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Butler Arms Hotel

Set right on the edge of Ballinskelligs Bay in County Kerry, the Butler Arms Hotel has welcomed guests since 1884, with the Huggard family running the show since 1915. That's over a century of hospitality in one of Ireland's most dramatic coastal settings, and it shows in the warmth and welcome you'll find here. This is a proper family-run Irish hotel, the kind of place where you're made to feel at home the moment you walk through the door, and it sits perfectly for anyone planning a golf tour of Ireland's south west coast.

The location alone makes it a smart base. You're less than five minutes from Waterville Golf Links, one of the most highly regarded links courses in Ireland, and Hogs Head Golf Club is equally close. Both are genuine bucket-list venues, and having them on your doorstep means you can roll out of bed, have a proper Irish breakfast and be on the first tee without any fuss. Beyond golf, Lough Currane is right there for anyone who fancies a bit of salmon or sea trout fishing between rounds.

The hotel itself carries a bit of Hollywood history. Charlie Chaplin was a regular here, and the lounge is filled with photographs from his visits, a nice touch that adds character to an already charming space. It's the sort of place where you can settle in with a pint after a long day on the links, swap stories about the round and feel like you're part of something with a bit of soul. Expect a traditional, family-run feel rather than a glossy resort vibe, with the sort of relaxed atmosphere that suits small groups and couples who want great golf, a comfortable base and a proper Kerry welcome.

Who is this for?
Golfers and small groups who want to play Waterville with minimal travel, plus couples looking for a traditional, family-run Kerry hotel with coastal scenery and easy access to the Ring of Kerry's best courses.

Who is it best for?
Anyone building a south west Ireland tour who prefers character and location over resort-style facilities, and wants a relaxed base for repeat rounds at Waterville.

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Accommodation at Butler Arms Hotel

Rooms at the Butler Arms are traditional in style and geared towards comfort after a day on the coast. Each has a private bathroom with bath and shower, satellite TV and a seating area that's handy for sorting kit and winding down after 18 holes. The setup is classic rather than flashy, but everything you need is there, and the focus is squarely on a good night's sleep before your next round.

Breakfast is a full Irish affair, the kind that sets you up properly for 18 holes in the Kerry wind. The restaurant menu changes daily and leans heavily on fresh, local ingredients, with daily fish specials that showcase whatever's been landed that day. It's particularly strong on seafood, which makes sense given the location, and the quality of the catch is a real highlight. If you're after something more casual, the Fisherman's Bar serves a traditional bar menu in a relaxed setting, perfect for a post-round pint and a bite without any formality.

The lounges are a real highlight. They feel like proper hotel lounges, the kind you actually want to sit in, with plenty of character and those Charlie Chaplin photographs that nod to the hotel's heritage. There's a genuine sense of history in the place, and it's not a big, anonymous resort. It's a family-run hotel with personality, and that makes a difference when you're looking for somewhere to base yourself for a few days of serious golf. The Huggard family have been doing this for over a hundred years, and it shows in the way the place is run and the welcome you'll receive.

If you're touring, it's the sort of place that makes an easy base for a couple of nights, especially when you want a quieter, more intimate stay than a big resort. The hotel works well for small groups who want to keep things simple, breakfast, golf, pint, dinner, repeat, or use the Butler Arms as a base to dip into the wider Ring of Kerry and Killarney area depending on what else you've got booked.

Features

  • In House Restaurant
  • In House Bar
  • TV
  • Wireless Internet

Butler Arms Hotel Frequently Asked Questions

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in from 12pm | Check out 10am

What time is breakfast?

7-10am

What is the dress code for dinner?

No

What restaurant do I need to book for dinner?

Conservatory, Fisherman’s Bar and Charles Restaurant

How many bars are there?

There are 2 bars on site

Is there a charge for car parking on site?

There is complimentary car parking

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