A popular meeting point midway between Cork and Dublin, this family run four star hotel is very well located for both business and leisure, with good on-site amenities and access to a wide area with many visitor attractions, including Holy Cross Abbey, Cahir Castle and Swiss Cottage, the Rock of Cashel, the GAA museum in Thurles and the Cashel Blue Cheese Visitor Experience, all nearby.
Having been bought by the Egan family in 1986, the original 250 year old pub remains at the heart of what is now a substantial hotel providing excellent amenities for a wide area and beyond. The location is ideal for business meetings and events, and the accommodation and all facilities have been developed imaginatively over the years to cater well for differing markets - and, unlike many newer hotels, this is a place with heart and a real sense of place. Pride in the county's equestrian prowess is seen all around, for example, and also the area's outstanding local produce. They are supporters of the Taste of Tipperary producers network and members are proudly referenced everywhere.
Once discovered, few would travel between Cork and Dublin without a stop at the Horse & Jockey and there are many reasons for that.
Ease of access is one of course, as it's close to a major motorway junction and there's plenty of parking. But, more importantly, there's the promise of a visit to The Enclosure Bar, which serves very good informal food and, with its traditional ambience and open fire, is a relaxing place to enjoy a meal. Or, when time is too tight for a full meal, the hotel's not-so-secret weapon is the Bakery and Coffee Bar in the spacious lounge area, which is set up temptingly each day by pastry chef Jacqueline Lanigan Ryan and her team - and the display of cakes and goodies is impossible to pass by. Just a cup of Fairtrade tea or coffee and a delicious scone with local Crossogue raspberry jam, perhaps, or why not one of those raspberry & custard tarts with some refreshing juice from The Apple Farm at Cahir?
For longer visits, the Leisure Centre and Elemis Spa are persuasive - and there's even hairdressing on site, and a proper gift shop, The Gift Horse Gallery, to browse...All round the Horse & Jockey is a remarkable place, with every visitor's needs considered and - especially - caring owners and staff who make every guest feel welcome. Well worth seeking out.
