Annebrook House Hotel,
Mullingar,
County Westmeath
www.annebrook.ie
We headed into the heart of Ireland recently to visit Annebrook House Hotel in the thriving town of Mullingar. How this midlands town has changed with the times and is now home to this super hotel! We found it easily right in the centre of town, shopping on the doorstep and the River Brosna running through the grounds. Modern yet historic, this hotel really appealed to us.
We dined in the Brook Restaurant which is located in the cellar of the Old House. It was such a cosy ambiance with the original limestone walls and fireplaces, and the food was excellent. Big juicy prawns, succulent rack of lamb, tender fillet steak and delicious salads. We fancied a chocolate dessert that was not on the dinner menu, but we had seen it on the room service menu, and were delighted that the friendly staff had no problem in organizing a generous portion of that for us!
Our bedroom was big, bright and so comfortable. The beds were the best, we had complimentary broadband, super shower pressure and all the comforts that today’s discerning traveller wants. We were particularly impressed to find when we came back after dinner that we had a complete turn-down service. Fresh towels, flowers, water, chocolates, bins emptied and everything tidied away. So many hotels leave out the turn-down service now, or offer it far too early in the evening. Nothing worse than housekeeping knocking on the door when you are in the shower! Well done Annebrook!
While it is a new hotel, we were very interested to learn that Annebrook has a fascinating history. Famous writer Maria Edeworth – her collected works amounting to approximately 20 volumes – is reputed to have stayed in Annebrook House in the early 1800’s and is supposed to have carved her initials on one of the walls.
The house itself was built in 1810 although it stands on the site of a medieval building which was depicted in early maps as The Frank House. It was a house used by members of the Knights Hospitalers when they were travelling through Mullingar or on their way to the Crusader Kingdoms of the Middle East.
How interesting then that this new hotel is now serving modern guests on the move throughout Ireland and the world! While the past is intriguing there is nothing old-fashioned about Annebrook House today. We had one of the best breakfasts ever in the brightly lit sunshine extension to the Brook Restaurant. We enjoyed the finest freshly baked pastries and friendly service in a sophisticated and unrushed ambiance.
It was one of those gloriously sunny Midlands mornings when we stepped out to take a stroll around Mullingar before heading off. Families were enjoying the playground opposite the hotel, couples were strolling in the hotel grounds and friends were enjoying a coffee along the river’s edge.
By the time we left the hotel, the The Brosna Bar was filling up with people coming for Sunday lunch. While the hotel offers plenty of parking, it was excellent to see so many people could walk to the hotel. The location has the best of both worlds, mature grounds and river side setting, yet situated right in the centre of Mullingar.
While only open a short time, one wonders how Mullingar managed in days before Annebrook House Hotel!
Mullingar,
County Westmeath
www.annebrook.ie
- Tastefully restored medieval building.
- Centre of town location.
- Super service and great food.
We headed into the heart of Ireland recently to visit Annebrook House Hotel in the thriving town of Mullingar. How this midlands town has changed with the times and is now home to this super hotel! We found it easily right in the centre of town, shopping on the doorstep and the River Brosna running through the grounds. Modern yet historic, this hotel really appealed to us.
We dined in the Brook Restaurant which is located in the cellar of the Old House. It was such a cosy ambiance with the original limestone walls and fireplaces, and the food was excellent. Big juicy prawns, succulent rack of lamb, tender fillet steak and delicious salads. We fancied a chocolate dessert that was not on the dinner menu, but we had seen it on the room service menu, and were delighted that the friendly staff had no problem in organizing a generous portion of that for us!
Our bedroom was big, bright and so comfortable. The beds were the best, we had complimentary broadband, super shower pressure and all the comforts that today’s discerning traveller wants. We were particularly impressed to find when we came back after dinner that we had a complete turn-down service. Fresh towels, flowers, water, chocolates, bins emptied and everything tidied away. So many hotels leave out the turn-down service now, or offer it far too early in the evening. Nothing worse than housekeeping knocking on the door when you are in the shower! Well done Annebrook!
While it is a new hotel, we were very interested to learn that Annebrook has a fascinating history. Famous writer Maria Edeworth – her collected works amounting to approximately 20 volumes – is reputed to have stayed in Annebrook House in the early 1800’s and is supposed to have carved her initials on one of the walls.
The house itself was built in 1810 although it stands on the site of a medieval building which was depicted in early maps as The Frank House. It was a house used by members of the Knights Hospitalers when they were travelling through Mullingar or on their way to the Crusader Kingdoms of the Middle East.
How interesting then that this new hotel is now serving modern guests on the move throughout Ireland and the world! While the past is intriguing there is nothing old-fashioned about Annebrook House today. We had one of the best breakfasts ever in the brightly lit sunshine extension to the Brook Restaurant. We enjoyed the finest freshly baked pastries and friendly service in a sophisticated and unrushed ambiance.
It was one of those gloriously sunny Midlands mornings when we stepped out to take a stroll around Mullingar before heading off. Families were enjoying the playground opposite the hotel, couples were strolling in the hotel grounds and friends were enjoying a coffee along the river’s edge.
By the time we left the hotel, the The Brosna Bar was filling up with people coming for Sunday lunch. While the hotel offers plenty of parking, it was excellent to see so many people could walk to the hotel. The location has the best of both worlds, mature grounds and river side setting, yet situated right in the centre of Mullingar.
While only open a short time, one wonders how Mullingar managed in days before Annebrook House Hotel!