Kells Bay House & Gardens
Kells Bay House & Gardens
Kells Bay House & Gardens
4.5
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Kells Bay House & Gardens is Ireland's premier sub-tropical botanical gardens situated overlooking Dingle Bay on the Ring of Kerry. It is home of the SkyWalk, Ireland's longest rope bridge (112 foot long). Ideal for everyone with over 3 kms of walks and lots of Dinosaurs for the children. We also have 4 star accommodation in the former Hunting Lodge, with our Cafe and our Thai restaurant, Sala Thai, open daily throughout the year (by prior appointment only in January).
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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2 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
380 reviews
Excellent
241
Very good
62
Average
37
Poor
18
Terrible
22
Colin S
Virginia, Ireland2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Had a "wonderful" stay at Kells Bay House and Gardens. Can thoroughly recommend, the gardens are genuinely unique, unlike anything I've seen in other period houses. What also makes this place very different is the authentic home cooked Thai cuisine. Fantastic food, sumptuous rooms, easy access to the ring of Kerry, sea views and easy access to harbour for a dip. For garden and foodies this place ticks all boxes and more. Enjoy. Thanks to Billy & Penn for a wonderful stay. Shall return in the summer
Col
Col
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kiddal
Dublin, Ireland28 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We enjoyed a beautiful two night stay in Kells Bay for our honeymoon. Our room was exquisite with fantastic views of the bay and a beautiful ensuite with rainfall shower and freestanding bath.
We enjoyed dinner in Sala Thai restaurant which was really authentic and delicious.
We loved exploring their unique gardens complete with rope bridge, waterfalls, beautiful collection of ferns and dinosaur carvings. We would recommend to all people who love exploring nature.
We enjoyed dinner in Sala Thai restaurant which was really authentic and delicious.
We loved exploring their unique gardens complete with rope bridge, waterfalls, beautiful collection of ferns and dinosaur carvings. We would recommend to all people who love exploring nature.
Written October 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paula G
13 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
We purchased our tickets online before arrival, I was glad we had as it’s not very clear where to get tickets on site, you are directed onto the start of the garden walk once you leave the carpark area. We didn’t see any sign of a ticket office or meet anyone checking tickets for our whole visit. The carpark is spacious and we had no problem parking up our campervan. Work is on going in this area. The woodland garden is really stunning and fun for kids to explore. The dinosaur wooden carvings provided extra fun for them. We loved the rope bridge, not as long as we expected but still the highlight of our visit in a beautiful river setting.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laura L
24 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We decided to visit Kells Bay House and Gardens after seeing a write up in the Lonely Planet. It was easy to book online and we arrived shortly after opening and proceeded to reception, which is also a cafe where we showed our vouchers and received our entry stickers. It was myself, my husband and our (nearly) 4 year old. It was raining lightly and we enjoyed wandering around the trails searching for the dinosaurs (carved out of trees, some were a bit naff but our daughter appreciated them) Unfortunately there was a lot of litter around the trails, so many discarded coffee cups etc, really can't understand the mindset of some people! Not the fault of the venue but it wouldn't have been difficult to send a member of staff out with a rubbish bag before they opened. I saw a review complaining that it was 'over grown' in places but for is this just added to the rainforest feel. It was a pleasant walk and we especially enjoyed the rope bridge. We did feel it was a little bit too pricey (we paid 23 euros for the 3 of us, a family ticket was 26 euros)
When we arrived back at the reception area it was considerably busier. We wanted to get some food and had set our hopes on a Thai meal. We asked for a table and the woman advised that you have to sit outside (probably since Covid) she also explained you couldn't order until 1pm, I feel this took a lot of questioning and she didn't seem to know what was going on which didn't fill us with confidence. We were a bit early so decided to occupy a table and wait and purchase drinks from the cafe. But because the cafe was also reception there were many people queuing closely around us to buy their tickets which made us feel uncomfortable considering we are all still meant to be social distancing. It really wasn't a good set up considering there was a one way system around the gardens but then people were forced to be close together at reception and in the cafe. We decided to pass on food and head to the beach with was advertised on their site. We assumed this was walkable but to walk there from there it appeared you would have to walk through private land so we just drove there ourselves.
So all in all a pleasant visit if you have young children, but a bit overpriced and I would book online and get there early if you choose to go and I wouldn't recommend eating there because it all just feels so disorganized and people queue next to you.
