Thumpy97's profile and reviews

Actually, we came to see Blarney Castle not the stone, but hey, Plymouth Rock isn't all that inspiring either. This lodge is located just a couple miles outside of Blarney so it made it convenient. The exterior of the place as well as the room decor didn't do much to impress us but the room did have a king-size bed, which we always appreciate, a CD player, and wide screen TV. I'm afraid we haven't gotten into the whole IPod or MP3 players or whatever things so we do cart around a few CDs we enjoy and it was nice to save the batteries for a little while. And our suite did have a whirlpool bath that we greatly enjoyed.

We also enjoyed one of their relaxing massages, which truly was divine. But their treatments seemed a bit pricey, especially their good night bath, which was 25 pounds, so naturally, we didn't get it, but no loss really. But we did miss some of the other extras we usually like. All in all, we really don't have anything against the lodge, it just didn't live up the the standards of what we were used to staying in.

This hotel is located in the old Bishops Palace and is a Queen Ann style house from 1730 that we just fell in love with. Our room was drop dead gorgeous and seemed more like a private home than a hotel. I simply loved the bath that had a nice deep tub you could sink into and hide under the soap bubbles. Reminded me of a claw footed tub, and maybe it was but it was enclosed, though free standing so I couldn't tell. Again, it was like being in the bath of a private home, so roomy and well appointed. We truly felt at home there and the bed was very comfy as well.

The staff was wonderful, too, and loved telling stories of all the famous people who have stayed there. The grounds consist of something like twenty-eight acres of gardens, which were very nice to walk through, which surround a thirteenth century cathedral along with a private path that goes directly to the Rock of Cashel. The Bishop's Buttery Restaurant features wonderful Irish cuisine and the Guines Bar is supposed to be linked to the brewery. I don't care for beer myself, but hubby had a pint and pronounced it very good.

This was called the Great Southern Airport Hotel when we stayed here and it was just an overnight stay as we were headed off to Scotland on our tour of the British Isles. One of the things we liked here was all the pillows they give you and they even asked if we needed more, which was great. I suffer from chronic pain in my back and usually always have to fight for more pillows when I can't drag some of mine with me. And believe me, that isn't feasible when travelling internationally. Another wonderful things was the fact that they actually provided us with real genuine coffee, not an easy thing to find in many Irish hotels along with the coffee maker to fix it in.

Unfortunately, there was no pool and only a mini workout room but the steam room was nice. However, since we were only staying the night, it really was no big deal. And I think that's the whole point of the hotel since it is located at the airport. We have a very comfortable over night stay so it did the trick. I think we're a little spoiled from some of the more elaborate places we've stayed at.

This hotel is located on the banks of the Slaney River about three miles from Wexford, a huge hotel that looks like it's located in the middle of the wilderness like some huge elaborate estate with loads of beautiful landscape and the river has been incorporated into the design so that it all blends just wonderfully. We had a double room that was warm and inviting that we booked for the two night special so it included breakfast and dinner on one evening.

The health center was fantastic as it was surrounded by a glass wall and overlooked the river; so nice to have a great view to enjoy while you work out. They also have a fantastic swimming pool that was great for laps and is indoors an unusual shaped peaked ceiling and a wall of glass at one end. They also have a spa and beauty treatment salon, which we didn't use but it looked nice. And there are two golf courses located within ten and fifteen minutes of the hotel. The Ferrycarrig's 'Reeds' restaurant had wonderful food we enjoyed immensely with more wonderful scenery and the Dry Dock Bar had seating both inside and outside on a deck that was next to the river.

All in all a wonderful play to spend a couple of days.