Escape to Ireland's Emerald Isle: The Europe Hotel & Resort Awaits
My Ireland Dream: The Europe Hotel & Resort - Honestly, Was It WORTH It? (Spoiler: Mostly, YES!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (Irish) tea on The Europe Hotel & Resort in County Kerry, Ireland. This isn't your sanitized, influencer-filtered review. This is me, unfiltered, after a week of dodging sheep, stuffing my face with scones, and judging… well, everything. And yes, I'm going to attempt to shove in every blasted SEO keyword I can remember. Wish me luck!
First Impressions: Emerald Isle Intrigue & That Epic View
Landing in Ireland, the air itself hummed with magic. And driving towards The Europe? Well, the anticipation built. The hotel, clinging to the shores of Lough Leane, is a behemoth. Not necessarily in a bad way! It’s grand, almost too grand at first, like a slightly intimidating old auntie. But then you step out onto the terrace and BAM. The view. Lough Leane shimmering, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains looming… Instagram doesn't do it justice. Seriously, I almost wept at the sight. That alone, that pool with a view and the general feeling, is almost enough to make you forgive anything. Almost.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… But Let’s Be Frank, Progress is Being Made
Accessibility… this is where things get a little… complicated? The website says they have facilities for disabled guests. And they do. There's an elevator. There are a few wheelchair accessible rooms… supposedly. Now, I wasn't specifically assessing for full wheelchair accessibility, but I noticed some wonky things. The entry door to the room needed some serious effort, so I can imagine for someone with the right situation, it would be a pain. The walkways? Some are easy, some less so. The reality is, while they try, the hotel is old, and fully retrofitting is a massive job. I give them points for trying, for offering CCTV in common areas and safety/security features but, honestly, I'd want to see a REALLY detailed review from someone with mobility needs before I booked.
Moving on to the Good Stuff: Pure Irish Pampering
Let's talk about the real reason we go on vacation: pampering! And here, The Europe delivers. The spa is a haven. I spent a blissful afternoon in the sauna and steam room, sweating out the stress of… well, life. The massage was divine. I’m still humming the sound of the music they played. The Body scrub was… wonderfully abrasive. Think being gently sandpapered in the best possible way. The pool with a view? I've already mentioned that, but it bears repeating. The indoor swimming pool was warm and inviting, and I swear I saw a leprechaun wink at me from the pool view. Okay, maybe the gin was talking.
Food, Glorious Food (And a Bit of a Hangover!)
Okay, the food. The hotel has a ton of options. There are restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop… you name it, they’ve got it. I mean, there is Asian cuisine in the restaurant, but I avoided Asian when in Ireland. The main restaurant’s breakfast buffet was a beast. Literally, you could go in there and feast till noon. And yes, there was bacon (which is what I was there for), Western breakfast, Asian breakfast and all the usual suspects. I had a bottle of water, and, the coffee/tea in the restaurant was pretty good. I even had a dessert in the restaurant. Everything was good, though not always cheap, mind you.
The Poolside bar deserves special mention. It’s… perfect. Sipping a pint while overlooking the lake is what Ireland is all about. They have Happy hour, and I may or may not have partaken a little too enthusiastically. Let's just say I woke up one morning and had a breakfast in room to nurse the resulting regret, with a few bottle of water too. Daily disinfection in common areas may have saved me. I may have appreciated their Safe dining setup.
Rooms: Cozy, Comfortable, But…
The rooms? They're fine. They call them non-smoking rooms, and soundproof rooms– and they are, mostly. The bathrobes were fluffy, the bed was comfy (and I appreciated the extra long bed!), and the mini bar was well-stocked. They have air conditioning and blackout curtains, which is a lifesaver for the long summer days. The Wi-Fi [free] actually worked, too (bonus!). BUT, and it's a small but, they're a little… dated. There was some carpeting I swear smelled like grandpa, and the décor… well, it could use a refresh. But hey, you're there for the view, right?
The Little Things They Get Right
- Daily housekeeping: Spotlessly clean, even after I may have left evidence of a late-night snack.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Made me feel safe and secure.
- Wake-up service: Crucial after those Happy Hour adventures.
- Facilities for disabled guests - as discussed, a start.
- Cashless payment service – easy peasy.
The Little Things That Could Be Better
- Internet access – LAN: I never actually figured out how to use it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: I'd like to know with certainty, not just trust them.
- Check-in/out options - maybe a faster option?
