The town of Ballybunion has been attracting visitors to Kerry for decades due to its wonderful beaches and the world famous Ballybunion Golf Club. What surprises many visitors is that the large majority of Ballybunion hotels are situated in the rural outskirts surrounding the town rather than in the heart of the village. This article provides a short list of 3 excellent lodgings that are perennially popular for their food, service and great views.

Ballybunion, Coastal View. (cc) final gather
The Ballyseede Castle is a totally unique 15th century castle set within its own estate. It could almost be defined as a boutique hotel due to its splendid restaurant, elegant furnishings and 12 bespoke guest rooms. The hotel manages to retain an old world charm through its use of ornate plasterwork and large open fireplaces and other period features. The hotel’s small capacity makes this a very personable stay with dinner in the castle dining room being a most memorable experience, with gastronomic treats to match the setting.
Staying with the castle theme, the Glin Castle Hotel has a larger quantity and selection of rooms to choose from. The Glin Castle is situated overlooking the Shannon River and features a wonderful walled garden that proves popular for an after-dinner walk. The hotel is also a popular spot for weekend lunches and special occasions with their restaurant menu brimming with hearty Irish dishes that all prepared with a modern twist.
For anyone seeking a more rural setting for their holiday then the country setting of the Ballygarry Hotel is a joy to behold. The country house is set in a scenic area of countryside just outside Ballybunion. The rooms are all spacious and traditionally furnished as you would expect from a country house. The hotel restaurant is popular with both tourists and locals alike (which is always a positive sign to see) serving a variety of Irish dishes in their open plan dining room. The addition to the hotel of a spa has seen their popularity increase with those seeking rejuvenating weekend spa breaks. There is a variety of treatments on offer including thermal suites, seaweed soaks and mud-wraps to name just a few.
A key factor in Ballybunion’s popularity is that it is one of the few villages in Kerry not to have been over-commercialized with trendy bars and coffee shops. It has retained a small traditional Irish feel to it that visitors still wish to experience and this charm is just as evident in the warm welcome you receive at hotels in Ballybunion. If you enjoyed reading this post about hotels in Ballybunion then check out our website for more articles about Ballybunion, Ireland and other destinations