment and to truly become present in where we were. 
Toast the Golden Hour
Instead of spending happy hour cheersing two pints of Guinness, the pre-dinner twilight time at Carrig Country House beckons its guests to get out and explore. Patrick and I took to the little trails eminating from the back of the Country Manor house to see where they would take us. A walk under a woodland arbor way led us to a small hill which we walked down to be greeted by a rocky jetty with expansive views of Caragh Lake and the Mountains in the distance. We thought the view from our living room window was marvelous until we experienced a different perspective in the fresh air at sunset.
You can only imagine how happy I was when we snapped this photo (with our tripod above) just one year ago!
Dine at the Carrig Country House’s Lakeside Restaurant
We made dinner reservations at the bed & breakfast’s restaurant when we booked our room months in advance. Again, Patrick and I will both say (a whole year later) that this was one of the most memorable and wonderful dinner experiences we have both ever had.
Here’s why: dinner at the Carrig Country House’s Lakeside Restaurant doesn’t just start at the restaurant, it starts in the common rooms scattered about the manor house. We were invited to sit by a roaring fire in a small cozy colorful room and given drink menus for an evening aperitif. While sipping on our cocktails, Patrick and I looked over the menu and placed our dinner orders with the restaurant. The two of us were able to sit back and enjoy each others company all while relaxing in oversized armchairs with cocktails in hand as the fire cracked and popped in the background. Never have I ever experienced waiting on an entree in such elegance!
Feast on Carrig Country House’s Full Irish Breakfast
I may not have grabbed blog-worthy shots of the Kerry Lamb and Fresh Fish Dish during dinner, as it was a romantic evening with the camera tucked far away. But I did manage to sneak my lens out come breakfast to share a snap of the traditional Irish breakfast we enjoyed each morning during our stay.
Come sunrise, Lakeside Restaurant is transformed from one of fine dinner dining to a casual buffet and made-to-order breakfast destination. Breakfast is included with a stay here and simply not to be missed. Oh what I would give to be sipping on hot Irish breakfast tea with a view of the wind on Lake Caragh once more!
The Ring of Kerry beckoned us to explore during the day but we made sure not to set out until mid-morning and circle back before the sunset so we could squeeze in as much time as possible to relax and enjoy Carrig Country House and its beautiful views.
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and the Ring of Kerry, I can’t recommend this charming bed & breakfast enough! But let me warn you, you may arrive with a packed agenda during the day but find yourself hard pressed to leave at all once you step foot on Carrig Country House property!
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I hope you all enjoyed a glimpse into our trip to Ireland last fall. It has been some time, but I do plan to recount and share the entire road trip here in the hopes that they inspire you to get out & explore or help with planning your very own Irish Road Trip too!
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As always, thanks for stopping by the blog & following along in our adventures.
Xo, alice
