Set in the grounds of Ashford Castle, Lisloughrey Lodge enjoys one of the most beautiful locations in Ireland, with views down Lough Corrib and, adding interest in the foreground, Lisloughrey Quay with small boats in the harbour and its old stone buildings set against wooded hills.
The heart of the hotel is a fine period house which was once home to the General Manager of Ashford Castle. Behind it, new accommodation has been added discreetly in two-bedroom units, built around an attractive landscaped courtyard (where civil wedding ceremonies may be held); to the side, a bright and airy function room is well-designed with direct access to a bar and other public areas, and also to the lawn at the front of the house, making a wonderful setting for weddings and other special occasions.
A modern approach was taken throughout the interior at the time of its redevelopment and, while it had its admirers, it was not to everyone’s taste – and a recent change of management immediately undertook a refurbishment programme in order to restore elegance to the beautiful old house.
The best accommodation is in the old house, with views down Lough Corrib - two suites have a free-standing bath in the room, one of them copper; however most rooms are in the new development, where the bedrooms are not especially large but have wall-mounted flat screen TV and various technical extras and, more importantly, the benefit of big, very comfortable beds and tip-top quality pillows and bedding.
The fashion-led bathrooms are not easily changed but they are a good size; standard rooms have only a power shower with rain dance shower head, but the ten more spacious junior suites have better bathrooms including full bath, and it is worth paying a premium if necessary.
Business facilities include the first floor Library in the main house, which is suitable for meetings (or private dinners) of up to 30.
Conferences/Banqueting (200/180); freebroadband wi/fi. Treatment rooms, masseuse, jacuzzi, sauna, fitness room, walking, boat trips, fishing (trout, salmon), golf & equestrian nearby.
Rooms 50 (26 suites, 10 family, 24 ground floor, 3 disabled, 38 shower only). B&B from €99 pps, ss €75. Children welcome (under 10s free in parents room, cot available free of charge, baby sitting arranged); all day room service; lift.
Salt Restaurant:
Situated in two rooms on the first floor, with lovely views of the lough and quay, this is one of the most attractive areas of the hotel. Smartly polished wood tables are minimally appointed with modern cutlery cushioned by crisp white linen napkins and, as the evening draws in, warm lighting softens the atmosphere.
Menus change with the seasons, and house specialities include an interesting and pretty dish of pan seared scallops with green pea velouté, crumbed black pudding and brown butter.
Backed up by an interesting wine list and solicitous, knowedgeable service under the direction of Restaurant Manager Christian Kielen, this bodes well for a special dining experience.
Seats 56 (private room, 15). D daily 6-9.30pm; L Sun only 1-5pm. House wine from €22; SC 12.5% on groups 8+. Bar food also served daily, 12.30-10pm. Children welcome (high chair, childrens menu, baby changing facilities). Closed 24-26 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
