County Limerick — Hotels
Photos: Varied ensemble of County Limerick Hotels (top row) Strand Hotel, Limerick City; Savoy Hotel, Limerick City; and The George, Limerick City; (middle row) Absolute Hotel, Limerick City; and Jurys Inn, Limerick City; and (bottom row) Dunraven Arms, Adare; and Adare Manor, Adare.
PRICE
KEY
B&B per person per night
€ - under 50
€€ - 50 to 75
€€€ - 75 to 100
€€€€ - 100 to 150
€€€€€ - over 150
Absolute Hotel, Sir Harry’s Mall, Limerick City, Co. Limerick (tel. 061-463600); e-mail: info@absolutehotel.com. Launched in March of 2007, this new 6-story hotel is in an historic section of Limerick near the original city walls, King’s Island, and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Set beside the Abbey River, an off-shoot of the Shannon, the hotel makes the most of its riverside frontage with floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor terraces, and a roof garden, with 360-degree views of the city. Facilities include the Riverbank Restaurant and Refuel Café, both overlooking the river and the Grove Island nature reserve, with swans gliding by. In addition, there is wireless internet access in public areas, a gym, and a spa with six treatment rooms, a thermal suite, and Canadian hot tub, as well as underground car parking. The 99 guest rooms are the epitome of 21st century design with individually controlled air conditioning, night lights under the bedside tables, rain-dance showers in well-lit bathrooms, flat-screen 36” plasma TV, hairdryer, safe, and contemporary handmade furnishings in vibrant colors, reclaimed brick walls and modern art with eye-catching geometric shapes. The hall corridors have ice and snack machines. The web site features hotel deals and specials every week. € to €€€ Web site: www.absolutehotel.com
Adare Manor, Adare, Co. Limerick, tel. 061-396566, fax
061-396124; e-mail: reservations@adaremanor.com.
Although it's not technically a castle, this elegant 19th century Tudor
Gothic mansion (former home of the Earls of Dunraven) is regal in every
way, with turrets and towers, mullioned windows and hand-carved stone masonry.
Nestled on the banks of the River Maigue amid an 840-acre estate, this luxurious
5-star hotel is a fitting place to stay for a honeymoon, special splurge,
or for a golfing getaway (the grounds include an 18-hole course designed
by Robert Trent Jones Jr.). Step inside and savor the public areas' original
barrel-vaulted ceilings, 15th century carved doors, Waterford crystal chandeliers,
and ornate working fireplaces, as well as the 63 antique-filled guestrooms
with every modern amenity. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, and an
indoor leisure centre with swimming pool, sauna, gym, and massage therapy.
In addition to golf, guests can also enjoy a panorama of outdoor activities
on the estate: riverside garden walks, fishing, horse riding, and clay pigeon
shooting. €€€€
to €€€€€
Web site: www.adaremanor.com
Castletroy Park Hotel, Dublin Road, Limerick, Co. Limerick, tel. 061-335566, fax 061-331117; e-mail: sales@carlton.ie. Opened in 1991 as an independent hotel and now a member of the Carlton group, this modern brick-fronted 4-star hotel sits amid 14 acres of gardens adjacent to an 18-hole golf course and the University of Limerick, 2 miles east of the city centre. Popular with a steady business clientele, year-round groups/meetings, and tourists who enjoy extra comforts, it provides a relaxing setting with an old world atmosphere, with a décor of rich mahogany wood paneling, antiques, and Oriental carpets. The 107 spacious guestrooms, most of which overlook the gardens, are outfitted with 21st century amenities. Facilities include a library-style restaurant; traditional pub, sunlit conservatory lounge, and a leisure centre with indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room, Jacuzzi, gym, aerobics area, and outdoor jogging trails. €€ to €€€€ Web site: www.castletroy-park.ie or www.carlton.ie
Clarion Hotel Limerick, Steamboat Quay, off Dock Road, Limerick City, Co. Limerick; tel. 061-444100; fax 061-469-566; e-mail: info@clarionhotellimerick.com. For views of the Limerick skyline and the Shannon River, this new 4-star hotel has soared to the top, with a sleek 17-story silhouette, making it Ireland's tallest hotel. Step inside for a stunning 21st century d?cor of tall glass walls, walnut paneling, leather fabrics and tiled floors. The 93 air-conditioned guest rooms, spread out over the lower 9 floors of the building, are similarly furnished in contemporary style, enhanced by wide windows with views of the city or river. The top 7 floors are allocated to self-catering rental apartments. Facilities include a restaurant and bar overlooking the river and a full-scale health and fitness centre with indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, and gym, as well as an adjacent parking garage. Sitting beside the Shannon Bridge, this hotel is set in a fringe area of downtown that is still in transition, struggling to become the new hip quarter of Limerick for nightlife and shopping, but it is within easy walking distance to O'Connell Street and major attractions. It is bound to revitalize the area and provide a luxurious (and welcome) choice for tours, groups and individuals overnighting in downtown Limerick. Closed: 24-26 Dec. €€ to €€€€ Web site: www.clarionhotellimerick.com
Dunraven Arms Hotel, Main Street, Adare, Co. Limerick,
tel. 061-396633, fax 061-396541, e-mail: reservations@dunravenhotel.com.
