The Brehon Laws

Welcome to The Brehon Killarney

Let us amaze you

By custom and culture, the Irish are a hospitable people. Visitors to Ireland happily testify to the warmth of the welcome. But not many realise it is a culture enshrined in ancient Irish law.

The Brehon Laws governed the ancient society of Erin in the days when an emerging Roman Empire sought to civilise mainland Europe. Under Brehon Law, it was an obligation to offer hospitality to anyone who happened upon your dwelling place. But few regarded it as an obligation; they felt it was a privilege to offer a roof, sustenance, warmth and a welcome.

My family’s ancestors were among the first to embrace those laws. We are proud to adhere to them still – and to give expression to that great tradition in a Hotel where we blend the best of the old and the new under the banner that proclaims our heritage.

The Brehon represents the pinnacle of our experience – and our pride. It is the welcome that the O’Donoghue Family have extended for generations.

It gives me great pleasure to bestow this welcome to you – Céad Míle Fáilte.

I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay with us and thank you once again for choosing The Brehon, Killarney.

Mr. Patrick O’Donoghue

Managing Director

                                                                                                                                   

Welcome

I wish to warmly welcome you to The Brehon. I trust you will have a most enjoyable stay.

At The Brehon, we offer a broad range of facilities and services, which are included in this Guest Information Directory. Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of my management Team.

Gary Curran

Hotel Manager

THE BREHON WAY

The O'Donoghues are a family whose ancestors were among the first to embrace the Brehon laws. Keeping true to the essence of those laws on hospitality - they welcome you to celebrate with them The Brehon Experience. 

The Brehon Laws Brehon Laws were civil laws that governed everyday life in the 15th Century and were concerned with payment of compensation for harm done and the regulation of property, inheritance and contracts. The name Brehon comes from the Irish word for 'Judge'  Passed on orally from at least the first century BC the Brehon Laws, named for Ireland's wandering jurists, were first set down on parchment in the seventh century AD, using the newly-developed, written Irish Language, and continued in use until the beginning of the seventeenth century.

The Brehon Way programme ensure both Management and Staff here in the Hotel embrace the Brehon Laws to enhance your customer experience. The Story of our Logo The Salmon depicted in The Brehon logo represents the Salmon of knowledge - from Irish Mythology. The story goes that the poet Fiegas spent 7 years fishing for this salmon, because he knew if he caught it and ate its flesh he would have all the knowledge in the world. When he caught it he asked his young apprentice Fionn to cook it. As he cooked it Fionn burned his thumb and sucked it to relieve the pain. When Fionn gave the cooked fish to his boss, Fiegas saw from the light in Fionn's eyes that he had gained all the knowledge and wisdom of the salmon. Fionn later became the leader of the Fianna famed heros of Irish myth.  The Story of Danú In Irish mythology, Danú is the mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann Old Irish: "The peoples of the goddess Danú "). Though primarily seen as an ancestral figure, some Victorian sources also associate her with the land. Danú was considered as the mythic mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Celtic tribes that first invaded Ireland. Indeed, the Thuata Dé were the descendants of the goddess Danú, and in some local instances, the ruler of the otherworld was a goddess, rather than a god, just as some folktales represented the otherworld as 'the Land of Women'. Danú may be connected with Bridget, daughter of Kildare and of learning, culture and skills.

Anne Sémonin at The Angsana Spa

 

Synopsis

The Angsana Spa at The Brehon has introduced the celebrity worshipped range of facials from Anne Sémonin.  This Parisian haute-couture beauty brand is a pioneer in the concept of “made to measure” beauty, Anne Sémonin specialises in customised skincare, carefully combining trace elements and essential oils to cater for the demands of every skin. Using only natural active ingredients at their maximum authorised concentrations, the products are formulated using state-of-the-art skincare science, blending traditional remedies and ingredients with new technology and formulations. Celebrity fans of Anne Sémonin include Cheryl Cole, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Dita Von Teese, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sharon Stone and Eve Longoria.  

The Philosophy

The centre of the Anne Sémonin philosophy is the understanding that each individual is unique and has different needs that change from day to day. Customers are provided with a made-to-measure experience using the range of beauty products to provide the perfect solution for everyone.

