Next to Enniscrone Golf Club and overlooking the town's magnificent Blue Flag beach, the Diamond Coast Hotel is popular with locals, families, wedding couples, Golden Years guests, golfers and tourists. And no wonder - it has a lot going for it on location alone. Add to that the many activities that are available nearby and important attractions to visit, including the Ceide Fields, and there are plenty of reasons to consider a stay here even before the advantages of the hotel itself come into the frame. And those advantages are considerable, especially as a family destination. As well as being very comfortable, the rooms are exceptionally large which means plenty of space for little ones, staff are very friendly and attentive and - although there is no leisure centre - it is a truly family-friendly hotel, with a very good attitude and plenty of amenities and activities. Footballs and tennis racquets are provided, for example, and there's a great Pirates Playground, plus the Little Diamonds Kids Club in summer - and that wonderful beach is just a few minutes walk away.
The food is good too, and there are plenty of dining options. Formal dining is offered in the Coral Restaurant, which has recently reopened following major refurbishment. With floor to ceiling windows to make the most of the view, it is beautifully decorated with a choice of cosy tables for four and larger areas with nooks and banquettes. It's modern and welcoming, with no linens or flowers on the grey marble table tops but gleaming cutlery and glassware, and tea lights twinkling in candle holders.
The kitchen team is multi-cultural and they all have an input into carefully crafted menus that are sure to please with their focus on local meat and seafood with international influences. Attention to detail is seen everywhere, creating a sense of occasion – so it’s easy to see why this restaurant has become a destination for local diners too.
Classic Mussels in a cream and white wine sauce come in a little enamel pot with melba toast, for example, while a tasty Paté with red onion jam is served on a black rectangular plate for impact.
While there’s a well balanced choice of mains (and it’s nice to see local specialities such as Shines Silver Darllngs featuring on the menu) tempting Specials could include dainty Lobster and prawns with creamy garlic sauce, oven roast tomatoes and chips, or pan-fried Duck fillet with plum jam and a lovely smooth and creamy mash.
Vegetarian options are imaginative too - Interesting salads such as Giant Couscous with charred artichoke, aubergines, pickled raisins and mint yoghurt, for example,
and hot dishes such as Thai Yellow Vegetable Curry.
Desserts will include plenty of old favourites and also a bit of theatre such as a more-ish chocolate bombe, which is finished at the table.
And on the children’s menu, while the usual goujons and sausages are there you’ll find thoughtful touches to delight young guests too - the cordials are served in a glass bottle for example, and for dessert there may be candied popcorn served in a glass with ice-cream, which is unusual and delicious.
For more casual meals there’s the Inishaven Bar – recently refurbished too, with smart blue décor and a choice of low chairs or high stools - where typical offerings include Steak with Onion Rings, Beer-Battered Cod and Chips and Beef and Guinness Pie and, beside the bar, Stir Bistro offers an in-between experience. Wherever you choose to eat, staff are terrific with families and prices are very reasonable given the quality of the ingredients and the service.
Breakfast is served in Coral Restaurant, and the offering here is well up to scratch too, with lots of appealing cold cuts, cheeses, smoked salmon, fruit compotes, juices, Barry’s Tea and good coffee, as well as a tasty cooked breakfast.
Specials Nights focus on Asian and World food, and the hotel is a popular wedding/function and music venue too, making it a favourite with locals even in low season.
So, a very good all-rounder - and among the key reasons for the Diamond Coast's success are its staff, who always go the extra mile to make sure that everyone is happy.
