Best hotel you've stayed in, in Ireland

Slattsy

As the title suggests, what was the best ?
Please consider the following:

Restuarant quality.
Rooms.
Grounds.
Staff.
Service.
Cleanliness
Spa/Romance

all that stuff

Man on Fire

the radisson blu hotel in galway.... outdoor hot tub and all.... the breakfast they have was top notch

Layinghen

Waterford Castle. Absolute heaven on earth. You take a ferry over to the island on which the castle is built. Wonderful accommodation, brilliant restaurant, fantastic staff. Just love it.

Slattsy

Layinghen wrote: »

Waterford Castle. Absolute heaven on earth. You take a ferry over to the island on which the castle is built. Wonderful accommodation, brilliant restaurant, fantastic staff. Just love it.

I was looking at this place.
Is it very 'run down' though?? I know its an old castle and all that, and it has the charm, but how were the bedrooms? Showers etc?

gowley

kilashee house hotel in naas as long as you get the rooms in the new wing. lovely grounds top restaurant the breakfast is great

maidie

The g hotel in Galway when it opened first, rooms were fab and a free cupcake in the bedroom Fantastic breakfast and Spa

also the Inchydoney in Cork... Devine..Balcony, food, the beach outside the door... I need a holiday

Layinghen

Slattsy wrote: »

I was looking at this place.
Is it very 'run down' though?? I know its an old castle and all that, and it has the charm, but how were the bedrooms? Showers etc?

Bedrooms were beautiful. Roll top baths in the huge bathroom with fantastic shower over head. Sounds weird but the wc and washbasin had flowers painted on them ( you have to see it to appreciate it ) wc has the cistern up high so you pull a chain to flush. Beautiful lead windows set in stone. Not a bit run down just fantastic olde worlde charm. Hugh fire place in reception area. If you want to feel like royalty, this is the place. Can you tell I am a fan

I hope you do try it out and meet the wild deer that wander around the island and are fantastic to see first thing in the morning.

HeidiHeidi

Ballynahinch Castle in Galway, no contest.

The beauty of it (for me, I appreciate this may not apply to a lot of others!) was that it's a very adult place (in the nicest possibly meaning of that phrase!) - there's the beautiful house/castle, the grounds, the incredible scenery, the setting, really fabulous food, lovely bar/sitting rooms/library etc - and absolutely nothing for kids. No pool, no spa, no playgrounds, no gimmicks. So there were no kids there.

Apologies again to any parents who may be offended by the above!

My favourite weekend away of all in Ireland, bar none. Cannot wait to go back again!

ETA - Was in Waterford Castle years ago for a wedding, and I'd have to agree that it was a fantastic spot. Didn't get to appreciate much beyond the wedding function room, but I'd certainly rate it for a return visit! The wedding was on New Year's Eve, and at some hour of the morning there were a few of us out for a smoke/bit of fresh air and there was a fox trotting across the front courtyard making footprints in the freshly fallen snow. Magic!

Slattsy

Ok Waterford Castle is back in my list.

I just read a bad review or two on the state of the place. Got the impression it hasn't been looked after the last few years.

Layinghen

Don't believe those reviews. We go there every year and never saw anything out of place. We stay in the castle itself which has only 18 or 19 rooms. There are lodges belonging to the Castle on the island as well but can't comment on them as have never used them. When I go there I want to enjoy the ambience of the Castle and not stay outside looking in.

traineeacc

Harveys Point in Donegal,the deluxe rooms are so stunning, excellent food and friendly staff. Loved it!

Stayed in Dromoland last weekend,totally did not live up to the hype, hotel itself is stunning but our room was teeny!

other honoury mentions! - Castle Leslie -lovely stayed in main hotel, comes a close second to Harveys Point

Fota- lovely but a different type of hotel, hasn't some character of others mentioned above

bobwilliams

One of my favs has to be Castle Leslie in Monaghan,grounds and staff are top class.
Love the grub in Carton house.

A good reasonable priced option is Seafield hotel in Gorey.

Best spa is Monarth in Wexford.

