How often can you say you’ve walked the same hallways as people in the 1800s? Or that you have eaten in the dining room of a well-to-do family who once lived in the home in 1877? When you choose Cahernane House Hotel as your hotel near Killarney County Kerry, you can experience the modern amenities and comfort of a 4-star hotel while enjoying the elegance and history of an 1800s estate. Our timeless décor and idyllic surroundings make our guests feel like they are stepping back in time while enjoying all of the facilities and grandeur of a modern manor house hotel. Our team at Cahernane House Hotel have curated packages so you can enjoy the timeless elegance of this former home. Enjoy timeless elegance at Cahernane House Hotel this summer and learn more about the history of the family and the hotel’s past.
History of Cahernane House Hotel
Cahernane was originally built as the family home of the Herbert Family in 1877, close to the small town of Killarney and the Killarney National Park. He commissioned engineers and builders Collen Brothers Contractors and architect James Franklin Fuller whose portfolio included Ballyseedy Castle, Dromquinna Manor and the Parknasilla Hotel. One generation on, the family had fallen on hard times and the home was being used as a hotel serviced by a large number of staff including horsemen, boatmen, gardeners, gamekeepers and domestic staff. When the current owner, Henry Herbert, married his wife Catherine she insisted that the sanitary arrangements, which were a row of outdoor ‘closets’ be refurbished. Henry had the original Queen Anne-style house demolished in 1877 to make way for a more modern Victorian mansion – the house we welcome you to today.
Towards the end of the 1800s, set against the backdrop of Ireland’s turbulent past with the British landlords and government, the home was passed on to Arthur Herbert along with significant debts. The home was lucky to be saved as many prominent homes like Muckross Castle were closed around this time.
In the 1900s, Arthur recommissioned the home for use exclusively as a hotel, with the Herbert Family continuing its ownership. The hotel was sold during the Second World War to Vincent Albericci, a cafe owner from Cork City. However, the family had held on to a small portion of land on the grounds and Gwendolen Herbert lived in the gardener’s cottage until she died in 1966. Over 200 years of Herbert history in Cahernane finally came to an end.
We would love to know more about the families and guests of Cahernane House Hotel over its long history and are often told tales from former guests and local historians to fill in the gaps. The hotel’s owners, PREM Group, have lovingly restored the home to its former glory, modernising the main hotel building, the coach House, the stables, the gardens and much more, preserving the dignity and beauty of its past. Today, Cahernane House Hotel offers a superior manor house hotel experience that includes gourmet getaways, historic tours and unforgettable weddings.
Vintage Car Escape
If you’d like to step back in time during your trip to Killarney, our two-night Vintage Car Escape is a unique package that’s perfect for you. Arrive on Monday or Tuesday for a 2-night stay and immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Killarney in style self-driving a vintage Mercedes car around Killarney, as far as you’d like to discover. This timeless elegant escape includes;
- Luxurious 2-night stay at Cahernane House Hotel
- Classic Mercedes Car Experience: Enjoy the exclusivity of a Classic Mercedes from Monday/Tuesday afternoon check-in until Wednesday/Thursday departure.
- 3-Course Dinner in our Cellar Bar: Indulge in locally sourced flavours amidst the charming ambience of our Cellar Bar.
- Whiskey Tasting Experience: Elevate your dining experience with a curated whiskey-tasting session, uncover the rich heritage of premium Irish whiskeys.
- Full Irish Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast each morning, fuelling your exploration of Killarney’s treasures.
Book your vintage getaway today and redefine luxury at Cahernane House Hotel. This and many of our other imaginative and unique packages are exclusively available when you book directly with one of our team or on our website. We’d be delighted to welcome you for a luxurious break in our Killarney Hotel.
