We stayed here recently for couple of nights (nov 05) for a wedding.
It is a deeply traditional hotel, worthy of it's three stars : a nice leisure centre, well-appointed rooms, a good bar and very friendly staff.
It does, however, seem to lack character and at 180 euro for a standard room it is well overpriced.
The main 'upmarket' restaurant is a fine place, but don't be tempted by it's second restaurant above the bar - it is absolutely awful and overpriced to boot.
Breakfast was also a disappointment, with mean little glasses, overcooked food (when they eventually got the right order) and a buffet appropriate to a B & B. I enquired what cheese they had, and the reply was "grated".
Worth staying if you can get about a 50% discount of rack rate.
Unique Quality: Right by the castle and forest park, a very peaceful place to wander and relax
Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Shannon Oaks Hotel & Country Club Photo: Hey, I got wood..let's make acorns !
I stayed here recently for couple of nights (nov 05) for a wedding.
It is a deeply traditional hotel, worthy of it's three stars : a nice leisure centre, well-appointed rooms, a good bar and very friendly staff.
It does, however, seem to lack character and at 180 euro for a standard room it is well overpriced.
The main 'upmarket' restaurant is a fine place, but don't be tempted by it's second restaurant above the bar - it is absolutely awful and overpriced to boot.
Breakfast was also a disappointment, with mean little glasses, overcooked food (when they eventually got the right order) and a buffet appropriate to a B & B. I enquired what cheese they had, and the reply was "grated".
Worth staying if you can get about a 50% discount of rack rate. Excellenny location to enjoy lough Derg and the relatively undiscovered Irish Midland - see tips on Portumna
Forum Posts
Suggestions on Day Trips in Ireland
by rnickell
We are going to Ireland this fall for 8 days, and now starting to book accommodations. We are arriving in Dublin, then driving to the Galway area. We are staying three nights there, then heading south for 3 nights, then back to Dublin for the last two nights.
Is it best to find a central location and take day trips from there, or is our plan of three different locations best? We are planning on hitting the top tourist spots in those areas, going as far south as the Ring of Kerry.
Any suggestions or feedback greatly appreciated.
Re: Suggestions on Day Trips in Ireland
by leics
I think 3 different bases is by far the best idea. Ireland isn't huge, but (as with most of the UK too) travelling takes far longer than you would expect from the map; congestion, tractors, winding roads, lorries you can't overtake etc etc. Always allow longer than you think you'll need, then you can be pleasantly surprised if you make the journey in the expected time!
Re: Suggestions on Day Trips in Ireland
by dl3424
When we went to Ireland, we stayed all nights in Dublin. From there, we were able to do daytrips to: Belfast/Antrim Coast, Cork/Cobh/Blarney, Glendalough, and Wales. As stated in a previous post, Ireland is small enough making it possible to see so many parts of the country via day trips. I am certain that other VT's will write posts stating to stay in various locations, and that is certainly understandable. I just wanted to let you know that you can day trip all over Ireland from Dublin.
Good website for day trips by train: http://www.railtours.ie/
Re: Suggestions on Day Trips in Ireland
by Ekaterinburg
Rachelle, if you scroll down the Irelandtravel forum there are several posts asking similar questions. Read the replies to some of them and you'll get loads of suggestions for day trips :))
Re: Suggestions on Day Trips in Ireland
by rnickell
Thanks so much for the helpful information. We have found some accommodations we are looking into, has anyone stayed at the Lodges at Shannon Oaks Hotel in Portunma? It looks great and the price is right, just wondering if the website is accurate.
