The Moorings Hotel Portmagee

The Moorings Hotel Portmagee

Review

The Moorings Hotel here in Portmagee is family owned and offers accommodation with a real sense of place, perfectly matched to this beautiful and rugged corner of Co. Kerry. Portmagee may take its name from Captain Theobald Magee, the notorious smuggler of old, but today it is a far calmer and more welcoming village, while still retaining all the wild character of his day. Here at The Moorings, the harbour is practically on your doorstep, and many bedrooms enjoy wonderful views across the water over to Valentia Island. Even rooms without a sea view still look towards the surrounding countryside, which is hardly a compromise. With a wide choice of rooms available, this is a comfortable, atmospheric and very well-located base for exploring the Skellig Coast.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The food offering at the Moorings Hotel in Portmagee is every bit as impressive as the accommodation, and the Kennedy family clearly take real pride in what they serve. With fresh fish landing locally each day, the seafood here could hardly be any fresher, and that sense of place shines through every plate. It is no surprise that former Irish President Mary McAleese has counted it among her favourite places to eat in Kerry. Guests have two excellent choices: the Moorings Restaurant, where the menu feels a little more refined and the harbour views are simply beautiful, or the Bridge Bar, named after the Valentia Island bridge opposite, for something more relaxed. Add regular trad sessions, and you have a truly memorable Kerry dining experience.