Hotel In Ireland With WOW Factor

1867IE

I want to bring herself away for a weekend, and we've done plenty of Irish Hotels and I'm clutching at straws for the WOW factor now. Can anyone suggest something impressive.

The following have been visited:

Osprey in Naas - Corporate at best
G Hotel Galway - Nice!
The Twelve Galway - Let down, overhyped.
Radisson St Helens Dublin - Not 5*
Schoolhouse Hotel Dublin - Quirky.
Plaza Hotel Westport - Fabulous.
The Brehon Killarney - Very nice.
Ritz Carlton Powerscourt - Ok, but signs of nama.

Can someone please suggest someting (anything) that has wow factor in the 26 or 32 counties.

Cheers
C

Groucho2000

Doonbeg Lodge in Clare. stayed there last year and its expensive but has the wow factor

JH_raheny

Radisson Blu , Farnham Estate in Cavan is supposed to be good

Tech3

Lough Eske Castle or Harveys point.

Faing

If your pockets are deep enough, Glin Castle, Co.Limerick. Excellent.

coylemj

JH_raheny wrote: »

Radisson Blu , Farnham Estate in Cavan is supposed to be good

I really have to ask why you bothered to post that reply.

It's a pretty limp 'recommendation' considering he's looking for the WOW factor, you haven't even stayed there by the sound of it.

BTW, I have stayed there and it doesn't have the WOW factor.

And this poster stayed there more recently...

ncmc wrote: »

I don’t have a suggestion to add, but I did want to say that I wouldn’t recommend Farnham Estate at all. It is quite close to my home place so I have stayed there as have many of my family. I really wouldn’t describe it as a high end 4*, in fact, I would barely describe it as 4*. The rooms are pretty bog standard Radisson, the food is consistently poor and we received very poor service from various different areas of the hotel. In fact, it was the only time I have stayed at a hotel and then felt compelled to write a complaint to the manager afterwards (which resulted in a borderline rude response back!)

The only positive thing I have to say about Farnham Estate is that the pool area is lovely and guests at the hotel have free access to the thermal suite, which is beautiful.

Oh, just to add, they do an amazing Sunday lunch too. But that's really the only positives I can say about the hotel!

I would avoid like the plague if you’re looking for a high end experience.

yenom

Hayfield Manor in Cork.

Bicycle

The Ard na Sidhe Hotel on Caragh Lake in Kerry.
http://www.ardnasidhe.com/

Davidth88

The only hotel I have been to in Ireland that feels like a REAL 5* is the Sheen Falls in Kenmere

The service is second to none To me it's the service that makes a 4* a 5 * hotel , the staff should anticipate your needs , and the last time I visited the Sheen Falls that's how it felt .


The Brehan in Killarney always makes me laugh , calls itself a 5* and it's basically built in the car park of the Gleneagle !

sweetie

castlemartyr resort in cork, the merchant in belfast are two of the best for me

Volvic12

Adare Manor in Limerick.
Have never stayed there myself but it's a seriously good place for dinner and the surroundings are magnificant.

veetwin

Agree with the recommendation for the Sheen Falls. Also think Ashford Castle and Dromoland Castle for old school elegance with prices to match. Yes the Brehon is built in a car park but it is still a very fine hotel.

Many of the hotels mentioned here are mediocre at best..esp Farnham Estate

1867IE

Thanks for responses.

Sheen Falls looks nice, anyone else?????

helimachoptor

yenom wrote: »

Hayfield Manor in Cork.

I stay here for work quite a bit, it's fantastic

subway

http://www.waterfordcastle.com/ is something different.
try get a suite, rooms are great, but the suites are something special.

shooter57

Hi OP , I can 100% recommend the Plaza Hotel Killarney , myself and OH went here for a weekend a few years ago , and dream of going back . try book an executive suite , you won't be dissapointed . food is outstanding , service brillaint , decor is like something from Dublin castle plus it's right in the centre of killarney .

Am so jealous

dmigsy

Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore in Waterford. Stayed there a few months ago. Fantastic hotel - definitely has the wow factor. The restaurant has a Michelin Star too.

http://www.thecliffhousehotel.com/

Saruman

Any Travelodge. The wow factor might not be the desired one, but it will be there nonetheless.