When we arrived back at the reception area it was considerably busier. We wanted to get some food and had set our hopes on a Thai meal. We asked for a table and the woman advised that you have to sit outside (probably since Covid) she also explained you couldn't order until 1pm, I feel this took a lot of questioning and she didn't seem to know what was going on which didn't fill us with confidence. We were a bit early so decided to occupy a table and wait and purchase drinks from the cafe. But because the cafe was also reception there were many people queuing closely around us to buy their tickets which made us feel uncomfortable considering we are all still meant to be social distancing. It really wasn't a good set up considering there was a one way system around the gardens but then people were forced to be close together at reception and in the cafe. We decided to pass on food and head to the beach with was advertised on their site. We assumed this was walkable but to walk there from there it appeared you would have to walk through private land so we just drove there ourselves.
So all in all a pleasant visit if you have young children, but a bit overpriced and I would book online and get there early if you choose to go and I wouldn't recommend eating there because it all just feels so disorganized and people queue next to you.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Butterfly2013
Ireland72 contributions
Jul 2022
We visited here today 23rd July to enquire about a group stay in September for a special occasion. As you enter the gate there is a waterfall to the right and a carpark to the left or drive on to another carpark for gardens and house. So we thought lets look at the waterfall and then continue on to the house and visit the gardens. We had just walked to the waterfall when a grey haired man (maybe in his 60's) approached us very angry and rudely shouting you have to buy tickets, you have to buy tickets for the garden!! There is no price signage or details at or inside the gate! This man was so awful we said no way were we going to enquire about a group stay if staff were that rude. We left immediately disgusted at been shouted at. Thankfully there are other beautiful friendly places to stay in the area.
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tracey
Newbridge, Ireland198 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We had visited Kells Bay House and Gardens last summer and we were looking forward to our return visit with our little boy. We booked into the restaurant for dinner. Our little boy was admittedly quite loud but we were the only people in the restaurant at the time. My husband left to get some toys from the car to occupy him while we waited for and ate our food. Once my husband left, the owner Billy addressed me and said that he had a table of 8 coming in and he couldn't possibly have my child being so noisy. I asked him what he would like me to do and he replied "Placate him". He had previously been tutting every time my 15 MONTH OLD BABY made a noise. He could have offered us seating outside and asked us politely but he was incredibly rude and upset us to the point where we felt we had no option but to leave. There is no children's menu at this restaurant anyway and they are clearly not equipped to deal with families with young children. Incredibly disappointing.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert G
Limerick, Ireland111 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
First thing I noted was the chaotic check in to the accommodation. There didn't seem to be anyone in charge and us along with some bewildered day visitors seemed to be left to figure out where to go. Eventually a very helpful staff member arrived and looked after us. The room was nice with a very comfortable bed. The only food option is Thai themed and that is fine. The helpful French girl who checked us in seemed to be the only staff member there, she worked the dining room as well as servicing very busy takeaway orders. The food at dinner and breakfast was good. We were checked out by a very impersonal lady who may have been the co-owner. This is a great location for peace and quiet in the evening with lovely walks and a small beach. The accommodation side (outside of the hardworking female waitress) was a bit soulless and not very welcoming.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Munsterhead
5 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Fantastic place and would love to give it 5 stars however the owner really let's the place down, such a pity. He really has no personality, no appreciation/thanks or any interest in his customers paying money. Suggestion...get someone else front of house!! The gardens are magnificent and really do deserve a 5 star review.
Written May 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charsh123
Selby, UK8 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This would have been a very average walk, if it were free. It seems that the gardens have been very nice and well-kempt at some point, but that point is not now..
The gardens were very unruly and looked as though they had not had some attention for quite some time. The time it takes to walk round is hugely overstated. A part which is stated to take 25 minutes may take about 15 and a part which is stated to take 15 may take 5-10.
It really took no time at all for us to see everything there was to see and whilst there are one or two nice view points, the same type of views can be found for free outside of the gardens.
€8.50 per person really is too much for what is there, lots of the plants are overgrown and there are an awful lot of weeds taking over, and also lots of litter lying around which should really have been cleared.
It might just be the case that the gardens had become messy since COVID and therefore no staff have been working on them, and so it may be better to judge once businesses and places have had chance to recover…
The gardens were very unruly and looked as though they had not had some attention for quite some time. The time it takes to walk round is hugely overstated. A part which is stated to take 25 minutes may take about 15 and a part which is stated to take 15 may take 5-10.
It really took no time at all for us to see everything there was to see and whilst there are one or two nice view points, the same type of views can be found for free outside of the gardens.
