Hello, My wife and I will be vacationing in Ireland in April/May 2006. I have been looking for a good spot to spend our last night before flying out of Shannon. On previous trips we stayed at Cill Eoin House in Ennis ( a good spot but a little far from town for my taste) and at Hunters Lodge in Newmarket-on-Fergus ( no real complaints but nothing gping on in the village). I have seen many good recommendations for the Bunratty area on the forum but would also like to know of possibilities in Ennis.
Has anyone had experience with Rose Cottage Guesthouse on Turnpike Road. It is attached to Aylmers Rest Bar and Restaurant. It seems to be quite close to town center which is important to us. Ennis is a great town but the driving is a bid dodgy. Any suggestions close to town center will be greatly appreciated.
I don't know how close to town you want to be, but we enjoyed Newpark House. You do have to drive into town (or bike, like we did), but it's not far. You can Google Newpark House, there's a lot of info. It's an old manor, located in large grounds, a little more expensive than the average at about $US40-$60, depending on the season.
Old Ground Hotel is right in the heart of Ennis. I've visited there, but have not stayed there. It appears to be very nice and the sites are walkable from there...the abbey, Glor Irish Music Centre, shopping and restaurants.
I don't have any personal recommendations in Ennis. However, in addition to Corey's suggestion of the Old Ground Hotel look into the Temple Gate Hotel also: http://www.templegatehotel.com/ It is right in the thick of things.
I stayed at the Old Ground for three nights last April. Part of it is an historic building and the hotel's been there a long time, so it seems a little tired --- lots of antiques, old paintings, etc --- but the service, the lounge areas, the pub and the breakfast were just fine. My room was clean, large and quiet, the bed was comfy, the shower had plenty of hot water, and I could open my window all the way (I'm a fresh air nut). In short, it's not as beautiful as, say, LochLein Manor House (near Killarney), but I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.
The best part is you're right in town --- easy to walk to pubs, stores, Ennis Friary, the Fergus River walk, etc.
The Temple Gate that Michele mentioned is also right in the heart of things. I only saw it from the outside, but it looked okay.
Thanks to Michele and everyone for the great advice. We usually pre-book some accommodation and leave some unbooked time for adventure and spontaniety. It is always good to have bookings for the first and last days of a trip. The Temple Gate seems like the place for us in Ennis. Thanks again.
I think you made a good decision. My husband and I stayed at the Rose Cottage a couple of years ago and left after only 1 night instead of 3. We found it to be not very clean, not very good service and very noisy from the bar area. And VERY smokey, which probably won't be a problem now with the non-smoking policy.
Thanks again Michele and everyone else. It was good to hear specific feedback about Rose Cottage; thank you Anonymous. Last night I booked a room at Temple Gate Hotel for our final night in Ireland.
Stewart, enjoy Ennis and let us know how you like the Temple Gate. We're staying in Bunratty Lodge but I considered Ennis also, it was a tough choice (so many fun places to choose from.) I think it will be fun for you to be right in town, lots to do just a stroll away it sounds like.