The unexceptional exterior of this pleasant four star near the university belies its stylish, modern lobby - and the well-maintained gardens and welcoming staff create a good first impression.
One of the leading Limerick Hotels, the Castletroy Park originally opened in 1991. The current owner, Pat MacDonagh, took over in November 2012 and breathed new life into the hotel. Part of his SO group, it is particularly popular for weddings and functions but it’s also an appealing destination for short breaks, with outstanding amenities nearby, such as the adjacent University Concert Hall and the University Sports Arena, and excellent on-site leisure facilities including a beauty salon, pool, gym, aerobics studio, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
The public areas are decorated in muted tones of black and grey with pops of colour, including bright pink walls in reception, giving the hotel a fresh, modern feel, and the bedrooms are similarly decorated in a contemporary style. They are warm spacious and comfortable, with complimentary bottled water in the mini-fridge and chocolates every night at turn-down time.
The Garden Room, an open space overlooking the well-maintained courtyard and the Clare hills, is ideal for casual meetings and snacks - it serves light meals all day, including a very popular Afternoon Tea complete with a cute kids’ version.
The Brasserie, in the style of a traditional Irish pub, has more character than the usual hotel bar. Food is served from noon to 9.30pm, with a well-thought out bistro menu available in the evenings. Portions are generous and the service brisk and friendly.
Breakfast is served in McLaughlin's Restaurant (see below) - presented buffet-style with extras like yoghurt smoothies and organic porridge, it also offers a separate gluten-free area.
Limerick is well located for all visitors to the region; the city and surrounding area have a lot to offer, including golf, river cruising, fishing, golf and horse racing as well as many cultural activities. Castletroy Park is ideally situated for exploring Limerick on foot and could be a good choice if you like lots of room and a quiet location.
McLaughlin's Restaurant:
Comfortable and well-appointed, with semi-circular banquette seating on one side and a striking collection of photographs depicting Limerick scenes decorating the walls, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant is in a large, high ceilinged room with a pleasant outlook over the courtyard.
Tables are smartly dressed with crisp linen, and welcoming, well trained staff give a good impression from the moment of arrival.
Imaginative menus offer half a dozen interesting choices on each of the three courses, promising an enjoyable meal at a reasonable price. And diners expecting a typical hotel meal here will be pleasantly surprised; there’s a commitment to quality ingredients and they are used with flair – the cooking has finesse and presentation, on modern white plates, is excellent.
A small but well-chosen wine list leans towards France and matches the food well, offering a good choice by the glass and, in addition to a moderately priced main list, some upmarket wines are offered at reduced price.
Add good service, and you have the makings of a very enjoyable experience.