How Strange

Aghadoe Heights in Killarney.

thesteve

Inchadoney in cork by far (as a comparison in the last year I've stayed in castle leslie, lough eske, fota island, adaghoe heights to name some of the better ones)

johnayo

Castlemartyr Resort. Thought it was just the mutts nuts.

blindside88

+1 for Waterford castle. Stayed there twice and proposed to my fiancé there. Stayed in the castle and the lodge. Both were excellent and the lodges are fantastic. The dinner, the breakfast and the service were all top notch.

traineeacc

Agree with above Castle Martyr is divine but still ranks below harveys point in terms of staff and food

Slattsy

Cheers folks.

A few mentioned that I have on my list. So It's good to see them pop up.

It's for a special occasion so I want the best. Best service, best setting, best breakfast and dinner, even the best shower lol

Keep em' coming :-)

munchkin_utd

Rathmullan House in Donegal.
http://www.rathmullanhouse.com/

Unbelievable from start to finish.
This is not a celtic tiger hotel. Its a small family hotel that has been in existance for decades and has grown a little in the meantime but is still a small homely atmosphere. The rooms are modern but classic. Everything is in top nick. Service brilliant and they cant do enough for you. They want you to have a good stay, and obviously that will keep them in a job with return business.
Simple, but so many hotels are inept to this fact and then wonder why they cannot survive.
The food there is exquisite but not overly fancy at the same time.
The breakfast is definitely the best Ive had, and I am ridiculously fussy.
Theres nice well maintained gardens on site and the hotel overlooks the Bay and is a 2 min walk to the sandy beach that runs for miles.

We were there on a special of 210per double room per night incl brekkie which is multiples of what I normally like to pay (and christ I love my deals!) but I have to say that it was worth it.
I'd say they wouldnt be able to look after the place as well as they do without charging as much so its more than justified.
Even at that price the place is so good that it does a savage business, so good that they dont accept weddings except off season in Early spring or late autumn.

Doom

Ice hotel in ballina. Co mayo.

sweetie

Castlmartyr was excellent I thought. Also loved the Merchant in Belfast and the Ice house in mayo. Another favourite a very reasonably priced is the step house in carlow, lovely rooms, great dinner and brekkie.

Slattsy

Doom wrote: »

Ice hotel in ballina. Co mayo.

Its almost too modern !

dark crystal

The Ritz Carlton hotel in Powerscourt is something else.

Set in gorgeous grounds surrounded by the Sugar Loaf mountains, it's stunning 5-star luxury.

The rooms are big and luxurious, with mini-bar, large flatscreen tv and there's even a tv inset into the bathroom mirror! Talking of the bathrooms, they have amazing rainforest showers and a sunken jet-spa bath - you wouldn't want to get out of them! You also get the bathrobe and slippers and bvulgari toiletries (which smell divine!)

If you want to eat in, there's the hotel's Gordon Ramsey restaurant, but we couldn't afford that, so we stuck to the bar food, which is restaurant quality in itself. Still to this day, the best fish & chips I've ever eaten. The fillet steak was also amazing. They will also deliver dinner to your room, which is lovely.
There's also a gorgeous pool and spa.

Honestly, it's the best hotel I've ever stayed in.

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Powerscourt/Default.htm

mitosis

Brooks Hotel, Dublin. TV in the bath!!!

sbsquarepants

traineeacc wrote: »

Harveys Point in Donegal,the deluxe rooms are so stunning, excellent food and friendly staff. Loved it!

Stayed in Dromoland last weekend,totally did not live up to the hype, hotel itself is stunning but our room was teeny!

other honoury mentions! - Castle Leslie -lovely stayed in main hotel, comes a close second to Harveys Point

Fota- lovely but a different type of hotel, hasn't some character of others mentioned above

This was going to be my suggestion, the lodge is lovely too and reasonable enough to boot.

For a less expensive stay i liked both the Killeshin and the Heritage in Portlaoise (I'm absolutely puzzled now as to why i was in Portlaise for the weekend, and TWICE)

Blingy

In Order of preference:
The Ritz powerscourt - stayed in a mountain view suite. Well worth it. Fab huge room. Terrace with amazing views. Ate in the sugar loaf lounge and I agree with the other poster best fish and chips ever tasted. Seems to be quite a busy place. Only downfall was I thought the temp of the pool water could have been warmer. Also really enjoyed the spa and a lovely walk in the grounds.

K club: very old world. Large spacious room and en suite was huge with a fab bath. Lovely walks in the grounds. Great spa and outdoor hot tub. Food was amazing. Drinks were expensive but kinda expected that. Will definitely be back some day!!

