John and Josephine O'Sullivan opened this mock-Tudor red brick hotel in 1991 and it created a good impression from the start, with its high standard of maintenance and neatly laid-out flower beds.
The lounge bar and function room both have aviation themes: the bar honours the memory of the pioneer female pilot Sophie Pearse, who came from the area, and the restaurant is named after The Spruce Goose, Howard Hughes' famous flying boat.
Public areas are quite spacious and comfortably furnished and although not individually decorated, rooms have all the necessary comforts and are double-glazed, with air conditioning, ISDN lines, hospitality trays, ironing facilities and TV.
Conference/banqueting (400/350) facilities are good, with video-conferencing and back-up secretarial services available, free broadband wi/fi. Rooms 100 (4 suites, 4 junior suites, 37 executive rooms, 2 family, 48 ground floor, 2 disabled, 85 no-smoking). B&B €60-75 pps, ss €30. Children welcome (under 2s free in parents room, cot available free of charge). No pets. No SC. Fitness room, sauna, steam room. Wal,ing. Fly fishing & golf nearby. Closed 25 Dec.
