Quietly situated in gardens on the edge of New Ross, this pleasant hotel has grown organically around a substantial mid-19th century redbrick manor house. Formerly the Five Counties Hotel, it was acquired by Paddy and Patricia Quinn in 1996 and has since been thoughtfully developed by the Quinn family to become the centre of local activities, the community's go-to wedding venue and - especially since the opening of the unique Solas Croí Eco Spa - a destination for visitors to the area.
Ideally located for exploring Wexford and the South East, it is a well managed property with exceptionally welcoming and well trained staff who make guests feel at home from the moment of arrival - when the lovely wall artwork by Kilkenny artist Brock Butler displayed at reception (and around the hotel) is also sure to impress.
Pleasing communal areas include a comfortable, traditionally furnished Library Bar (with a cosy open fire in winter), where good daytime fare is served and The Gallery Restaurant (see below) which offers atmospheric evening dining.
The spacious and carefully planned guest rooms include some for families (flexibly arranged beyond the usual parents and two kids scenario) and, with fluffy towels and Elemis toiletries, the well designed bathrooms feel quite luxurious. And, as elsewhere throughout the property, maintenance and housekeeping are exemplary.
Good on-site amenities include a well-run leisure centre and gym and the Solas Croí Eco Spa - custom-built and designed to offer a unique relaxation and rejuvenation experience in partnership with respected skin wellness brand, Elemis. The Spa offers an extensive range of treatments (must be pre-booked) and the Thermal Suite is also available for residents.
The Gallery Restaurant
This lovely, well appointed and relaxing room not only offers an enjoyable dining experience but it also showcases some outstanding artwork - and, in an interesting act of homage, famous Irish artists are listed along the ceiling coving. It makes for an atmospheric setting for some good cooking by French chef Mo Yansane and his team. Offering about five starters, four mains and six desserts (including cheese) the menu is not overlong and it's very reasonably priced, making this an unusually accessible outing. A nice welcoming note sets out the provenance philosophy (also highlighted on all dishes).
The style is upbeat classic and local meats are especially well represented - in a tasty starter of Woodlawn Pork Belly with spinach purée, pearl barley and red wine jus, for example, or a perfectly cooked summer main course of rump of Wicklow lamb, oven roasted and served with aubergine and plum tomato caponata and lamb jus. To accompany, a small wine list has good tasting notes and is reasonably priced, although it offers just six reds and six whites.
Lovely local staff dressed smartly in black have good knowledge of the menu - and, when asked, they are happy to give their recommendations, which is always a plus.
All round this is is a very pleasing hotel and it offers really good value too, which is sure to stand it in good stead in these uncertain times.