The History

The company was founded nearly 25 years ago by Madame Anne Sémonin. As a pioneer in combining trace elements and essential oils, Madame Sémonin’s belief that the most effective beauty products and treatments are based on a combination of a personal, made to measure prescription and a holistic approach remain the touch stone of the Anne Sémonin brand today. Aline Marcadet became president of the company in 1983. It was Aline’s mission to develop L’Experience Anne Sémonin creating a luxurious collection of spa treatments and products for the face and body which are designed to be combined so each individual can find their own beauty prescription according to the needs of their skin and lifestyle, just as Madame Sémonin intended. Anne Sémonin continues to combine the best of concentrated essential oils and trace elements, together with the use of neurocosmetics and cryotherapy to enhance each individual’s daily beauty regime.

The Products

Because every skin is unique, Anne Sémonin products are designed to be combined in a way that enables each and every woman to find her own personal beauty “prescription”, according to the needs of her skin, her lifestyle, or special circumstances. The full range for face and body encompasses, in addition to intensive complexes of essential oils and trace elements, milks and toners, serums, creams, masks, powders and oils for bath and massage.

The Treatments

Enjoy L’Expérience Anne Sémonin, with our collection of massages and treatments for face and body. A luxurious made-to-measure programme with a wide range of treatments designed for your well being.

Products of outstanding quality, ultra-professional protocols and exceptional diversity have established the reputation of Anne Sémonin treatments over the past 20 years. Designed for both men and women, they maintain and replenish the youthful beauty of face and body while promoting well-being, relaxation, balance and positive results.

To Book

For further information visit www.thebrehon.com  To book your treatment Tel 064 6623980 or email angsanaspa@thebrehon.com

Celebrities

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl is a huge fan of the Eye Express and Express Radiance Ice Cubes and has regular ice cube facials.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy

The French first lady’s favourite facial is the bespoke L’Expérience Anne Sémonin at Le Bristol Spa. She also uses the Anne Sémonin Precious Serum and Anne Sémonin Dheanne Cream.

Dita Von Teese

The international icon declared to the press that her daily beauty routine is the Anne Sémonin Exfoliating Mask.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Loves the Anne Sémonin Mineral Mask.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Uses the Anne Sémonin Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes.

Sharon Stone

Is an avid fan of the Express Radiance Ice Cubes.

Eve Longoria Parker

The popular American actress is a fan of the Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes.

Other celebrity fans:

Natalia Vodianova, Princess Karolina of Monaco, Paloma Picasso, Céline Dion, Brad Pitt, George Clooney

Bruce Willis and Grace Kelly

Head Chef Chad Byrne’s Grilled Sole with Fennel, Crayfish, Grape and Celery leaf Salsa

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 x sides of sole weighing approx 300g each

Olive oil to brush

Salt and lemon thyme

Salsa

Fennel head x 1.

Seedless red grapes x 1 bunch =150g grapes.

Handful of crayfish

Plum tomato x 2

Sherry vinegar x50g

Chopped chives x 1 bunch

Chopped celery leaves x 1 heart

Good quality olive oil x 100mls

Zest and juice of half a lemon.

1.      Ask your fish monger to skin and prepare the sole for grilling.

2.      Brush  the sole with olive oil and season with salt and lemon thyme

3.      Grill for 7 minutes on the  bone on a medium heat 

Mean while when the fish is cooking start to prepare the salsa

4.      Peel off the fennel layer by layer and dice, cook in boiling salted water for 1min and leave to cool.

5.      Peel and deseed tomato and dice

6.      Using a sharp knife peel the seedless grape and ¼ 

7.      In a bowl mix the fennel, crayfish, grape and tomato with the chopped herbs, zest and juice of lemon with a good glug of olive oil season with freshly ground pepper and salt.

8.      Note if all diced ingredients are of an equal size as this will go a long way in presentation purposes when serving

9.      Put sole on plate and serve with the fennel salsa on top with a wedge of lime and rocket leaves. Add some boiled new potato’s sprinkled with mint and olive oil for an amazing fresh summer fish course.

Our Sommelier, Andras Toth would recommend a nice Oveja Negra Savignon Blanc- Carmenere wine to go with the Grilled Sole. This wine is a bright,  pale, greenish- yellow color. Fresh aromas of grapefruit and passion fruit with mineral notes and a herbal touch from the Carmenere.

