Review of Sheen Falls Lodge, by Mary Lussiana

A stay at Sheen Falls Lodge reveals why people talk about the magic of Ireland. A fire blazes in the hallway, a charming porter rushes to unpack the car. Just beneath you, at the end of the emerald gardens, cascades the River Sheen in a melodious torrent, in the distance lies Kenmare Bay and behind you 300 acres of woodlands wait to be explored...

The facilities

The Health Spa at Sheen Falls Lodge has an inviting indoor pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, gym and several treatment rooms with amongst others, Reiki, hot stone massages and Yon Ka products available.

Two restaurants, both overlooking the river, provide superb cuisine with a gourmet menu in La Cascade and more simple fare in Oscar's Bistro.

Outside there is fishing in a private stretch of river. Croquet and tennis is available in the gardens, and clay pigeon shooting, golf and riding are all nearby. There is also a dedicated conference centre with excellent AV facilities.

The rooms

Sumptuous and subtle, a vision of elegant luxury, all rooms are spacious with CD players, and, in the suites, DVD players with a collection of DVDs available to borrow from reception. King sized beds have white goose down duvets and custom made Danish bed linen. Beds which drop down from columns in the wall are perfect for children. Large marble bathrooms offer Molton Brown body products, and the views onto the cascading falls and Sheen Bridge beyond are memorable.

For those in search of more privacy - or more room - thatched cottages are also available to stay in on the estate and are all individually decorated with log fires (Little Hay even has an eye level fire in the kitchen for real indulgence) and elegant furnishings.