Actually Killashee House Hotel in Naas is very nice.

pearljamfan

theres a special offer on boards deals for castle leslie, looks like a lovely place but i havent been before.

rathsallagh house is lovely too, been to a wedding there.

sq_forever

We really enjoyed the Ice House in Ballina, Co. Mayo. Small hotel but really nice rooms overlooking the river Moy. Really good service too. Nice bar 100m down the road, called Crockets i think. Definately one of the best hotels we have stayed in.

swingking

Druids glen hotel in Newtown mt Kennedy in co Wicklow. Amazing hotel and the service and people are so nice. Would highly recommend

finbarrk

Dromoland Castle near Ennis in Co. Clare might suit also. We were there a few years ago, liked it anyway.
http://www.dromoland.ie/?gclid=CJzmlOfZoLICFcOL4Qod4G4AyA

coylemj

swingking wrote: »

Druids glen hotel in Newtown mt Kennedy in co Wicklow. Amazing hotel and the service and people are so nice. Would highly recommend

It's a nice hotel but 'amazing'? Don't think so.

Stayed there for a family event last year, very good quality food and service but does not have the WOW factor, it's a good 4* but no more. The BBQ they do on the deck out the back is great if you have a big group and want to eat together in an informal setting.

alfa beta

second the recommendation above for the Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore

lovely service, amazing location (it isn't called the cliff house for nothing) and great food.

corktina

http://secure.longuevillehouse.ie/bookings/special_offers

depends what you are looking for I suppose

0ph0rce0

Hotel Minella in Clonmel, It may not be 5 star, But its nice all the same, I stayed in the Suite, Pretty big room, bed seperate to living room, Big bath for 2 Watch tv in the shower and all that jazz, plus a nice big Hot Tub outside on the balcony, Not really expensive either,

what2do

The House in Mount Juliet - as opposed to the hotel. Try get one of the suites which are located at either end of the house.

http://www.mountjuliet.ie/accommodation/mount-juliet-house.php

Although this is a real old style house/manor so depends upon your preferences.

JH_raheny

I have only ever heard good things about Farnham Estate, I know several people who have stayed there and a colleague of mine stay there quite regularly and they have all only praised the place but you're correct that I haven't actually stayed in it myself, however I have stayed in a lot of hotel and Radisson one have never dissapointed so therefore I had no proble mentioning it based on friends experiences.

coylemj wrote: »

I really have to ask why you bothered to post that reply.

It's a pretty limp 'recommendation' considering he's looking for the WOW factor, you haven't even stayed there by the sound of it.

BTW, I have stayed there and it doesn't have the WOW factor.

And this poster stayed there more recently...

Hesh's Umpire

A vote from me for the little known but fantastic Cromleach Lodge, Castlebaldwin, Co Sligo.
Family run place, off the touristy trail but all the better for that.

Spook_ie

I suppose everyone's idea of WOW is different,
1. Castle Leslie - loved the grounds and quirky accommodation
2. Parknasilla - loved the food and pool overlooking the sea
3. Sheen falls - location & the food

Yamanoto

Considering the WOW factor is what you're seeking, I'll recommend just one:

The Hotel Europe in Killarney. I've been going there since I was a kid -a spectacular setting, attentive but discreet service, great food, spa, luxurious rooms and that pool....



I prefer it in off-peak season, look out for special offers.

http://www.theeurope.com/

Unshelved

Cliff House Hotel, Dromoland Castle or Monart in Wexford.

Savman

Ireland is sadly lacking in the top end hotel market, I have yet to visit any during the course of business or pleasure that had what I would consider anything resembling a 'wow' factor.

Lots of overpriced properties charging 5* prices for 3* facilities, if that's your thing I suppose.

wilfitz

Monart in Wexford. This place is top class. Expensive but well worth it. Could not fault it at all. Definitely has the wow factor in my opinion

1867IE

wilfitz wrote: »

Monart in Wexford. This place is top class. Expensive but well worth it. Could not fault it at all. Definitely has the wow factor in my opinion

Bloody hell,never heard of this place. It looks impressive for sure.

jt_dublin

wilfitz wrote: »

Monart in Wexford. This place is top class. Expensive but well worth it. Could not fault it at all. Definitely has the wow factor in my opinion

+1

Loved it. Mrs JT hasn't stopped talking about since we were there a few years ago! A return visit is definitely on the cards.

RubyGirl

http://www.lyrath.com/ in Kilkenny. Have you decided on one yet.

1867IE

RubyGirl wrote: »

http://www.lyrath.com/ in Kilkenny. Have you decided on one yet.

Yes I think the Monart in Wexford, but it's almost €500 for a weekend.

solerina

Sheen Falls !!! Its amazing

jt_dublin

1867IE wrote: »

Yes I think the Monart in Wexford, but it's almost €500 for a weekend.

