The Castlemartyr resort is outstanding...truly an amazing 5-Star experience. If you make it to…read moreIreland on travel, I strongly recommend you take the time to visit Cork and stay at the resort. My family (wife and 3 children) had the pleasure of staying at the resort for 3 nights, and everything about it was top notch. It is set on gorgeous property, including rolling hills, a beautiful golf course, with pastures for horses and miles of beautiful hikes. In addition, they have sensational facilities, from outstanding food (awesome restaurant), to a gorgeous indoor pool, as well as a fully equipped gym (and spa). The staff was attentive, kind, considerate, friendly and overall outstanding. The rooms were spacious, well equipped and a great value for the money (while it is an expensive resort, there is great value for the money). They are incredibly kid friendly, and there are lots of fun things for the kids to do. In particular, we loved the Knight's Bar (fully stocked and gorgeous), the sensational menu at the restaurant, the awesome staff, indoor swimming pool with fantastic view, and the big rooms. 5-Stars!

We're staying here on a whim as we make our way around Ireland, and I still can not get over the…read morebang for buck value at Castlemartyr. There are some reviews that this is not a true 5-star experience, and while I understand why they clearly are also not considering what they charge for this magnificent property. My first thought upon checking in was what did we pay for this place? Then we realized, it was really not much...less than a typical night (not weekend) stay in Napa. The property is spectacular, and seemingly well kept. There is a new contemporary meets old world elegance on this property that few have done so well (Cavallo Point in Sausalito comes to mind). The rooms are situated in a modern contemporary wing, while the main manor sits proud with old world elegance. The highlight of this property without doubt is its grounds, and they are astounding, charming and romantic. I especially enjoyed the garden setting and the outdoor hiking trails. The spa and gym are fantastic as well. We also enjoyed dinner at the Belltower restaurant, and the food was prepared better than most hotel kitchens and on or above par with most michelin star restaurants. Service was a little lackluster (see below), but don't let that stop you. Our room was clean, comfortable and luxurious. Pressed white linens, fluffed pillows, a heavy comforter. Everything seemed to have had a once over, and designed to impress. Even the wifi is blisteringly fast considering the size of this property. I was especially suspect of this as we stayed in another Castle property in Tuscany and the wifi experience there was terrible. Finally, although I'm giving Castlemartyr 5 stars, I wanted to add a counterpoint to it's shine and a justification. I did not experience any issue with the staff, and service was on point - I can see how they could be perceived as rude or even slow, in reality they just seem barely understaffed. Also, when I reached for the toilet paper the roll fell down, then the rod, and finally the piece that connects to the connection bolted in the wall. It was a 'wtf' moment, but it was put back together and over-all not a big deal. Not ever bar is staffed, and there is not a team of 3 waiting on you for dinner. Castlemartyr has all the foundations of being a true 5 star resort, but to do so they would also, and justifiably so, be charging north of $500-1000 per night. At $250/300/nt or whatever we're paying this place is a STEAL, and thus 5-stars w/o question. Come stay here, and stay often. It's a bargain at this rate.

Charming hotel with a quick walk to the water and downtown. The nicest staff…read more Ate dinner and the restaurant and has been one of our favorite meals in Ireland so far. Risotto was

AHERNE'S HOTEL/RESTAURANT It has been a long time since I…read morevisited Aherne's in Youghal and I made up for that this weekend with a trip to try their tasting menu: Flat Oysters with a mini-Guinness; Seared Castletownbere Scallop with an Herb Butter. Drink: Prosecco; Grilled Sea Bass with Avocado & Chilli Salsa. Drink: Sauvignon Blanc; Smoked Parmesan & Roast Vegetable Risotto. Drink: Alsace-Gewurztraminer "Hugel"; Aherne's Sorbet; Surf & Turf (Char-grilled Baby Fillet Steak & Prawns) Chile. Drink: Chile Crucero Cabernet Sauvignon; Farmhouse Cheese. Drink: Warre's 1999 Late Bottled Vintage Port; Sticky Toffee Pudding; Irish Coffee. Quite a meal. We were first in to the restaurant at seven and it was ten or afterwards before we finished. Business was quite slack on Friday, maybe a calm before the storm of Mother's day. The standard, as you'd expect, was very high indeed. All the courses were excellent and highlights included the scallop; the bass and particularly the salsa; the risotto also; steak (not quite the baby indicated) was splendid as was the cheese selection, not to mention the port; the sticky toffee was very rich and so tempting and the Irish Coffee rounded it all off. Service was very friendly and efficient throughout our stay and we also enjoyed our breakfast the following morning. I almost forget the bread, brilliant at both meals.