Things to Do, When You're Not Swearing at Sheep
Okay, so The Europe is amazing. But it's also in an incredible location! You're on the Ring of Kerry!
- Things to do: Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, boat trips on Lough Leane, hiking, cycling (they have Bicycle parking!), and, of course, endless pub crawling!
- Ways to relax: Aside from the spa, the grounds are gorgeous. Just wander around, take in the views, and breathe.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
They have Family/child friendly facilities, and Babysitting service is on offer. But, honestly, it's probably a better romantic getaway location for someone who loves the spa.
The Nitty Gritty (And a Touch of Crazy)
- Security: They have CCTV in common areas, 24-hour Front desk, etc., so I felt pretty secure.
- Staff: The staff was overwhelmingly friendly and helpful, even when dealing with my ridiculous attempts to speak Gaelic.
- Smells like Irish… This made me happy.
My Honest Verdict: Book That Trip! (But Read This First)
Look, The Europe Hotel & Resort isn't perfect. It's a bit pricey. Some things needed to be better. But it’s incredible. The location is insane. The spa is worth the price of admission alone. The views… the views will haunt your dreams in the best possible way.
BUT: if you have mobility issues, do your research. Ask SPECIFIC questions about accessibility before you book.
My final, highly opinionated rating: 4.5 shamrocks out of 5!
Craving Ireland Now? Book Your Escape! (And Get a Discount, Maybe!)
Here's the Deal: Escape to Ireland's Emerald Isle: The Europe Hotel & Resort Awaits!
Want to experience the magic of The Europe Hotel & Resort for yourself? This is an incredible hotel, with one of the most beautiful views on earth, and a trip to the location will deliver an experience you can't get anywhere else!
Here's why you NEED to book NOW:
- Unforgettable Scenery: Wake up to panoramic views of Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains.
- Unwind and Rejuvenate: Immerse yourself in the luxurious spa, with treatments designed to melt away your stress. Pool with a view is a must!
- Indulge Your Senses: Savor delicious cuisine at our multiple restaurants, enjoy a pint at the poolside bar, or savor a hearty Irish breakfast.
- Prime Location: Explore the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, and charming local villages, all within easy reach.
- Experience the magic of Ireland: Relax, eat, have fun, and feel like royalty - all thanks to the luxurious options this hotel provides.
Click Here to Book Your Escape!
(Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for package deals that include flights, car rentals, and other perks! This is where you can get the most bang for your buck.)
Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the best of Ireland! Book your stay at The Europe Hotel & Resort today!
Escape to Northwest Indiana: Your Dream Getaway Awaits (Best Western Inn)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! This isn't your sterile, "perfectly planned" travel itinerary. This is me, battling jet lag and a serious craving for Guinness, trying to navigate the sheer, emerald beauty of The Europe Hotel & Resort in Ireland. Consider this a highly caffeinated, slightly chaotic glimpse into my vacation brain.
The Europe Hotel & Resort: A Messy, Wonderful Adventure
(Because let's be honest, adventures are rarely neat)
Day 1: Arrival & Utter Disbelief (and Maybe a Panic Attack)
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (ish): Landed in Shannon. Smug, I was. "Ireland, here I come! I'm prepared!" Famous last words. After a flight that felt longer than the actual Blarney Stone is old (and believe me, it's old), I’m stumbling out of the airport, blinking like a mole in sunlight. The driver (who, bless his heart, looked like he'd seen a ghost) had to navigate the narrowest, greenest roads I've ever witnessed. Trees practically kissed the car.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (ish): Arrival at The Europe Hotel & Resort. Holy. Mother. Of. God. This place is…stunning. Pictures don't do it justice. It’s all sweeping views of the lake and mountains, perfectly manicured lawns, and enough natural light to cure seasonal affective disorder. Briefly considered abandoning all plans and just moving in. Nearly had a mini-meltdown when I realized my room had a balcony overlooking Killarney Lake. My jaw literally dropped, and I may have squeaked. (Don't judge me, it was a lot.)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at The Brasserie. Tried to be sophisticated. Ordered the Caesar salad. It was… fine. But the bread! Oh, the bread! Toasty, crusty, and practically inhaled the entire basket. My "sophisticated" façade crumbled faster than a poorly made scone.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: "Relaxation Time" on the balcony. Sat there, staring at the lake, attempting to resist the siren call of a nap. Lost the battle. Woke up to the sound of distant sheep bleating, feeling marginally less like a zombie.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Spa! Oh, the spa. Booked a massage because, well, travel. The massage was divine. The steam room, though? That’s where things got weird. I swear I saw a leprechaun in there. (Okay, maybe it was the jet lag, but the room was rather misty.) Post-massage, was lulled into a feeling of peace and security by a massage chair.
