Kells Bay House & Gardens – A Sub‑tropical Jewel on the Ring of Kerry

Overview

Kells Bay House & Gardens sits in a dramatic V‑shaped valley on the Wild Atlantic Way, just off the Ring of Kerry. Overlooking Dingle Bay, the estate blends a 19th‑century Victorian hunting lodge with a subtropical garden that thrives thanks to the Gulf Stream’s warming influence. Palms, bamboos, tree‑ferns and rare succulents from the Southern Hemisphere grow alongside rugged Irish cliffs, offering a unique horticultural experience.

History

The estate originated in the 1800s when Rowland Blennerhassett purchased the land and built a hunting lodge for the Blennerhassett Estate. The Ladies’ Walled Garden was laid out in the 1870s for Lady Mary Blennerhassett and retains its three‑level terraced design. In the early 2000s, Billy and Penn Alexander took over the property. Billy, a RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold‑medallist, sources rare plants worldwide, while Penn curates the culinary side. Their vision transformed the historic house into a four‑star boutique hotel and the surrounding grounds into an award‑winning horticultural showcase.

What to See & Do

The Gardens

• Palm & Succulent Garden – Mature yuccas and hardy succulents on a terrace with sweeping bay views.
• Ladies’ Walled Garden – Three terraced levels beneath a canopy of massive tree‑ferns, featuring plants from Australia, New Zealand and South America.
• Primeval Forest – The largest tree‑fern forest in the northern hemisphere, home to hundreds of Dicksonia antarctica specimens, some dating back to the 19th century.
• Bamboo Glade – Over 60 species of bamboo from the Americas and Asia, with a whimsical “Wishing Chair”.
• Gunnera Pool – Giant rhubarb‑like leaves, peaty water and dragonflies create a dramatic oasis.
• River Ramble – A fast‑flowing stream bordered by moss‑covered stones and exotic ferns, featuring Ireland’s longest rope bridge – the 112‑foot SkyWalk.
• Cliff Walk – Panoramic views of Dingle Bay, Cnoc na dTobar and wooden dinosaur sculptures crafted from storm‑blown timber.
• Waterfall Way & Bog Walk – A loop that takes you over a cascading waterfall, across a board‑walk through a bog, and past plantings from New Zealand and Australia.

The House & Accommodation

The original 1800s hunting lodge has been lovingly restored. Nine individually styled rooms offer garden, mountain or sea views, private entrances and complimentary garden entry.

• The Alexander Room – Largest room with three windows framing gardens, mountains and the bay.
• The Bell Tower Suite – Two‑bedroom, two‑floor suite with stone‑carved steps and sweeping sea vistas.
• The Dingle Bay Suite – Private entrance, two super‑king bedrooms and direct access to the Blue Flag Kells Beach.
• The Bay View Room – Front‑facing garden and sea views, private entrance and outdoor seating.

All rooms provide Wi‑Fi, tea station, en‑suite bathroom and free resident parking.

Dining

• Sala Thai Restaurant – Chef‑owner Penn Alexander serves authentic Thai dishes using locally sourced produce. Lunch runs 13:00‑16:00 (no booking required); dinner 18:00‑20:00 (recommended reservation).
• Garden Room Café – Open from the garden opening time, offering teas, scones, coffee and sandwiches throughout the day. No ticket required.

Garden Shop & Botanical Art

The on‑site Plant Centre sells rare tree‑ferns, palms and other exotics grown in‑house, with delivery across Ireland, Britain and Europe. A boutique also offers limited‑edition botanical prints by Susan Sex and Pauline Bewick.

Activities & Extras

• SkyWalk Rope Bridge – Ireland’s longest rope bridge, popular with families and adventure‑seekers.
• Dinosaur Sculptures – Eight life‑size wooden dinosaurs scattered along the Primeval Forest and other trails, delighting children.
• Blue Flag Kells Beach – A short walk from the Palm Gardens, ideal for swimming, beachcombing or a surf lesson.
• Outdoor Pursuits – The estate can arrange horse riding, cycling, mountaineering, fishing trips and tee‑times at nearby links courses (Dooks, Waterville, Hogs Head).
• Special Events – Annual Southern Symposium, seasonal garden festivals and horticultural talks (check the website for the latest programme).

Practical Information

Booking – Garden tickets and accommodation can be booked online via the Kells Bay website (currently unreachable; please verify the correct URL). The Thai restaurant accepts reservations for dinner via the same site.

Getting There

Address: Kells, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry, V23 EP48. The estate lies 11 km north of Cahersiveen on the N70 Ring of Kerry road. GPS coordinates: 52.02281, ‑10.09971.

• By car – Free resident parking is available for guests; additional visitor parking is located near the ticket office.
• Public transport – Bus services run between Cahersiveen and Kells Bay during the summer months; the nearest bus stop is a short 5‑minute walk from the entrance.
• Dog friendly – Dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the grounds.

Accessibility

The main garden paths are level and suitable for most abilities, though some forest trails involve uneven ground and steps. Wheelchair users will find the lower‑level Palm & Succulent Garden and the Café area most accessible.

Nearby Attractions

Kells Bay is a convenient base for exploring the Skellig Islands, the historic Kerry Way, Ballycarbery Castle, and the world‑renowned golf links of Dooks and Waterville. The Blue Flag Kells Beach is just a few minutes’ walk from the Palm Gardens. Nearby villages such as Ballydavid offer additional coastal walks and traditional pubs.

Plan your visit to Kells Bay House & Gardens and discover why it is celebrated as the “Jewel of the Ring of Kerry” – a place where Victorian charm, award‑winning horticulture and coastal wildness meet in unforgettable harmony.