Choose your destination...
We find the best places to eat, work, rest and stay in Ireland
Portmarnock Hotel & Golf LinksStrand RoadPortmarnockCo. Dublin
www.portmarnock.com Why Stay Here?
Of course you could not better the location of Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links. It is really on the sea, with its own private beach, no less. “Nothing Overlooked but the Sea” they say, and in recent times that really seems to be the case. You notice it as soon as you enter the Reception area, it is spacious, bright and modern, the rooms are definitely contemporary-chic and yet the traditional Jameson atmosphere remains. The internationally acclaimed Bernhard Langer-designed golf course is one of Ireland's finest Championship Links Courses and is so popular it is open every day of the year bar Christmas Day! The original house was once owned by members of the Jameson Whiskey dynasty, and the Jameson Bar is a great atmospheric place to relax with good food. That’s what we did the night we stayed. Being the middle of the week, the dining options were more casual, and that suited us just fine.
DINING IN THE JAMESON BARWhile the Osbourne Brasserie is open at weekends, and the Cocktail Lounge serves food all day until 9.30, the Jameson Bar is full of historic character and we really enjoyed eating there. Just take a look at the artwork on the ceilings! There is a 3 course dinner menu, and a more casual menu with Burgers, Fish Pie, Fish and Chips and Pasta. We had a Cashel Blue and Pear Salad which was a lovely balance of salty cheese and sweet pear. There was a Fillet of Beef which was absolutely sublime, perfectly cooked and bathed in a perfect Red Wine Jus. I had a succulent Fillet of Donegal Seatrout which was a smart foil for the Boston Prawn couscous and Pernod Veloute. Very good cooking indeed. A Mixed Berry Creme Brulee served in a Martini glass was a top dessert. The wine list was well chosen and our Old Coach Pinot Noir was an elegantly smooth companion to both the meat and fish. Service was friendly and professional and the layout of the bar, with its different little areas ensures that you can have a private table without being isolated. The food really was very good and finally we loved the French background music too! ACCOMMODATION AT PORTMARNOCK HOTELSoft turquoise furnishings to blend in with the sea and grass outside the windows with views of both the golf links and the rolling waves of the Irish Sea. Clever use is made of lighting to add to the calm atmosphere, and yet there is a good desk space for work, a flat-screen television, tea and coffee making facilities and a couple of very comfortable chairs to relax in if you fancy reading a book or merely looking out at the view. Our room was well laid out, with plenty of lighting options, sockets in sensible places and good mirrors and storage places. The paintings on the walls were certainly far more interesting and attractive than most, and the whole design was thoughtful and tasteful. We had all the extras - robes and slippers; tea and coffee facilities; extra pillows and a mini-bar. The recent refurbishment has certainly lifted the rooms to a very high level of comfort and elegance.
OCEANA SPAAn excellent little Spa is tucked away on the first floor (reception is on the second floor, a bit confusing at first, but you soon get used to it). A range of treatments include Beauty & Massage, Sports & Injury Rehabilitation and Skincare and Nails. So golfers can have their muscles and back strain eased out, while beauty and detoxing treatments are all available too. I was not surprised to learn that professional sportsmen are regulars as the treatments are highly professional. If it is pampering you are after, a luxurious Dermalogica skin specific facial is wonderful, I can vouch for that. Soft Classical Music in the background, warm and comfortable treatment room, gentle confident therapist - I almost drifted off to sleep. You can get details of the many treatments available through the hotel or on www.oceana-spa.com Get more information on the hotel at www.portmarnock.com
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites |
