Heaton’s Guesthouse

Heaton's Guesthouse is a guesthouse property designed to take full advantage of the views it has over the scenic bay opposite. Guests are greeted with a particularly warm welcome including homemade chocolate cake, scones, and fresh tea and coffee upon check-in. Sticklers for cleanliness, the owners Cameron and Nuala ensure the place is spotless throughout, while maintaining the hotel's relaxed and homely atmosphere. Interiors are dotted with antique furniture and decor is traditional -- if a little dowdy -- with plush comfy sofas and patterned carpets. David, the son of the owner and a professional chef, helms the kitchen, while his brother runs Castlewood House just next door. Clientele are mostly slightly older couples touring the area, although the hotle does host the occasional family with kids.

Heaton's Guesthouse is located overlooking Dingle Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way tourism trail in the southwestern county of Kerry. The hotel is set beside Milltown Bridge on one of the main roads out of Dingle, with the town center's restaurants and pubs are a brisk five minutes' walk away.  Dingle Distillery is also just few minutes walk across the bridge where you can go on a tour that includes tastings of Dingle Whiskey, Dingle Gin, and Dingle Vodka. There's also plenty of local walking trails through some of the country's most scenic landscapes.

The guesthouse has 12 rooms, each individually styled with mostly traditional decor. Picture antique-style furnishings and patterned carpets and drapery, although a couple room have a more modern touches. All provide free Wi-Fi (though the signal can be weak), tea/coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs with a few satellite channels including CNN and Sky News. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained; most come with shower/tub combos, while suites have separate step-in showers and tubs, and deluxe rooms also come with bathrobes. Almost all rooms also have lovely views over the bay, and while most are spacious, a couple are on the small side. Overall, the rooms are cozy and clean, but the decor can feel a little dated.

The hotel places a strong emphasis on fine dining, especially at the free breakfast which is excellent -- and second only to sister property Castlewood House next door. As well as the breakfast buffet, there are plenty of cooked-to-order dishes including the signature Drambuie porridge. Unlike its neighbor, Heaton's Guesthouse also provides an excellent menu of fine-dining for other from the resident chef. Although there's no bar, there's a pleasant lounge with a real coal fire and hot drinks available throughout the day. Wi-Fi and parking are also available free of charge, but there's no gym or spa.