Embrace Killarney’s Great Outdoors

Embrace the great outdoors while staying in Ireland’s leading four star hotel, The Brehon, Killarney. The adventure loving staff at The Brehon have devised a selection of two and three night breaks incorporating their favourite outdoor pursuits. 

Surf ‘n’ Turf

Ride the waves with a surf lesson at Inch Beach on one day and taste wonderful homemade bread baked on a turf fire at Muckross Traditional Farms on another day. This three night break includes your surf lesson at Inch Beach, a visit to Muckross Traditional Farms, breakfast each morning, a main course with a glass of wine in The Brehon Bar, inhouse movies with popcorn and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of the Angsana Spa. The Brehon Surf ‘n’ Turf package costs from €246 per person sharing.

An Inch and A Mile                 

Surf the mighty Atlantic at Inch Beach and explore Killarney National Park by bike with this fun filled three night break.  It includes three nights accommodation with breakfast each morning, your surf lesson at Inch Beach, full day bike hire, a main course with a glass of wine in The Brehon Bar, inhouse movies with popcorn and some well earned relation time in the Vitality Suite of The Angsana Spa. The Brehon An Inch and A Mile package costs from €237 per person sharing.

Biking in the Kingdom

Explore Killarney’s National Park by bike while enjoying a two night break in The Brehon. Their Biking in the Kingdom package includes two nights bed and breakfast, one day bike hire with maps and a packed lunch and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of The Angsana Spa. This package costs from €125 per person sharing.

Kayaking in Killarney  

The famous Lakes of Killarney are perhaps best viewed from the water, and what better way than by kayak. The Brehon’s Kayaking in Killarney package includes two nights bed and breakfast, a half day kayak on the Lakes of Killarney accompanied by you expert guide and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of The Angsana Spa. This package costs from €176 per person sharing. No previous kayaking experience is required and the kayaking equipment is provided.

Walk With Me

Explore Tomies Wood and Mountain with an expert guide versed in the mythology and history associated with this famous burial place of an ancient Irish Chieftain. This is an easy scenic grade C half day walk. The Walk With Me package includes two nights bed and breakfast, the half day guided walk, return trip to Tomies Wood, a packed lunch, après walk drink in the Scotts Bar and some well earned relation time in the Vitality Suite of the Angsana Spa.  This package costs from €176 per person sharing. Walks are subject to weather conditions and suitable walking gear must be supplied by guest.

Corrán Tuathail, McGillycuddy Reeks 

Join The Brehon’s expert guide for an intimate sharing of the extraordinary natural, cultural and spiritual history of our highest peaks, this is truly an unforgettable experience. This unique package includes two nights bed and breakfast, the guided walk of Carrauntoohill, return trip to the foothills of Carrauntoohill, a packed lunch and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of the Angsana Spa. This package costs from €185 per person sharing. Walks are subject to weather conditions and suitable walking gear must be supplied by the guest.

For further information on any of the above packages check out www.thebrehon.com or call 064 6671543.

Online Sensation An Alternative Wedding at The Brehon, Killarney

The staff at The Brehon in Killarney are setting their sights on Hollywood following the news that their latest online video has gone viral.

Titled “An Alternative Wedding” - the three minute video has received over 1300 hits since being uploaded to You Tube just two weeks ago.

The video stars the staff from the hotel including Hotel Manager Gary Curran and Executive Chef John Drummond and was filmed by Director Tony Byrne and Director of Photography Fionn MacGhiolla Chuda along with students from the FAS Television and Video Production Course based in Tralee.  

The humorous storyline follows the behind the scenes preparations for a wedding at The Brehon while also highlighting Killarney’s stunning scenery.

“Our aim was to make a video that shows the thought and hard work that goes into every Brehon wedding.  This video gives real insight into the ethos and atmosphere of The Brehon which we believe cannot be illustrated by using words and photos alone,” explains Brehon Marketing Executive and Video Producer Sabrina Horgan. 

“The Brehon is a unique hotel and our staff go above and beyond the call of duty to make it so. We wanted to emphasis this through a video, we had great fun making it and we think you will agree that it is not like any other hotel video ever made.”

Couples planning their special day are invited to visit The Brehon on Sunday, June 24 between 2pm and 6pm for a Wedding Consultation Day.  In the meantime check out An Alternative Wedding at The Brehon by logging onto www.youtube.com/user/TheBrehonHotel or www.thebrehon.com