The heritage in killenard: think we were upgraded to a junior suite amazing room overlooking the golf course with a balcony. Really enjoyed the spa and definitely one of the best thermal suites I have been to. Food was great. Enjoyed the 5km walking track and the small restaurant by the front gate.

Knightsbrook hotel, trim: A favourite of mine. A room overlooking the golf course is a must. They have a huge variety of rooms the ones with balcony are lovely. Food in the restaurant is amazing. Have spent many a relaxing time there.

Beruthiel

Ashford Castle.
Great rooms, food for breakfast and dinner wonderful.
Right beside the lake and grounds are great to walk around.

The Cliff House Hotel
Right beside the sea.
Michelin Star restaurant with outstanding food.
Highly recommend a night here!

paulpd

Castle Durrow - if staying in the main castle.
Also an excellent restaurant there.

Yamanoto

The Europe in Killarney.

It's the only 5-Star in Ireland I've stayed in where service levels, attention to detail & facilities compare favourably with similar properties in London or the Far East.

It's setting on Lough Lein is spectacular, the pool & spa out of this world and its dining is as good as you'd expect.

Honourable mention for Ballynahinch Castle too - a different type of product, but very well managed and always a pleasure to visit.

If you can stomach the 'muzak', take a gander...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA4bVDs03ZI

jkmanc1974

Ashford Castle is unreal - also was at the afters of a friends wedding in Waterford Castle in January - did not stay there but really nice surroundings - also like the Fitzwilton Hotel in Waterford city.....aside from that the Quality(I think?) Hotel in Bunclody is worth a visit

Brgds
Johnny

Slattsy

Yamanoto wrote: »

The Europe in Killarney.

It's the only 5-Star in Ireland I've stayed in where service levels, attention to detail & facilities compare favourably with similar properties in London or the Far East.

It's setting on Lough Lein is spectacular, the pool & spa out of this world and its dining is as good as you'd expect.

Honourable mention for Ballynahinch Castle too - a different type of product, but very well managed and always a pleasure to visit.

If you can stomach the 'muzak', take a gander...

Is The Europe a very busy hotel though ?

dee_mc

Cromlech Lodge, Sligo
Beautiful rooms (especially in new part of hotel), lovely surroundings, nice spa, helpful staff, gorgeous food, amazing showers!
It's a couple of years since I stayed there, but was seriously impressed on all counts

Slattsy

dee_mc wrote: »

Cromlech Lodge, Sligo
Beautiful rooms (especially in new part of hotel), lovely surroundings, nice spa, helpful staff, gorgeous food, amazing showers!
It's a couple of years since I stayed there, but was seriously impressed on all counts

My gf lives 30 mins from here !!
Totally agree, smashing place but alas, i can not bring her here

kennyb3

How Strange wrote: »

Aghadoe Heights in Killarney.

+1, amazing hotel

missingtime

Castlemartyr was a great experience I have to say. It was an Rewarding Times deal that we bought and included a junior suite, breakfast both mornings and a dinner one of the evenings. It was very very good.

helimachoptor

Hayefield in Cork

Yamanoto

Slattsy wrote: »

Is The Europe a very busy hotel though ?

During the Summer, it's particularly popular with Americans, Germans & the British (a pattern replicated across all Killarney properties no doubt).

We tend to visit in the Autumn, as you'll often find decent enough rates for their lakeside rooms.

If you've a date in mind, I'm sure reservations could give you an idea of what their projected occupancy may be. Tourists do tend to get out and about down there - horse riding, hiking or pottering around town & like most great hotels, there are plenty of spots on-site to find seclusion, read a paper or have an afternoon doze .

It'd certainly be wise to nail down dinner reservations when booking, but that aside, the property's size and design should ensure you don't end up feeling cramped.

Slattsy

Yamanoto wrote: »

During the Summer, it's particularly popular with Americans, Germans & the British (a pattern replicated across all Killarney properties no doubt).

We tend to visit in the Autumn, as you'll often find decent enough rates for their lakeside rooms.

If you've a date in mind, I'm sure reservations could give you an idea of what their projected occupancy may be. Tourists do tend to get out and about down there - horse riding, hiking or pottering around town & like most great hotels, there are plenty of spots on-site to find seclusion, read a paper or have an afternoon doze .

