This ivy-clad former manor house dates back to the 18th century and, set in its own gardens, creates an oasis of calm in the bustling centre of Ennis. The Old Ground was bought by the Flynn family in 1995 and has been sensitively extended and renovated by them with due respect for the age and importance of the building.
Despite the difficulties of dealing with very thick walls in an old building, major improvements were made to existing banqueting/conference facilities in the mid '90s, and extra storeys have since been added to provide fine new rooms; as the famous ivy-clad frontage continues to thrive, the external changes are barely noticeable to the casual observer, and major refurbishment has also taken place throughout the interior of the hotel, including all the older bedrooms.
Guests who were finding that some of the older bedrooms and bathrooms rather cramped when occupied by two people will be pleased to know that 24 rooms have recently been extended and redecorated. A traditional style bar, Poet's Corner (bar menu 12-9) features traditional music on some nights.
*Town Hall Café (see entry), is an informal contemporary restaurant in an historic building adjacent to the hotel.
Conference/banqueting (120/180). Children welcome (under 2 free in parents' room, cot available without charge, baby sitting arranged). No pets. Garden.
Rooms 105 (6 suites, 6 junior suites, 89 executive rooms, 60 no-smoking, 4 family, 3 single, 1 for disabled.) Lift. 24 hour room service; turndown service. B&B €60-85pps; ss €32. Closed 24-26 Dec.
O'Brien Room Restaurant:
The hotel's formal dining room is at the front of the hotel and has warmth and charm, in an elegant old-fashioned style.
Today's kitchen team has been part of the hotel for many years, and they take pride in using local produce in enduring speciality dishes such as Carrigaholt mussels with shallots & garlic in a chive cream sauce, or Burren lamb with rosemary & honey glaze, and homely desserts like seasonal fruit crumbles.
Seats 60; children welcome; toilets wheelchair accessible; air conditioning. L&D daily: L 12.30-2pm (to 2.30pm Sun), D 6.30-9.15 (to 9pm Sun); set L €19; set 5 course D €35; also a la carte L&D. Closed 25-26 Dec. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser
