Pleasant Stay
by TripAdvisor Member Hln_1
Stayed at this hotel recently for one night following a wedding. We booked a double room which was very spacious and had a double bed, single bed and chaise longue. The front of the hotel featured a nice seating area but there were some parts of the hotel that were in need of updating. The staff were pleasant and there was no dealy checking in.
Enjoyed the Woodlands
by TripAdvisor Member Currie_McCormick
Excellent value for money in friendly family style hotel. Food great, location ideal for touring the area. Main restaurant menu was good value for money with attentive service and well paced dinner. Timmy Mac's service not quite so good, but still a pleasant environment. There were two weddings during our stay, and while they did take over the bar and foyer at times, the people watching was great! Room large and comfortable, although lighting a bit dull and TV tiny with few channels. We specifically asked for an easy access room and this was done automatically. Parts of the hotel are a bit jaded, but overall we really enjoyed our stay and would recommend to anyone.
Excellent hotel, great value for familes.
by TripAdvisor Member ferrettfish
Have just returned from this little gem of a hotel just outside Adare. It has a wonderful leisure centre with a large pool and geyser, which is great for kids, also, it has a seperate jacuzzi, sauna and steam room which is for adults. Service was great and bar is a delight.
A a family of six we had two rooms with very comfortable beds. The kind of beds you did not want to leave in the morning. Breakfast is buffett and has a very good choice of hot and cold items. Eat dinner in Jimmy macs bistro as opposed to Brannigans resturant. The bistro is the same food as the resturant next door but decor is more interesting and more familes with kids eat there. The resturant is geared towards adults and couples, and mainly booked for functions,but they still have the same menu.
I found the staff would go beyond the call of duty. When I spilt cranberry sauce on my white skirt they offerred to use something housekeeping to get rid of it. Very friendly hotel which is put in as a three star but I have stayed in 4 stars which were not as good as this place.
When you are in Shannon region you must go to Bunratty castle. If you can book ahead, go to Medieval banquet there, it is the best that I have ever been to. Booking done on Shannon Heritage website.
Would I return to this hotel, Definately.
Loved the Woodlands!
by TripAdvisor Member countryfolkAurora_Mn
Staying at the Woodlands was an absolute pleasure. My husband and I were celebrating our 30th anniversary and first trip overseas. We were about 5 days into our trip and we had booked the Woodlands for our return from Dublin. From the moment we first arrived and until we left, our visit was the most relaxing time of our trip. The staff were courteous and attentive. Our room was wonderful. The bed was one of the most comfortable we have ever slept in! Our room was quiet, we heard no morning noises as you often here in hotels, when people depart at 5 or 6 am and think nothing of talking and slamming doors. We had paid for breakfast to be included in our room price, and it was well worth it. The food and dining experience in Timmy Mac's was delicious! The dining staff were courteous and helpful. Their restaurant was the only time in our stay in Ireland, that we heard Irish music playing nicely in the background. We didn't have the opportunity to use the pool or spa, but I did need help with a few problems (blisters, etc.) and the staff in this area were more than willing to help me out, and were a pleasure to deal with. Since I'm following a weight loss program, a young man there helped me figure out how to use the scale. I cannot say enough about our stay. It remains one of our most pleasant memories from our trip, and we had a wonderful trip. It was a very pleasant interlude from a busy schedule, and even though Adare might be considered a tourist trap, we very much enjoyed our day there. The only negative thing I can say, is that you are pretty much limited to taxi service if you do not drive, and they are a little pricey. 7- 10 euro for a 1 & 1/2 mile ride from the hotel to Adare, and even though we felt we could easily walk it, everyone was too horrified at the thought, because of the business of the road. Other than that, I would highly recommend staying here. I often wish we could go back.
Photos
who are they kidding ?
A 400-year old grove of beech and oak
Campus Map
From their brochure
Forum Posts
Limerick or Galway
by schmechi
Which city is more worth seeing, Galway or Limerick? Unfortunately my time is limited and I can only afford one day in one of this cities.
I'd spent two nights in the selected city using it as a base for a daytrip to Cliffs of Moher, the other day would be free for sightseeing...
Re: Limerick or Galway
by ConorB
Galway, without a doubt... it has everything going for it. I went to College there for three years & it's probably the best location in Ireland for a hectic social life. To be honest, you cannot go wrong in the City of the Tribes!
Enjoy,
C
Re: Limerick or Galway
by CatherineReichardt
I agree with Conor - Galway wins hands down!
With regard to your other post, you have made a good choice in deciding to visit the Cliffs of Moher - they are spectacular!
Enjoy!
Regards
Cathy
Re: Limerick or Galway
by leics
Yes, Galway definitely. Lots to explore, some excellent pubs/cafes/restaurants & music.
The Cliffs of Moher is a very tourist-popular spot, and the new-ish visitor centre has changed its 'feel' (imo). Try to get there as early as you can to avoid the arrival of the coach tours.
Re: Limerick or Galway
by tony2phones
Unless there's a sporting reason then Galway. Limerick is fine and great for the Rugby and GAA but for a compact city with night-life then Galway has the edge. You will probably find more options for trips to the Cliffs although getting there by public transport outside of peak season would be difficult.
http://www.enjoyfreetoday.com/
Re: Limerick or Galway
by Waoife
I'd personally recommend Galway over Limerick too. However, it depends where you're coming from - obviously you'll save time etc by staying in Limerick if you are flying in/out of Shannon airport (although it has to be said the airport is a fair bit outside the city on the road to Galway!). In terms of things to see near Limerick there's the restored castle and folk park at Bunratty (http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BunrattyCastleFolkPark/)- definitely geared towards the tourist market but most people seem to enjoy it :)
Re: Limerick or Galway
by schmechi
So it seems to be quite clear, I'm going for Galway...
@tony2phones: Sport would be a reason... I'd love to visit a rugby or Gaelic football match, but as far as I realize the schedule, during my visit (mid of June) there will already be the play-offs, so it's hard to be planned...
Shannon airport is unfortunately no alternative, because there are no direct flights to Vienna, Bratislava, Graz or any other airport in my region. Due to transfer time (and the costs) I decided to use Dublin airport...
Re: Limerick or Galway
by tony2phones
Limerick has been appointed European City of Sport for 2011 so leave your final choice until nearer to the date to see what's on for your dates. It is posible to get the train direct from Limerick to Galway but you would have to get the Bus to either destination from Shannon Airport.
Re: Limerick or Galway
by schmechi
We'll rent a day for the very first day because we'll stay three days in Dublin (and want to make day trips from there). Afterwards I plan to go from Dublin via Kilkenny and Rock of Cashel to Galway (?). So mobility won't be a problem...
Re: Limerick or Galway
by Waoife
Both Kilkenny and the Rock of Cashel would be far more convenient for a trip to Limerick than one to Galway. There may be Gaelic football or hurling intercounty matches on if you are here over a weekend - checkout gaa.ie closer to the time for details. As you point out the rugby season will be over by June.