The swimming pool was great the room was also great the breakfast place was great lots of amazing…read morefood garden is very nice was playing ping pong there,I highly recommend this place the pool in the morning was very busy had to leave early but I was fine with it I loved this hotel.The dinner was great as well

Family holiday houses were lovely and food was pretty good breakfast a bit impatient and removed…read more before my family and I finished our meals. The pancake were quite underwhelming.

The Carraig Hotel in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary is a lovely place and is the center of social…read moreactivity in the town. We've been in Carrick for three weeks, staying nearby, and walk to the hotel's restaurant nearly every day for tea, coffee, scones, and sometimes for lunch or dinner. The Carraig has the best wi-fi internet we've found in the town, giving us a chance to remain in touch with home in the U.S. The staff here is the best, friendly, helpful. They're open from about 8 AM until late, and can pull a really nice pint (or half-pint if you prefer) of Guinness, as well as a selection of other beverages. We haven't had occasion to use the hotel facilities, but no doubt they'll measure up to the downstairs. Thanks to all the staff for providing a home away from home.

Visiting from the States and having a wonderful steak dinner. Great Atmosphere Wait staff…read moreattentive. Steak cooked to perfection. Highly recommend

Small hotel conveniently located on Main Street, Youghal. The bedrooms have been completely…read morerefurbished and are of a high, modern standard. If you're booking a room, I'd recommend asking for one at the back of the hotel, rather than fronting on to the main street, to be sure of a quiet night's sleep. While the bedrooms are modern, they've retained the character of the building in the bar and restaurant downstairs. The bar is authentic and welcoming, and has a small selection of craft beers (including the Dungarvan Helvick Blonde) in addition to the usual. Food is served in the smallish restaurant and in the bar and is of a high standard, the fresh fish dishes being a highlight. Not too pricy either. Breakfast is a particular pleasure - the full Irish is a treat of freshly-cooked ingredients. The black pudding, which they told me is from Wexford, is exceptional. Throughout our weekend stay (6-8 June 2014), the staff were, without exception, warm, friendly and helpful, as indeed were the locals. What a nice spot.

Great little hotel in such a cute town! My family and I were driving through so we stayed for only…read morea night, but wish we could have stayed longer! Very sweet upon arrival. Quick and gave us the run down of the town too. We got a family suite, which came with water! Loved this hotel! I would recommend getting a room away from the road because it can be noisy during busy hours or randomly in the middle of the night.

I was fortunate enough to spend some time with my sisters at Castle Palace, located in the town of…read moreCashel, County, Tipperary, Ireland. This country house was built in 1732 and has recently made the "50 best new luxury hotels to visit". I was lucky enough to visit because it's not far from my home in Ireland. It only has 30 rooms. It is quintessentially Ireland, with fantastic food, ambience, and top-notch service. We had a blast, overindulging in food and drinks at the Guinness Bar and for Afternoon Tea. If you are on the fence about booking this five-star boutique hotel in the heart of Ireland... don't hesitate. It's amazing.

Beautiful hotel. I would definitely go back. Has lovely amenities. We stayed in the schoolhouse and…read moreloved it!

