In every season the 5-star luxury and sublime surrounds of The Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney in Co. Kerry makes it the ultimate destination to enjoy the very best Ireland has to offer.

An unforgettable 48 hrs at The Europe in the heart of ‘The Kingdom’

The wide range of offerings at The Europe, a renowned resort, and its majestic location in a UNESCO World Biosphere make it the natural choice for luxury, relaxation, and exploring the famed Ring of Kerry. From sustainable dining to a true abundance of activities, The Europe is the go-to for a two-night stay in Ireland or an even longer getaway! This guide is a curated recommendation list for a thrilling staycation and 48 hours enjoying the finest resort accommodation in Killarney.

Your Getaway Guide for a Weekend Trip or Two Night Vacation at a 5-Star Resort & Spa

The Europe is easily accessible whether you’re travelling from Dublin or making the hotel a two night stay on the Ring of Kerry. As part of your reservation process, our Bookings Team can assist you with the best route for you as well as supply you with a Map & Directions.

Before You Arrive: Booking Your ESPA Afternoon

The first step to making your 48 hr getaway truly magical is booking your ESPA treatment. As the only ESPA in Killarney, The Europe is one of only a select group of the very best hotels in Ireland to offer these prestige, bespoke treatments and products. With a menu of thoughtfully selected treatments, the unique tailored offerings will transport you to a luxurious world of your own whether you’re pampering with a facial or an ultimate body ritual. Find the right treatment then make sure to reserve your preferred experience and time in advance as these appointments can book up well in advance. You can contact ESPA to find out more via the Enquiry Form

Day 1

Midday: Arriving

As you approach The Europe, the serenity and truly spectacular surrounds will take your breath away. The hotel’s exclusive car park means you will have no trouble finding a space and there are electric vehicle chargers available for eCar drivers.

1.00PM: Lunch - Riva

Ahead of your check in, and ESPA treatment later in the afternoon, take in the stunning outlook on the covered external terrace of Riva. With an Italian-directed menu and the relaxed surrounds of the exclusive Active Level, you can enjoy everything from flat breads to traditional Italian favourites ahead of your secluded ESPA experience. A flavoursome, wholesome lunch is the perfect accompaniment to a holistic spa afternoon.

From 3.00PM: Check-In

To make your check-in easy, we have a range of personalised options for checking in online or in-person with all information provided to you during your booking.  

3.15PM: Discover Your Room

Make the most of every minute during your escape to The Europe. The hotel’s motto is 'Luxury. Relaxed.’ and what better way to settle in than with a brief, rejuvenating rest in your room? You might not get much shut-eye as you get accustomed to your spacious accommodation but we guarantee the sight of the manicured gardens or Lakes of Killarney will have you unwinding with the utmost privacy.

3.45PM: Spa treatment at ESPA

ESPA at The Europe is the leading luxury 5-star spa experience of hotels in Killarney. Set against the extraordinary panorama of the region, your afternoon will be beautiful and serene to ensure you’re perfectly relaxed in an utterly decadent setting. ESPA at The Europe is highly awarded, most recently as Ireland’s Five Star Hotel Spa Experience at The Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards 2021, so there’s every chance you’ll make an excuse for a second visit to The Europe’s ESPA during your staycation.

6.00PM: Cocktail Hour

Take in sunset with a cocktail in hand al fresco-style at The Europe Bar . Every space at The Europe is breathtaking and the proximity to the Lower Lake of Killarney and MacGillycuddy’s Reeks Mountain Range is offered at no other 5-star hotel in the region.

7.00PM: Dinner at The Panorama

The pinnacle of fine dining in Killarney can be found at The Panorama. For gourmet food lovers or if you’re looking for the county’s best produce, your ' farm to fork’ experience at the hotel’s award-winning Panorama Restaurant will wow you. The restaurant is popular with guests and locals alike and highlights regional Irish ingredients including the famed Kerry lamb and beef from the Killarney Hotels’ own private farm.

Day 2

9AM: Breakfast - Room Service

Start the day with a breakfast of stellar endemic Irish produce and soak up the warm hospitality The Europe is famous for. Guests can pre-order the night before from a seasonally-led menu that has creative and inclusive options for all tastes, dietary requirements and lifestyles. The hotel’s food team harnesses the natural bounty of Ireland’s farmland and fishing to make your breakfast one that’s locally-sourced, diet conscious and satisfying. The most important meal of the day will be that much more delicious when enjoyed in the comfort of your elegant, contemporary room.

10AM: Library Stop

After breakfast, pop downstairs and get lost in a book or the day’s paper. It makes sense to delve into some incredible writing while you’re visiting ‘The Kingdom’ with many of Ireland’s most acclaimed writers hailing from the county. The Library is a beloved area of The Europe for whiling away the hours with this dreamy nook the ultimate spot for devouring a novel, trying your hand at a game of chess, or simply gazing at the rolling hills.

