Tahilla Cove, KILLARNEY, Kerry

If Tahilla Cove’s 14 landscaped, wooded acres by the secluded cove sings of the south seas it’s because there is a whiff of paradise in this part of ‘Irelands Riviera’ lawns resplendent with palm trees run down to the sea and private mooring. James now runs it with son Charles and wife Deirdre the local GP – two houses, built in the Forties by James’s father, touched by unusual mélange of Art Deco and Greek villa. Sink into boldly floral sofa and chairs and gaze on palm trees and sea, put your feet up by the wood burning fire and be charmed by the ever-changing light, it is restful and delightful. Big unpretentious bedrooms are lifted by art on the walls and good strong colors; most have a private balcony or terrace and views of the legendary peninsula. Walk through oak groves to idyllic viewpoints where seals can be seen basking on rocks, swim of the private pier, mess about in a rowing boat before coming back for tea in the sun or drinks by the bar. The best possible therapy for speeded – up urbanites to stay three nights (at least) with these very welcoming people