€8.50 per person really is too much for what is there, lots of the plants are overgrown and there are an awful lot of weeds taking over, and also lots of litter lying around which should really have been cleared.
It might just be the case that the gardens had become messy since COVID and therefore no staff have been working on them, and so it may be better to judge once businesses and places have had chance to recover…
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mandy S
Dublin, Ireland23 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
A goup of seven of us visited this lovely piece of tropicsl heaven.
We started our visit with a very tasty outdoor lunch from the Sala Thai restaurant. We wanted a light lunch so between us we ordered the soups and the sharing starters platters. There was a stiff NW breeze which meant it was a little chilly. Having said that it was great to be able to bring our dogs, they were even offered a water bowl while we had lunch. (Must be on a short lead though.)
The Skywalk was quite high, so not for anyone afraid of heights. It was sufficiently wobbly to be thrilling but safe.
There were a number of loops in the gardens so you could choose how much you wished to walk. And the wood carvings were super.
I'm not an expert on plants, but I did appreciate the lovely selection of tree ferns on view. Though sadly some parts are a bit overrun by the invasive rhododendrons.
I would definitely recommend for all ages and wear suitable footwear, i.e. runners at a minimum. The paths are quite a coarse surface so not really suitable for buggies nor wheelchairs.
Allow a minimum of three hours to absorb the great variety of spectacles to be seen in the gardens.
We started our visit with a very tasty outdoor lunch from the Sala Thai restaurant. We wanted a light lunch so between us we ordered the soups and the sharing starters platters. There was a stiff NW breeze which meant it was a little chilly. Having said that it was great to be able to bring our dogs, they were even offered a water bowl while we had lunch. (Must be on a short lead though.)
The Skywalk was quite high, so not for anyone afraid of heights. It was sufficiently wobbly to be thrilling but safe.
There were a number of loops in the gardens so you could choose how much you wished to walk. And the wood carvings were super.
I'm not an expert on plants, but I did appreciate the lovely selection of tree ferns on view. Though sadly some parts are a bit overrun by the invasive rhododendrons.
I would definitely recommend for all ages and wear suitable footwear, i.e. runners at a minimum. The paths are quite a coarse surface so not really suitable for buggies nor wheelchairs.
Allow a minimum of three hours to absorb the great variety of spectacles to be seen in the gardens.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa F
6 contributions
Is it easy to take day trips to other towns or restaurants if you stay here?
JennSenn
Fox Chapel, PA44 contributions
If you have your own vehicle, yes. You are on the Ring of Kerry. We hit Cahersiveen, the Ring of Skellig, the ringforts, Valencia Island, beaches all in the area. Plenty to do, see, eat.
Niamh2hurley
Limerick, Ireland12 contributions
if staying over night, is there a family room? two adults two kids, and also if there is a family room does it have a Tv?
Burningburns
Sligo, Ireland296 contributions
Sorry I wouldn’t know but they have a website or give them a call
Do you accept the OneForAll vouchers
Carla P
Cratloe, Ireland143 contributions
Hi Siobhan,
I cannot say 100% certain, but I doubt they accept it.
Quick way to find out is to' Google' OneForall Vouchers site, and you will find your answer there. Hope this helps.
Kells Bay House & Gardens (Cahersiveen) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Kells Bay House & Gardens
- Kells Bay House & Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Hotels near Kells Bay House & Gardens:
- (0.00 mi) Kells Bay House And Gardens
- (0.01 mi) Teach Cuas Gorm Kerry
- (0.01 mi) Radharc Na Cealla Holiday Home
- (0.18 mi) Homerez - House 500 m away from the beach for 10 ppl. with sea view at Co. Kerry
- (0.25 mi) Designer Home on Dingle Bay - Modern Meets Traditional (early booking discounts)
- Restaurants near Kells Bay House & Gardens:
- (0.01 mi) Sala Thai
- (7.54 mi) The Fertha Bar & Restaurant
- (7.52 mi) The Glenbeigh Hotel
- (7.60 mi) QC's Seafood Restaurant Bar and Townhouse
- (7.68 mi) The Oratory Gourmet Pizza and Wine Bar
- Attractions near Kells Bay House & Gardens:
- (1.15 mi) Kells Sheep Centre
- (7.69 mi) Paddle and Sea
- (9.59 mi) Mossie's Tours
- (6.57 mi) Rossbeigh Beach
- (8.93 mi) Inch Beach