Transported goods included butter from the new creamery in Springwell and homespun tweeds designed for export markets. From the moment that Lord Lansdowne began discussions with the Great Southern & Western Railway it was implicit that it would be accompanied by a hotel. The rail link closed in 1959 & now local producers bring their produce to Park Hotel Kenmare kitchen and it is not just salmon that cross the Atlantic but valued guests and friends who return to our special place year after year.
At the Park Hotel Kenmare, we have a goal to be the most sustainable hotel in Ireland and one of the leading hotels in the world for innovation and progress in this area. For us a key part of sustainability is that we cannot begin to reverse climate change until we start recognizing and including our community in the social and economic progress we make as individuals , businesses and nations. In too many cases around the world someone else is worse off as a result of one’s progress . One thing that the Park Hotel can do immediately is to recognize our local community and to ensure everyone feels welcome at our hotel. Originally exclusively for resident guests & those with dining reservations , in January 2024 after purchasing the hotel the Meehan family’s first improvement was to immediately remove the ‘residents only’ sign. We welcome everyone and everyone is welcome.
Park Hotel Kenmare Heritage & Community
Heritage & Community
Park Hotel Kenmare is famed for its hospitality in the truest sense of the word. Generations of guests since 1897 have been warmly welcomed, valued and respected as friends not just customers. This fine hotel is far more than bricks and mortar; it is the sum of almost 130 years of experience. Its history is shared with the town of Kenmare, of which it is an integral part.
On the banks of the Finnihy River, just outside the town centre, stands a dolmen burial chamber surrounded by a stone circle. Archaeologists still ponder the true significance of these most ancient stones. We know for certain that since 2,500 BC and quite possibly longer, people have fished the Finnihy River. Each year our ancestors have waited patiently for the salmon to return across the Atlantic to spawn in the river…. an event promising food for the months ahead. The town of Kenmare grew on this historic site. Early in 1890 – Lord Lansdowne provided land to The Great Southern & Western Railway Company so that it could build a 20 – mile long line to link Kenmare to existing lines in Mallow and Killarney. As well as bringing visitors to the area the railway also provided an important new trade link.
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We also believe that for our international guests its vital to be able to welcome them into a real Irish community. One with no gates, one with no exclusivity or privilege. One that makes everyone feel welcome. We have all been in situations in our lives where we didn’t feel welcome and the essence of Irish spirt comes from the words ‘Cead Mile Failte’, a hundred thousand welcomes. We extend this Irish greeting to everyone and especially the town of Kenmare and surrounds.
