Four of us availed of 2nights B&B + 1 dinner. We got two huge rooms on the top floor of the new end of the hotel with two double beds and suite area to sit down on, lots of space to relax in, it was a bit of a walk to the room but no trouble really. The hotel is an old house with lots of quirky features, after reading review on Trip Advisor I knew what to expect so was not disappointed to be opening lots of huge door and exploring the house.
Breakfast was hit and miss, the hot food was made in bulk and left in ban bourée's for up to 2+hours if you came at the last minute. It did the job but it wasn't on the gourmet side of cooking regarding a full Irish breakfast. I was made porridge when I asked so was very happy and they had a good selection of bread, toast, fruits, juices etc and of course the ever helpful Mags was on duty when we were there for breakfast and dinner.
The dinner was nice and I went for the leg of duck (tasty) and the steak which was cooked as we asked for (med rare), the meat was good once we dispensed of all the surrounding grizzle. Lots of creamy mash and veg on hand. The chocolate cake torte was voted the best between the four of us. Our first choice of wine was not available.
The inappropriately named 'Cocktail bar' did not serve cocktails which was a surprise. The bar staff were helpful when we could find them. They need to watch out as when they take their smoke breaks all the smoke comes in from the door and fills the bar, may as well have just smoked inside.
One of us was staying in the hotel during the day while the rest of us went off and despite having the "Do not disturb" sign on the door the cleaners came in three times to try make the bed while they were still in the room (once while in the bath!).
The leisure centre and gym was excellent and they provided free swimming hats for us to borrow. Jacuzzi and sauna could have been slightly hotter. Biggest disappointment was the opening times of centre were not convenient as they only opened at 9:00am and we were looking to get in from 7:30am before our day started as is usual with most leisure centres.
Would we come back? Yes! A lovely spot and friendly atmosphere in a quirky old manor house. If the staff can keep on striving to improve (they are always being watched whether they realise it or not) they will definitely stay above water in these tough times. Thanks Dundrum house hotel for a great weekend!