Dating back to 1792, this lovely inn sits in the heart of one of Ireland's
most picturesque towns, nestled beside the River Maigue. As might be expected
after more than 200 years, the public areas have an old-world ambiance with
open fireplaces, equestrian-theme paintings, local memorabilia, pictures
from other eras, and antiques. Over the years, this 4-star hotel has grown
in size, with a total of 76 rooms today (about 20 are in the original inn
and the remainder are located in newer wings). All guestrooms are furnished
in traditional style with Victorian accents and period pieces as well as
all modern conveniences including internet access. Facilities include an
award-winning restaurant, pub, fruit and vegetable gardens, and a leisure
centre with indoor swimming pool, steam room, and gym. Equestrian holidays
are also a specialty. €€€€
Web site: www.dunravenhotel.com
Echo Lodge, Ballingarry, Co. Limerick, tel. 069-68508;
fax 069-68511; e-mail: mustard@indigo.ie.
Nestled in a quiet village about 12 miles southeast of Adare, this charming
19th century country inn seems a little off the beaten track, but instead
it is right on the cutting edge, thanks to owner/chef Dan Mullane who
gained a far-reaching reputation for his Mustard Seed restaurant, formerly
in Adare. In the mid-1990's, Dan converted this former convent into a
country inn (technically not a hotel but a lot more than a guesthouse)
and also transferred his trend-setting restaurant. The restaurant has
prospered in its new setting, with two dining rooms filled with bold colors,
modern art, antiques and fresh flowers as a back-drop for the award-winning
food. Each of the 14 guestrooms has a different decor, some with traditional
and antique furnishings and others are surprisingly contemporary. Guests
enjoy use of the well-stocked library and the 7 acres of gardens and grounds.
€€€
to €€€€
Web site: www.mustardseed.ie
Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel, Knockanes, Adare,
Co. Limerick; tel. 061-396118, fax 061-396073; e-mail: reception@woodlands-hotel.ie.
Situated amid a 44-acre estate on the Adare-Croom road about a mile northeast
of the village of Adare, this 3-star family-run hotel has grown over the
years to its current roster of 94 guestrooms. Each room is outfitted with
all the modern amenities, and most rooms have lovely views of gardens
and woodlands. Facilities include an award-winning restaurant, a traditional
pub with music sessions, and an indoor leisure centre with swimming pool,
sauna, and gym. It's a very pleasant and reasonably-priced place to stay
to enjoy a relaxing setting of greenery, yet still be close to the bustle
of Adare's main street. Best of all, two generations of the Fitzgerald
family are always on the scene, making sure guests enjoy a warm and welcome
atmosphere. Closed: 24-25 Dec. €€
to €€€€
Web site: www.woodlands-hotel.ie
The George Hotel, O’Connell St., Limerick City, tel. 061-460400; e-mail: reservations@lynchhotels.com. If you want to be in the center of Limerick, especially if you do not rent a car, look no further. Originally known as the Royal George, this former old world hostelry has been re-invented as a classy new 7-story boutique hotel in the heart of the city centre. Entry from the street is via chartreuse-lit escalator from the ground floor up one level to the main reception area – a feast of porcelain, walnut, marble and tile, with soft recessed lighting and skylights. The 125 guest rooms offer every modern comfort including Egyptian linens and down pillows. Facilities include GBK’s restaurant, and The George Bar, complimentary parking at a nearby garage, and access to an adjacent health and fitness club. € to €€€ Web site: www.thegeorgeboutiquehotel.com
Glin Castle, Glin, Co. Limerick, tel. 068-34112; fax 068-34364; e-mail: knight@iol.ie. Home to the Knights of Glin for over 700 years, this elegant place is more than a usual hotel or guesthouse — it is the private historic home of the current (29th) Knight of Glin, Desmond FitzGerald, and his family who welcome guests for exclusive overnight stays. Although there were earlier residences on the site, this present edifice was built in 1785. It is more of a Georgian house than a castle, with exterior crenellations and Gothic battlements. Inside there is a feast of elaborate plasterwork, Corinthian columns, and a unique double-ramp flying staircase. The knight, a noted historian and preservationist, maintains a fine collection of 18th century Irish furniture and memorabilia in all of the public rooms and the 15 guestrooms. Guests can enjoy full use of the hard tennis court and croquet lawn, as well as the 400 acres of gardens, farmlands, and forests, all set romantically overlooking the Shannon Estuary, about 25 miles west of Limerick City. Note: For 2009, Glin Castle is open for exclusive rental only for groups of six rooms or more. Closed: Mid-Nov.-Mar. €€€€€ Web site: www.glincastle.com
