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Dublin: Clontarf Castle

Castle Avenue, Phone: 353.1.8332321
www.clontarfcastle.ie

Reviewed by: Jeff H from NH, review #1646

When: 2001

Blend of ancient stone castle structure and modern architecture melded together in an upscale atmosphere.

Front View of Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin, photo by

Conveniently located to the North of the city of Dublin, close to the airport (10 minutes) and close to the industrial/high tech park along the water.

The rooms are larger than I have found in most European accommodations. Excellent service overall and a stunning facade when you approach. Not surprisingly, it looks like a castle! Rates are somewhere in the 100 to 200 euro range for a double, depending on day of the week, weekend, specials, etc. Breakfast included.

The soaring 3 story lobby is impressive - many earmarks of the history of the castle itself, including ancient stone walls, arches and artifacts and a huge fireplace. Clean, brightly lit and full of nooks and crannies, with plenty of seating while waiting for ... whatever you're waiting for.

The breakfast room is on a "mezzanine level" between floors, I think, and was a little difficult to find. A series of staircases and turns, etc. Full English-Irish-American style breakfast menu, but a small and tightly packed room with logistics problems. The early morning table service was just OK. The blood sausage was excellent, if that's your thing.

The main bar-lounge-restaurant on the ground floor has its own front entrance separate from the hotel entrance, so it is frequented by many locals. It seemed quite crowded all the time. One large bar with dining and one small bar in the main dining room. Pretty typical menu with more beer selections than wine selections, but, hey - this is Ireland! And the crowd is an eclectic blend of businessmen, younger students, neighbors, older couples, workmen, et al. The Guinness flows freely and it is loud in the larger of the two bar areas - best to repair to the smaller bar in the main dining area for quiet conversation or romance.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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