- 7:00 PM onwards : Dinner at the restaurant. The food was delicious, but the real star was the service. The staff were so kind and polite. I tried to make small talk, but my brain turned to mush. Had an excellent steak and a bottle of wine.
Day 2: Adventure (and a Persistent Urge to Pet a Sheep)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. (Important for fuel, right?) Had the full Irish. This is where the adventure became intense. Did I need that many sausages? Absolutely not. Regrets? Zero.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Boat trip on Killarney Lake. Majestic! The views. The air. The slight rocking motion that lulled me into a state of blissful serenity. The guide told stories about the history of the area, which I mostly absorbed. (Or maybe I just dreamt of the scenery.)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Picnic lunch. Overpacked, of course. Felt like I was catering a small party. Still, great sandwiches and some seriously good Irish cheddar. The seagulls were relentless, though.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Hiking in Killarney National Park. Made it up Cardiac Hill! Now, I don't know why they called it that, but it was worth it. The views from Torc Waterfall were AMAZING. Almost took a tumble down, but grabbed a handy root at the last moment.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Afternoon Tea. Fancy! But oh-so-worth-it. Scones with clotted cream. The perfect reward after nearly dying on Cardiac Hill.
- 7:00 PM Onwards: Had a beer at the bar. The bartender was very friendly. I tried to be clever, but I could not hide my tiredness. Watched the sunset over the lake. The sky was a beautiful gold. The feeling of peace was almost tangible.
Day 3: Farewell…(and a Serious Case of the Blues)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. (Because, priorities.) Had the eggs.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. The hotel shop was a treasure trove of gorgeous things I didn’t need but desperately wanted. Bought an Aran sweater. (Because Ireland.)
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: One last walk around the grounds. Tried to soak it all in. The air smelled like damp earth and something indescribably beautiful. Felt a pang of sadness knowing I was leaving.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at the bar. That Guinness? It hit the spot. Ordered a burger.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Final attempt at a nap on the balcony. Failed. Just sat there, staring at the lake, trying to etch every detail into my memory.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Check out. (Sob.) Saying goodbye was harder than I expected.
- 4:00 PM onwards: Departed. The drive to the airport felt too short, and I’m pretty sure I saw a tear escape. Shannon, here I come again.
Things I Learned:
- Ireland is ridiculously beautiful.
- I need to learn to pack lighter.
- Guinness is a meal in itself.
- Leprechauns might actually exist. Or maybe it was the altitude. Or the Guinness.
- This place, The Europe Hotel & Resort, is genuinely magical. I miss it already.
Final Verdict: Go. Just go. Book the trip. Do it now. And for the love of all that is holy, bring comfortable shoes. And maybe a leprechaun whistle. You never know. Ireland will change you. I am a changed person. A slightly more sleep-deprived, slightly fatter, whole lot happier person. Sláinte!
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Escape to Ireland's Emerald Isle: The Europe Hotel & Resort Awaits - FAQs (with a LOT of attitude!)
So, The Europe Hotel. Worth the hype? Or should I just stick to my local B&B with the questionable breakfast?
Alright, let's be real. The Europe. The name alone screams "money," doesn't it? And yeah, it *is* pricey. But listen, I've been to some dumps in my time (I'm looking at you, hostel in Prague with the questionable plumbing!). This place… this is different. The view from my room? Lake Killarney sprawling before me like a freaking painting. Literal painting. And the air? Fresh. Like, Ireland-fresh, and slightly reminiscent of wet peat fires.
Was it perfect? Nah. My shower pressure was a bit… meek. Like, "trying to gently cleanse but also conserving water for the next generation" kind of meek. And that damn lift? Seemed to have a mind of its own. One minute I was headed to the spa, next I was on the 4th floor AGAIN. But the overall experience? Magnificent. Maybe you *should* ditch the questionable breakfast. Maybe.
The location - is it actually as stunning as the photos? Seems too good to be true.
Oh, the photos. They're pretty. But they don't even *begin* to capture it. I'm talking, jaw-dropping gorgeous. The hotel sits right on the edge of Lough Leane, surrounded by mountains. It’s like, *literally* a postcard come to life.