Jurys Inn, Lr. Mallow St., Limerick City, tel. 061-207000, fax 061-400966; e-mail: jurysinnlimerick@jurysdoyle.com. With a stunning facade of brick and glass, this modern 6-story 151-room hotel provides first class accommodations at a flat room rate. Like the other Jurys Inns, rooms can accommodate up to three adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Location is another asset — it sits in a commercial area on a busy street a few blocks from the bus and train stations, yet beside the Shannon River at Shannon Bridge, leading to the airport approach road. On the plus side, some rooms provide views of the Shannon River; on the negative side, street and traffic noises can be heard at busy times. Public facilities include a restaurant and pub. For self-drive customers, it offers an adjacent car park (for an extra fee). Closed: 24-26 Dec. €€ Web site: www.bookajurysinn.com
Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Ennis Road, Limerick, Co. Limerick; tel. 061-456200; e-mail: reservations.limerick@radissonblu.com. Formerly the Limerick Inn, this stalwart member of the Radisson chain has been refurbished to a high 4-star standard, with an all-new contemporary spare-no-expense decor and design. The basic layout of the hotel has not changed but the exterior and interior have been brightened and enhanced. There is a range of rooms - from economy level with shower only in the bathroom to business class and suites, smoking and non-smoking. Most rates include a breakfast buffet. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, health club with indoor swimming pool, and ample outdoor parking. The hotel is set back from the main Limerick-Shannon road in a quiet garden location, about 4 miles west of downtown Limerick. It has found a prime niche as a business/conference hotel and for groups/tours. €€€ to €€€€ Web site: www.radissonblu.ie/hotel-limerick
Savoy Hotel, Henry St., Limerick City, Co. Limerick (tel. 061-448700); email: reservations@savoylimerick.com. Located one block from the Shannon River and one block from the city’s man thoroughfare, this new 8-storey hotel (originally launched as a Marriott) has paved the way for contemporary redevelopment along a busy commercial street. Step into the stylish lobby which sets a 21st century tone for the whole hotel - with glass atrium, plush leather furnishings, marble staircase and flooring, brass and wrought iron accoutrements. The 94 guest rooms offer all the latest amenities from floor-to-ceiling windows, air conditioning, flat screen TV, mini-bar, and wireless internet, to night lights and separate showers in the bathroom. The 7th floor is a club floor, with access to a terrace with views of Limerick and the Shannon River. Facilities include the Savoy Restaurant, Savoy Bar, and Liszt Bar, as well as an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, Jacuzzi, hot tub and treatment rooms. Complimentary valet parking is also provided for guests. €€ to €€€ Web site: www.savoylimerick.com
Strand Hotel, Ennis Rd., Limerick City, Co. Limerick, tel. 061-421800; e-mail: hello@strandlimerick.ie. Nested on the west bank of the Shannon River, this 6-story hotel (formerly the Hilton) is one of Limerick’s newest lodging choices, sitting on land that was once occupied by the old Intercontinental-then-Jurys hotel. It is geared to the business travel and group market, with a business centre, 12 meeting rooms, ballroom, and an executive floor/lounge. The vacation market is also drawn to the hotel’s fitness centre with swimming pool, gym and beauty treatment rooms, plus The River Restaurant with panoramic views of Sarsfield Bridge and the Limerick skyline, and The Terrace Bar & Cafe with heated outdoor terrace. The 184 air-conditioned guest rooms have high speed internet access, flat screen TV, tea/coffee-maker, garment press, iron and ironing board, and safe. €€ to €€€ Web site: www.strandlimerick.ie
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