It'd certainly be wise to nail down dinner reservations when booking, but that aside, the property's size and design should ensure you don't end up feeling cramped.

Thanks for that.

The Europe was on my list, then i removed it as it strikes me as a very popular and obvious place for the masses(tourists) and I dont really want that.

Thinking of going September/October, so it shouldnt be as busy.

cgarrad

The Europe is one of the best hotels in the world imo.

sweetie

The old convent co tipp. Here today as a birthday surprise with my wife. So far it's excellent.

Twee.

Seafield in Wexford. Went there last week with my OH and we had a wonderful time

Restuarant quality: Breakfast, lunch and dinner all delicious. The dinner was very good, excellent service but without fuss. We ordered prosecco and the glasses came chilled which was a lovely touch. The desserts were divine.

Rooms: GIANT bed, incredibly comfortable. Balcony with table & chairs, view of golf course and just about able to see the sea. I believe you can request a sea view. The bathroom was spotless. The shower had a rainfall type head which was gorgeous. Only issues - the bath/shower was actually a little tricky to get in to as the side was very high. I'd worry about an older or injured person having trouble, especially as bathroom floor can be wet. The room was very warm at night, but I didn't wake up enough to try change the dial on the wall.

Grounds: Didn't do any walking on the grounds, but from what we saw they were well maintained. The seating area in the lobby was really comfy and cosy. We took our drinks out here as the bar was fairly busy.

Staff: Very polite, no issues here at all.

Service: Attentive but not fussy.

Cleanliness: 100%, no problems seen.

Spa/Romance: The spa is completely worth the trip! Hydro pool, different types of saunas/steam rooms, rain showers, ice for cooling down, heated loungers to relax on. We had a mud treatment together that was really nice, my skin was glowing! The best part though is the outdoor heated pool with jets and that. It was steaming as it was cold outside. Fab!

Slattsy

Twee, best reply so far. Indept analysis!!

I see a long and prosperous future for us. On boards. Thanks :-)

ToxicPaddy

I stay in a lot of top hotels when travelling with work and the Ritz Carlton in Powerscourt is the only one I've found that comes close to what you find in Europe when it comes to facilities, staff, food etc.

Have stayed there 3 times now and really do enjoy it.

Was at a wedding last NYE in Castlemartyr, while it was nice, food was good etc, I wasn't overly impressed.

I've heard the Europa in Killarney is supposed to be very very nice but always packed.

Another one I've heard good things about is the Kenmare Park but I've never stayed there so can't speak from personal experience.

kingshankly

Lough Erne resort is stunning all the nice touches that set it apart great place to get away and do nothing.
Great views over lough Erne and a fabulous golf course also like slieve donard in Newcastle staff and food are fantastic

tenandtracer

Four Seasons in Dublin: suites are huge and very well appointed. Restaurant is super, I really like Sunday lunch there - it might be the desert table with ~30 choices. Always lots of celebs there having lunch.

Cliff House was already mentioned. Views across Ardmore bay are stunning.

Longueville House in Mallow. Was there recently. Lovely house in extensive private grounds. Classic style rooms. Small dining room that might accommodate about nine couples. No gym or that kind of malarkey. But you can bring their 5 dogs out for a walk in the morning.

80s Child

Powerscourt.

The Gordon Ramsey restaurant was horrific though.

Otherwise, it's amazing and every other hotel we've stood in in this country has been a bit of a disappointment, apart from the 12 in Galway; when we got engaged, they bumped us up to the honeymoon suite for free because we'd stayed there a few times previous.

If money wasn't an option though, the ritz, all day, everyday!!

bobwilliams

80s Child wrote: »

Powerscourt.

The Gordon Ramsey restaurant was horrific though.

Otherwise, it's amazing and every other hotel we've stood in in this country has been a bit of a disappointment, apart from the 12 in Galway; when we got engaged, they bumped us up to the honeymoon suite for free because we'd stayed there a few times previous.

If money wasn't an option though, the ritz, all day, everyday!!

so you use that word without any detail at all.
I think that's very poor form,at least give us some idea of why it's horrific.
fwiw i've been there 3 times and the food on every occasion was top class,don't like the dining room but the food is great imo.

