We are incredibly proud to employ a team of hardworking, caring, dedicated and charismatic people. Ranging from local families that have worked with us for upwards of 30 years, to individuals from around the world bringing their own stories and cultures, we believe that a huge part of what makes our hotel so special are the people who show up every day to cook, clean, welcome guests, tend the gardens, and manage the running of the hotel. A strong community is an integral part of the way our hotel operates, and that begins with honouring our wonderful team. We hope that guests at the Park Hotel Kenmare are drawn to visit not only because of the acclaimed art we showcase, the sensory indulgences of our dining room and spa, or the vibrant heritage town of Kenmare and the stunning backdrop of west Kerry, but additionally to experience the exemplary Irish hospitality and good company of our valued employees.
Sustainable Legacy at Park Hotel Kenmare
Sustainability
Sustainability begins at the local level, from the food we eat and the way we think about energy and consumption at the hotel , to committing that the team we employ have exemplary working conditions. Finally to recognizing our local community and suppliers.
Our sustainability extends to a global level as well, including reducing carbon footprints and focusing on clean energy. We are committed to continuous improvement in sustainability, and are focusing on achieving a net zero carbon footprint by the year 2030. This year we will see a reduction in our Scope 2 emissions by 60% through the switching to a 100% green electricity tariff, including offering electric car chargers for guests’ use. Other energy reduction measures will also look to reduce our Scope 1 emissions. We are also investigating how we can further reduce the use of LPG, oil and diesel on site which is responsible for the remaining greenhouse gas emissions on site. We undergo meticulous recycling and composting plans, and minimise waste as much as possible throughout all sectors of the hotel. We are lucky to call this sliver of Ireland home for the time being, and strive to maintain and protect the land we inhabit so that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty and prosperity of the Kenmare bay and surrounding areas. Through intentional change, we hope to give example of the way luxury hotels can be run in a mindful way that gives back to both the community and the environment.
The Relais & Châteaux 12 Commitments
As a member of Relais & Châteaux, Park Hotel Kenmare is proud to support the Association's 12 Commitments to Sustainability. These commitments provide a shared framework for protecting biodiversity, preserving cultural heritage, supporting local communities, and promoting responsible hospitality. Many of the initiatives already embedded throughout our hotel contribute directly to these commitments and reflect our ongoing dedication to caring for the place we call home.
This dedication is thoughtfully rooted in three major missions:
1. Preserve the worlds hospitality & culinary traditions.
2. Contribute to the protection and development of biodiversity.
3. Take daily action for a more humane world.
We invite you to explore these 12 commitments as we strive to cultivate a more harmonious tomorrow.
1. Promote the richness of the many different hospitality cultures around the world, through the uniqueness of each Relais & Châteaux property and its local character. Preserve local cultural heritage, emblematic local architecture – from the most traditional to the most contemporary –, the decorative arts, as well as landscape and garden design.
2. Favor interactions with local communities, producers, and suppliers in order to co-create shared value, and assist them in developing their activities and preserving the diversity of their heritage.
3. Serve a cuisine that, by virtue of a chef’s creativity, is a statement and an expression of the uniqueness of a place and its biodiversity, a natural and cultural environment, local history, or farming and fishing traditions.
4. Work with all stakeholders in our ecosystem to enable as many people as possible to discern and appreciate the essential roles that the environment, food, and cuisine play in our health, to promote quality food products, and the joy of sharing an exceptional meal.
5. Contribute to the regeneration and development of terrestrial and marine ecosystems in partnership with local public authorities, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and all other parties committed to preserving biodiversity.
6. Capitalize on the influence of the Relais & Châteaux chefs and their sourcing choices to foster the development of regenerative agriculture, promote breeding conditions respectful of animal welfare, and help preserve the planet’s oceans by supporting small-scale fishing employing sustainable techniques.
7. Contribute, on a worldwide scale – for the Association as well as its members –, to combating global warming by 2040, through the implementation of new day-to-day management practices enabling our members to measure and drive the progressive decarbonization of their activities.
8. Achieve, progressively, very ambitious environmental objectives by 2040 – established for the Association and its members – concerning water, energy, waste management, elimination of plastics (particularly single-use plastics), and concerted use of local and in-season food products.
9. Support local communities in their efforts to preserve and develop their cultural and craft heritage. Work with them to develop education wherever needed and strive together to reduce inequalities. Offer the possibility, for those who wish, to participate and progress socially and economically in the hospitality and culinary professions, within an environment committed to excellence.
10. Guarantee our teams, through our collective commitments, truly meaningful positions and responsibilities, as well as exemplary work conditions and management methods, respecting their differences and allowing each team member to enjoy a fulfilling personal and family life.
11. Work with our entire ecosystem to pass on our expertise and our passion for what is good and beautiful. Share these treasures each day and promote our commitments to all our stakeholders.
12. Ensure each property is a place where the quality of human relations is paramount, a place of respect and harmony, for our guests, our teams, and the communities around us.
Park Hotel Kenmare supports the Relais & Châteaux 12 Commitments to Sustainability, a global initiative developed in partnership with UNESCO to advance responsible hospitality worldwide.