I went for a morning walk – and let me tell you, that's when the magic truly happened. The mist rising off the lake, the sound of the birds, the fresh air in my lungs… it was almost too much. I nearly cried! (Don't tell anyone.) Okay, I actually *did* cry a little. Don't judge. It was beautiful. And then I tripped over a rogue pebble. So, yeah, expect beauty, but also prepare to be humbled by the Irish terrain. Lesson learned: wear sensible shoes!
What can you *actually* do at The Europe, aside from just…look at scenery?
Okay, so you *can* just stand around gaping at the vista. And trust me, you'll want to. But there's more. A *lot* more. There's a spa – and trust me, get a treatment. I had a massage that made me feel like I was floating on a puffy cloud made of pure relaxation. Expensive, yes. Worth it? Absolutely! My masseuse, bless her soul, felt like she could work a miracle on me. I swear, I walked out feeling five years younger.
There's also horse riding (I chickened out – horses scare me), boat trips (do it!), a golf course (didn't touch that either; my golf skills are less than impressive), and plenty of hiking trails. Honestly, you could spend a week there and not run out of things to do. And after a long day of adventuring, you can get a damn fine Irish stew in the restaurant. Heavenly.
The food. Is it all just potatoes and Guinness? (Not that there's anything wrong with that…)
Right, food. The age-old question! And thankfully, the answer is a resounding "no!" While there's definitely Guinness (and plenty of it!) and yes, some excellent potatoes, the food is far more varied than you might expect. Think fresh seafood, local produce, and exquisitely prepared dishes. I'm a picky eater, and even I found things I loved.
The breakfast buffet… oh, the breakfast buffet. A feast for the eyes AND the stomach. Scrambled eggs that were somehow both fluffy and flavorful, fresh fruit, pastries so good I nearly wept. And the smoked salmon! I may have eaten my weight in smoked salmon one morning. I’m not proud, but I’m not not proud either. Dinner in the restaurant was a proper affair. Fine dining! I put on a dress and everything. And the desserts… let's just say my willpower failed me on more than one occasion. But hey, you're on vacation, right?
What's the vibe like? Is it all stuffy and pretentious?
Okay, look. It's a luxury hotel. There ARE people who love to flaunt their wealth. There might be a few perfectly coiffed women sipping champagne (don't look directly at them - they bite). But the overall vibe? Surprisingly relaxed. I found it a bit more down-to-earth than I expected. Maybe because the scenery is so spectacular, it kinda levels the playing field. Everyone’s a bit awestruck, you know?
Yes, there’s a dress code in the evening (mostly). You can't show up in your hiking boots. But the staff were lovely, friendly, and helpful (even when I managed to lock myself out of my room – twice! Total idiot move.). People were genuinely happy to be there, and that made all the difference. I’m talking a genuine sense of community with people. Well, or maybe I just got lucky. But I had some laughs with the other guests and it helped make it feel less overly fancy. It felt like a place to escape to, truly.
Okay, you've mentioned the spa. Spill the tea – was it worth it?
The spa. Oh. My. God. Let me tell you the story. I went for the "Ultimate Relaxation Package" – a *splurge*, let me tell you! I almost had a coronary when I saw the price. But hey, I was on vacation. YOLO, right?
Then, the *magic* happened. First, the sauna. Steam, heat, and all my stresses melting away. Then, the massage... I'm talking knots in my shoulders I didn’t even *know* I had! The masseuse, bless her cotton socks, worked wonders. She found tension I didn't *even* know existed! I had a facial, then a full body scrub... By the time I was done? I was practically a puddle of blissful goo. And then, to top it all off, a cup of herbal tea in a softly lit relaxation room. I emerged feeling like a brand-new human, a better version of myself. Lighter, brighter, shinier. I almost floated out of there. For a whole day, I was practically walking on clouds. That feeling alone almost made it worth the cost. Honestly, it was a perfect experience, and I almost got a tear in my eye when it was over.
Anything I should be warned about? Any downsides?
(Deep breath). Yes. The cost. Did I mention the cost? Prepare your wallet. It's not cheap. Be prepared for a few things.
1. **The Lift (mentioned earlier).** It’s like it has a mind of its own. Embrace the stairs. Get your steps in. 2. **The sheer beauty can be overwhelming.** You may find yourself staring blankly at the lake for hours on end. This is normal. Schedule in some productive time, too. Delightful Hotels