Gatica

The Merrion in Dublin was top notch.
The car valet service is very convenient. The reception staff friendly and attentive. The suite we stayed in is gorgeous and a great view too. Traditional/classic decor while still being well maintained. A large (disused) fireplace and beautiful antique wardrobe. Number of popular magazines on the tea table with comfy sofa and arm chairs. Large high bed and turn-down service. Well stocked mini-bar. White italian marble bathroom with his/hers sinks, large rain shower and separate traditional bathtub. A small morning room with desk and chair. Great quality bathroom products and the usual 5* cosy bathrobes and towels.
Had room service breakfast: eggs benedicts and porridge along with the usual assortments of pastries, fruits and drinks, all of which were delicious.
The Cellar restaurant was also a great positive experience, the food really tasty and the wine recommendations very good.
The Spa treatments are fab, especially the massages.
Afternoon tea in the lounges are a lovely experience. Definitely a romantic spot if you don't mind being in the city to head out in the evening. All A+!

Also love Mount Falcon in Ballina. Lovely walks around the fields, the lake, back-roads and small woods. Great Spa area with pool, jacuzzi with the best view, steam-room and sauna. Great selection of treatments and friendly staff. The hotel is smallish and cosy. You can wander around and feel perfectly comfortable. Also another romantic location.
The room views are nicer on the woodland side. The room furnishing are in dark antique looking wood, all in appropriate style and well maintained. Nice bathroom products and again, I quite like the his and hers sinks. Great to also have a full-size swing mirror.
The Kitchen restaurant serves delicious food, although always found the service a little slow. If you can sit back and chill out, then it's not a problem.

Ice Hotel in Mayo also quite nice, especially the view of the river on a hot day. Quite modern overall. Unusual bathroom with granite slanted sink, spacious shower and stand-alone bathtub along with candles! Well appointed room with large bed overlooking the river. Dinner in the restaurant really good.
The spa adds the touch of romance with a lovely open view of the river and an outdoor tub, and a supply of juices and fruits. Good treatments and very relaxing just to lie there reading or looking at the lake.
Surprisingly their little lounge has retained the vintage look and charm.


The G may have been amazing when it opened, personally I'm not too fond of it at the moment. I've never stayed but have had lunch, tea and cocktails there and attended family occasions.
The lounges are unusual, but are run-down with the seating looking worn through the velvet/felt in the corners and looking a bit dirtied and drab. The staff, aside from the front desk, or at least in the lounges were a bit air-headed and unprofessional. The food mediocre every time and don't touch the guinness. The cocktails were very expensive but at least on this occasion were fantastic. The small pool/thermal suite in the spa is very nice, especially the relaxation room. I do not believe it's complimentary for guests and you've to pay separately to use it, unless it comes as part of your package. Personally I think it's overrated.

Was at the Merchant in Belfast for a cocktail, expensive but a wonderful experience. Wouldn't mind staying some day.

80s Child

I actually enjoyed the room and the pomp to be honest but im guessing im a bit of a country boy behind it all and I enjoy a few courses of substantial size to fill my west of ireland belly : )
Horrific may have been a tad harsh but to me, the food didnt live up to the rest of the establishment. .

Sunny Dayz

We stayed in the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Clifden last November with a voucher we got as a wedding present being used as a late first anniversary night away. It was certainly not a place I would ever have chosen myself, I tend to look at more modern hotels.

It is a bit "olde worlde" and IMO aimed at American Tourists but we had such a good time there we would make the long trek back again. It's not so much the actually hotel but rather the atmosphere that did it for us. Complimentary afternoon tea when we arrived. Then a phone call to the room letting us know there was a champagne reception at 6.30. The dinner in the place was devine and as the the dessert table, my god your waistline will not thank you but your tastebuds will!

They had piano music in the bar, guests were encouraged to sign and play also.

It was a cosy friendly place thanks to the staff and guests alike, you would get so relaxed and at home you would nearly walk around in your slippers! There is also a spa but we didn't get to attend it.

http://www.abbeyglen.ie/index.html

0ph0rce0

For Riding...(not horses)

Hotel Minella Clonmel

The hotel needs an update alright (well was a few years ago) but the 2 suites up on top are sweet, Huge clean modern rooms, big ass sitting room, bathroom with shower for 2 and jet bath also for 2 with tvs built in to shower and mirrors. TV, Fridge.

Food is great, service was great, and the grounds although not so big were well kept. Nice pool too.

And the best part. Your own hot tub on your balcony.