Ireland - 10 Great Hotels

There are many lists of top hotels, restaurants,of Dublin. The modest and understated entrance
golf courses and attractions in Ireland that act asgives lie to a luxurious interior complete with
a guide to the consumer but I would much preferalmost obsessive levels of personal service.
the personal experience barometer that maySuperb bedrooms and suites complete with
have differing tools for arriving at a position onexcellent leisure and spa area which you will need
the list.when you eat the most famous restaurant in
Whether a hotel is a very upmarket 5-star affairDublin, Patrick Gilbaulds, the best Michelin star fine
or a more humble 2 or 3-star operation really isdining experience in Ireland.
not the point here. If that were the case, it would5. Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, County Cavan.
be just a matter of measuring all the top 5-starOne of the great 4-star hotels in Ireland, the
hotels in the Ireland which reduces it to a verySlieve Russell is located in the heart of the
simple and flawed analysis and ignores theLakelands area of Ireland. Offering superb
actuality that there are many hotels who performamenities more akin to a 5-star experience,
away above the standard of their star rating andoutstanding service probably sets it apart from a
many who do the opposite. And of course valuelot of similarly equipped facilities. A superb
for money is a huge consideration in makingchampionship golf course, a leisure centre and
judgements.renowned spa makes for an ideal family or
Whether one is staying over on a leisure break orcouples retreat. Being only 90 minutes from Dublin
there for a business reason, a hotel has to offerand Belfast adds to the convenience.
first and foremost what it promises. It must do6. Ashford Castle, Cong, County Galway. This was
what it says on the tin. There is little point inthe original doyen of Irish hotels back when
having lavish websites extolling the virtues andIreland didn't have any upmarket resorts. It still
facilities of a hotel when you are let down by thecan carry its weight in a more competitive
actual reality of what they offer during your stay.market. Located in the picture postcard village of
As with any business enterprise, the mostCong on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford
important people in the hotel game are the staffCastle emanates the addictive ambience of luxury
from the very top down the bottom.at surprising reasonable prices. Superior service
I have travelled extensively throughout Ireland inand wonderful old-world rich and warm decor
both leisure and business modes - two entirelydraw the visitor to its bosom. The hotel was
different mindsets when assessingrecently purchased by Gerry Barrett of "G" Hotel
accommodation and facilities - and here are myfame in Galway City and the resort offers all the
Top 10 as derived from my own memories andpampering one could possibly need.
feelings and quality of service provided.7. Solus Elske Hotel, County Donegal. Winner of
1. Conrad Mount Juliet, Thomastown, Countythe Irish Hotel of the Year Award for 2010, the
Kilkenny. A beautiful old stately manor, theonly 5-star hotel in County Donegal certainly
ancestral home of the Mc Calmont family,deserves the recognition. Located just east of
standing on rich pastoral lands in south Kilkenny,Donegal Town, the hotel comprises 98 suites and
was converted into a world- renowned golfembraces the visitor with opulence and genuine
course, designed by Jack Nicklaus which haswelcoming service. The food is superb given the
hosted the Irish Open and the World Matchplayfact that it is very new to the market and
Championship. In addition, there is a newly addedfacilities excellent. Great base for exploration of
state- of- the- art equestrian centre togetherthe vast county that is Donegal. Spectacular
with a glorious spa and leisure centre. If you wantcastle facade makes it a hugely popular wedding
to go the self catering route there are luxuriousvenue.
lodges at the edge of the golf course with the8. Jurys Inn, Galway City. Located in the heart of
facilities of the hotel leisure amenities available toGalway city, near the famous Spanish Arch and
you at all times. The Lady Helen Restaurant in theultra convenient to the pubs, clubs and
old house is regal in design and classical in the farerestaurants of this throbbing city, Jurys Inn
offered.Galway pushes the upper boundaries of 3-star
2. Kellys Resort Hotel, Rosslare, Co. Wexford. Ifratings. Location, facilities and most of all, service,
ever a hotel performed away above its rating ofmake this the best of the Jurys Inn chain in
4-star, then it has to be the institution that isIreland. Great for business and pleasure and
Kellys Resort Hotel in Rosslare Strand, Countyparticularly economic for families. A fantastic
Wexford. Long established, it is continuallyall-round hotel in a superb location in the most fun
innovative and the word "resort" in the title is notcity of Ireland.
lightly used for you never need to leave this place9. Mespil Hotel, Mespil Street Dublin 4. Another
such are the attractions, amenities, leisure pursuitsgreat value 3-star hotel that punches above its
and food to crave for. You access the beachweight. Location and value for money is a big
from the hotel and the spa is called the Sea Spafactor in the Mespil Hotel being on this list. In a
for the very good reason that all hydrotherapylovely situation on the banks of the Grand Canal,
treatments are with sea water. Forget a diet ifit is still a less than brisk walk to all the attractions
you go there, because they will feed literallyof the city centre including Grafton Street and
morning, noon, afternoon and night! Truly a gemStephens Green. Modern decor and Wi-Fi rooms,
and family run, reflected in the high level oftogether with very good dining in-house and huge
personal service.choice nearby make it worth a try when visiting
3. Hilton Mount Wolsey, Tullow County Carlow.the capital.
Mount Wolsey was originally also a stately home10. Osprey Hotel and Spa, Naas, County Kildare.
that lies just outside the small town of Tullow,The Osprey is a 4-star hotel recently opened but
east of Carlow town. Now owned by theattracting worthy attention for the quality of
Morrissey family, it is a superb 4-star amenityaccommodation and facilities. 104 rooms including
with a Christy O'Connor designed golf course,garden apartments make for choice and luxury
leisure centre and spa. A very convenient settingfor couples and families. Very conveniently located
with easy access from Dublin makes it popularin the Devoy Quarter, a re-developed area in the
with residents of the capital seeking a weekendcentre of Naas, the hotels boasts two restaurants
break.offering contrasting menus of modern and
4. Merrion Hotel, Merrion Street, Dublin 2. Thistraditional dining. A superb spa and leisure are
5-star hotel is comprised of four superb Georgiancompletes the package and the intimate nature of
townhouses ingeniously and seamlessly joinedthe setting and design make it feel like a superior
together and located so conveniently in the centreboutique hotel.