Active luxury in Kerry in a hotel with postcard-perfect views

Travel Bag: Plan an escape with these holiday ideas around Ireland

The five-star Europe Hotel in Killarney.

Luxe location

Killarney's Europe Hotel boasts some of the most breathtaking scenes of the famous Kerry landscape. Along with postcard-worthy views, the five-star property also offers guests a range of inclusive on-site activities. Visitors are encouraged to not only admire their mountainous surroundings over breakfast, but to see, smell and feel it for themselves, too. Meet its Haflinger horses at the on-site stables and enjoy a complimentary horse ride, improve your game at the indoor tennis courts, or take a sunrise dip off the private pier. Fishing and boating trips are available around Lough Rein, and it's a great start or end point for cycling the Ring of Kerry. After all that activity, you can sample the treatments on offer in its spa, recently awarded Hotel Spa of the Year at the European Hotel Awards. Midweek stays cost from €255 per room including breakfast. theeurope.com

The Hoban Hotel in Kilkenny has just had a €1 million refurbishment.

Hoban Hotel 

The Kilkenny hotel formally known as The Aspect has been renovated and rebranded by international hospitality agents PREM Group. After a €1 million refurbishment, the new Hoban Hotel now has a bar, restaurant, casual lounge and outdoor terrace designed by interior designer and Home of the Year judge Hugh Wallace. hobanhotelkilkenny.com

SeaFest

SeaFest and Cork Harbour Festival are coming together this year to create Ireland's biggest maritime celebration. Taking place from June 7th to 9th at the Port of Cork, Ireland's rich maritime heritage will be marked in more than 70 events across the weekend. For programme details, see seafest.ie and corkharbourfestival.com