It is pricey, but is a great experience. Loved being able to go to breakfast in our dressing gowns!

Miaireland

I agree about Sheen Falls. Wonderful hotel with great staff.

newmug

Ashford Castle in Mayo. You will not find a wow-ier hotel in Ireland.

wilfitz

1867IE wrote: »

Yes I think the Monart in Wexford, but it's almost €500 for a weekend.

Money well spent!!

naughtysmurf

1867IE wrote: »

Yes I think the Monart in Wexford, but it's almost €500 for a weekend.

Been to Monart a few times, I don't think you will be disapointed taking into account your original list of hotels visited, It's where we go to get away when we can (and sometimes can't) afford it. Adult only destination, It's well worth the money. Make sure to book a treatment at least for the missus
If you only have one dinnner in Monart, Via Veneto in Enniscorthy is worth a visit imo, only a few miles away, reception will sort a taxi if you want a drink with your meal.
http://www.viaveneto.ie/

byhookorbycrook

I have been to Monart each year since it opened. Would go more often if we could afford it!It's a spa and there are no kids and no wedding functions/music in the bar ,right up my street.

Persuaded hubby to shell out for a stay in the Cliff House for my 40th rather than a party. Def. a wow venue too.Food is amazing. Attention to detail second to none, if you go to the terrace for a smoke on a chilly evening, barstaff will bring you out a blanket!!

Kenmare Park was old world charm but most certainly 5 star.The Spa has received great acclaim, but Monart has spoiled me for spas.

Hotel Minella is grand but certainly no "wow", it's a bit like your favourite aunt's house, loadsa grub, no haute cusine though.

SusieBlue

I'd highly recommend the Inchedoney Island Lodge and Spa in Cork, I stayed there recently and I thought it was beautiful. One of the nicest places I've ever stayed, the views of the ocean are second to none. I'd definitely go there again for a weekend break.

Lima Golf

The Talbot Hotel Belmullet, Co. Mayo. Stayed here just after it opened earlier this year. OH MY GOD. it is absolutely beautiful, very G Hotel in decor but not in price every room is different so they give you a choice at check in which is cool. Belmullet was a lovely place to stay too, really cute lively town. Hotel is in the town so everything is just outside. Dinner to die for also.

Link:
http://m.thetalbothotel.ie/

Also recently stated in the culloden estate, Belfast. Also a beautiful hotel but very pricey.

Link:
http://www.hastingshotels.com/culloden-estate-and-spa/

faceman

Here's my 2c

Four Seasons in Dublin - possibly the most friendliest staff I have ever encountered in a hotel in Ireland. They go the extra mile IMO.

Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny - very classy hotel. Beautiful setting.

Regarding Monart in Wexford, I hated the place. While its very popular with women, I found it to be an absolute rip off for what they offer and pretentious too. Wouldn't stay again. Watch grown men eating breakfast in bathrobes with their bits hanging out is not a pretty sight.

Shane732

I've never actually been to Monart but a good few people at work have been and they all seem to really love the place. It does look amazing. Re the comment about people walking around with their bits out - I suppose if you're a lad and your very anti the idea then it will be a stumbling block.

Castlemarytr is outstanding.

When you say the Ritz has a touch of nama to it, what do you mean?!

naughtysmurf

faceman wrote: »

Here's my 2c

Four Seasons in Dublin - possibly the most friendliest staff I have ever encountered in a hotel in Ireland. They go the extra mile IMO.

Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny - very classy hotel. Beautiful setting.

Regarding Monart in Wexford, I hated the place. While its very popular with women, I found it to be an absolute rip off for what they offer and pretentious too. Wouldn't stay again. Watch grown men eating breakfast in bathrobes with their bits hanging out is not a pretty sight.

Lyrath is a nice hotel with friendly staff, thought the food was average enough though, the spa is nice also, you can get very good special offers on there website from time to time

While Monart is expensive, prices have come down over the last couple of years, it's a destination spa not just a hotel with a spa attached so I don't think you are comparing like with like, the food in Monart is far superior also imo.
Didn't find it pretentious at all, lovely staff, great food and even though they have a captive audience the drink prices are reasonable, depends what you want really, it's quiet & relaxing and no kids allowed:D

As for your view at breakfast, I don't believe that happened

Should add that in Monart between 8am & 9am it's clothing optional in the spa area, never been at this time too busy sleeping

Halo Kitty

The Lake Hotel In Killarney for me... just for the views alone are just breath taking, The food excellent and the staff second to none... Family run business also..