It's hard to know where to begin...because there were so many aspects to the Lakeview experience that made it my top trip of all time - and I'm an old bird who's been many places.
First, Killarney is my most favorite place in the world. Full stop. And in our many previous visits, my husband and I would stay at the Aghadoe Heights because of the view, which is breathtaking. Never did I think it could be improved upon. Alas, I was wrong. The best way to describe it this... staying at the Aghadoe is like watching your favourite actor on stage, but staying at Lakeview is like having a drink with them. There is an intimacy with the surroundings at Lakeview that cannot be duplicated by staying in a hotel, no matter how nice.
Second, the people…Maurice could not have been more welcoming – we showed up three hours early, almost unannounced, and he did not bat an eye. He was available throughout the week by phone to answer our questions as we came upon them. Peter, the estate manager, was equally accommodating with helpful hints around the manor and in town. Bernadette, the house manager, was both “there” and “not there” at the same time, keeping things stocked and tidy.