Five stars! I was at Ballinacurra House for a wedding, and it was magical. Elaine seemed to be in…read morecharge of the event, and not only was she entirely accommodating but she remembered every guest by name! Kinsale is known as the 'foodie' center of Ireland, and between the trad Irish breakfast to the fine fare at the wedding itself it proved to be true. Beautiful grounds, well appointed private and public rooms, and attentive staff-great mix. In my party was a wheelchair bound gal, and they couldn't have made it easier for us-Declan was handy with ramps to help her get around the building (although she took her breakfast in her room).

Came here for a friends wedding and it was the most perfect experience. They said that they were…read moresold on the place from when they first went to look and it was easy to see why. The staff were great and providing things we didn't know we wanted (i.e., soup). The landscape was amazing and there was so much exploring for those to do who were not in the wedding. The rooms were all lovely and each had their own charm.

I'm not thrilled with Dungarvan overall, but Lawlor's treated me well. I have many, many notes to…read moreshare. 1) People are generally unfriendly in this town, at least to "outsiders". The hotel staff was polite, though. 2) Restaurants and bars are very separate things. Bars are crowded, restaurants are quiet. People drink outside as if it's a meal - at dinnertime, even alone. I don't get it. I don't get this town at all. But the hotel room was cozy. 3) I was given a room in a very quiet corridor. The hall light only came on when I entered it. That said, I didn't realize my room was against the ice machine. Fortunately, the ice machine is relatively quiet and dosen't make ice-plopping noises. Also fortunately, my sleeping hours coincided exactly with the hours no one used the ice machine. (For reference, plan to sleep from 11:30 to 7:00.) 4) Also, there was some random street work outside with people talking back and forth. Again, starting at 7:00. 5) Minus one star for the included breakfast. It's not an Irish breakfast. It's a few types of cereal, juices, and yogurt. I was rather saddened by this. 6) Your bed will be a single. Learn not to move while asleep. All in all, it's a very strong 3 stars and I had it at 4 until remembering the breakfast. IMO better off not offering any sort of breakfast at all rather than a very basic continental. Not quite a B&B despite the sometimes-billing.

I was visiting Dungarven on a sad occasion. One of my good friends parents passed away. Knowing the…read morehouse would be full I found Lawlors Hotel on Booking.com. I remembered passing it from previous visits to this beautiful seaside town. It's very central. Checking in was fine but I had to ask was there parking as it wasn't obvious, there is absolutely no signs on the street. When I got up to the 1st floor where I was staying it was clear why I had gotten such a good deal on the room. The corridors were old, the walls an off cream colour and the wood around the doors of the rooms, almost seemed crooked. They seemed to have packed as many rooms in as possible. The room itself was what you expected for €58, it was small but with a new bathroom. I flicked on the TV but could only get RTE 1. I headed out and didn't return til about 11pm. Once back in the room I realised I could hear every word in the room next to me. Drunk people talk really loudly on the phone. Thank God for football. I watch the highlights of the Euro 2012, but even getting the TV on was a challenge. Ah, we now have more than one station. At midnight the nightclub/DJ started. I might as well have been sleeping on the dance floor. I'm beginning to wonder if the walls and floors are made of sawdust. This goes on til 2am. No sleep for me. I get awoken at 4am by people running up and down the corridors, knocking on doors and the sound of someone vomiting somewhere. This continues for a solid hour. And I can hear every. single. word. And feel every vibration from the people running up and down the corridor. At 5.15am I pack it in and decided not to stay to see how bad breakfast is. I have it in my mind to complain to the night porter, but when I get down the the lobby I'm confronted by this elderly gentleman on his own collecting various glasses and bottles from the session that had been going on. He gets a phonecall as I'm checking out from one of the residents complaining about the noise. I'm not the only one. "I'll be up immediately." I feel sorry for him. I say nothing. I've wondered since, 10 years ago I probably would have been one of the revellers. Was I that thoughtless when I was off my bean drunk? I'm so beyond that lifestyle now. I know, I sound like a cranky oulfella. I wasn't there for a good night out. Still, the lack of respect for everyone else in the hotel that wasn't partying down stairs was pretty appalling.