11.15AM: Stroll The Grounds

Next, if you can, tear yourself away from the Library to follow the path for a late morning walk along the lake where the mountains meet the water. You’ll work up an appetite for lunch and as you go, you’ll see more of Lough Léin, the largest of the Lakes of Killarney whose name translates to ‘the Lake of Learning’. This ancient area still maintains its impressive atmosphere and the natural luxury of the hotel’s walks are enchanting no matter where you go.

12.15PM: Lunch at The Lounge

Drop by The Lounge for a light bite after your walk. Their day time selection of snacks and beverages will tide you over until the evening and we know for a fact their scones are completely worth the splurge.

1.15PM: Relax in the Manicured Gardens

Pause in the manicured gardens of the hotel and immerse yourself in the vista in all its glory. The tranquil setting amid the lush lawns and fresh Kerry air will help you unplug before an afternoon of activities. Blissful doesn’t even begin to describe moments like this.

2PM: Hit the Golf Links

Make it an active afternoon with the elevated resort options at The Europe. The estate is a playground of offerings that mean you can continue on the theme of one of Ireland’s renowned ‘golf and spa breaks’ or make it a more active two night getaway. If you’re ready to tee off with a golf break, The Europe is right next door to Killarney Golf & Fishing Club and you can even request a Golfside Room. Make it 18 holes or challenge yourself on the hotel’s complimentary tennis courts. 

5.00PM: Happy Hour

Order a round of drinks and snacks for your private balcony . Watching the lake at sunset from this wing of the hotel will be a defining memory of your stay with The Europe’s architecture perfectly opening up to the glowing brilliance of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Killarney sky. We guarantee you’ve never been to a bar that’s at the epicentre of beauty like this.

6.00PM: Casual Dinner at The Brasserie

After a full day out, you’ll be more than ready for The Brasserie Bar & Restaurant’s idyllic space that’s stylishly informal so you can be completely in the moment. The Brasserie will welcome you back for an evening at the hotel filled with comfort food and an incredible beverage menu all in the relaxed grandeur of your 5-star home away from home.

9.00PM: Late Night Tipple

Your final stop for the night is finding a nook of your own where you can wrap up an epic Killarney day with a fireside brandy or perhaps an Irish whiskey from The Europe’s Main Bar . Time stands still as the night goes on and any traveller feels beyond welcome in the sumptuous lounge chairs of the cosy Lounge with light reflecting off the crystal candlesticks.

Day 3

8AM: Pre-Breakfast PT Session & Swim

Your last morning begins on the Active Level with a pre-breakfast Personal Training session and swim in The Europe’s indoor pool. While you’re enjoying the complimentary fitness space, continue your ESPA journey and pop into the shop to purchase an ESPA souvenir from our Spa Reception.

10AM: Breakfast

After an invigorating workout and swim, treat your appetite with personalised table service and an inspired á la carte breakfast menu. From seasonal fruit to free-range eggs, you’ll relish the ingredients curated in line with quality as well as sustainability as you start the day. We’re sure you’ll find the freshly baked pastries from The Europe’s in-house bakery particularly irresistible with a delectable range of artisanal breads, gluten free, and vegan goodies available to savour, too.

11AM: Complimentary Horse Riding

Before check-out, meet The Europe’s Australian Haflinger Ponies. The hotel’s sweet residents have an enviable home and you’ll see them grazing the hotel’s grounds during your stay. As an exclusive experience stop in for a complimentary horse ride , no reservations needed, and you’ll be taken along the sheltered bridleways. We’re sure the ponies will steal your heart even more completely plus show you another side of The Europe again.

12PM: Check-Out & Discover More of Killarney

While it won’t be a proper goodbye, get ready to check out after your weekend or two day-two night stay in this unrivalled slice of paradise. We recommend taking in even more of Kerry’s landscape and delving further into Killarney National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve can fill many days with an extraordinary range of activities available in this hub of natural splendour and historic tourist attractions including Muckross House and you might wind up needing to extend your 48 hr stay! If you’re seeing the rest of the Ring of Kerry, continue on to the Gap of Dunloe and make the most of Ireland’s crown jewel or head to the coast for some of Ireland’s best beaches and Dingle Peninsula.

Experience fabulous resort activities in Killarney with the best dining, relaxation, adventure and accommodation on the Ring of Kerry

With the most superb level of comfort, personality, warmth and attention-to-detail, The Europe is ready to welcome you for a staycation or a special occasion getaway. See our Offers or let our Reservations team help you plan your luxury stay today.

 For guests of The Europe, please note that the timings used in this blog post are a guideline only and are subject to availability for a specific stay as well as your personal preferences during your getaway.