A stunning property occupying a large corner site on the city’s most gracious Georgian square - overlooking a leafy park and only a minute’s stroll away from the City Art Gallery - this is the luxurious boutique hotel that discerning visitors to Limerick will seek out.
Immaculately restored in authentic celebration of its original architectural features, it is clear from the moment you cross the threshold that no expense has been spared to make this the most elegant and comfortable small hotel – and - far from the all-purpose plastic welcome that so often meets the traveller – well-trained staff show genuine interest in ensuring that visitors are introduced to the attractions of this fine city and enjoy their stay. (On the Guide’s initial visit, proprietor Patricia Roberts carried luggage to the room herself).
It’s true that there is a three floor climb to the two top-floor Lord and Lady Barrington rooms but, at the other end of this long building, there is a lift to take guests up to the top rooms, and you are rewarded with a view of the neat little Zen garden from the corridor as you make your way along to either the spa or the restaurant.
Set against a classically elegant colour scheme of eau de nil, mushroom and the palest of dove greys, the décor is appropriate to the period and enhanced throughout the hotel by glittering mirrors, gilded frames and polished glass.
This Limerick Hotels public rooms include a fine first-floor Drawing Room with an open turf fire overlooking the People’s Park in Pery Square (Afternoon Tea is served here, 3-6pm daily) and on the ground floor an intimate and very comfortably furnished bar, the Park Room Lounge, also has an open fire, encouraging relaxed conversation.
Yet, whilst all is comfort and elegance, this is not an old-fashioned place – all public areas have complimentary WiFi, and landline internet access is among the many facilities in bedrooms where, although coffee and tea making facilities are absent, you will find a safe, iron, hairdryer and the welcome courtesy of a large umbrella.
Bathrooms are large and gleaming, with full size baths, giant monsoon shower heads, generous towels and L’Occitane toiletries; a bath butler menu is offered in all bedrooms, and organic seaweed baths are also available in most rooms.
The three types of room offered include four spacious and light-filled period rooms named after previous residents of the house and overlooking the park, terrace or garden; 15 Club rooms named after Irish poets and with a more modern classic tone; and a gorgeous Penthouse Suite with its own bar and dining area – and views across the city to the hills of Clare.
But if pampering is on your mind, the place to be is the vaulted basement, where the holistic Spa @ No. 1 offerings include a thermal spa (try the coal bunker sauna), sound wave therapy, tailor made programmes and a Zen garden; totally natural Sodashi products are used, along with the Voya organic range produced by the Celtic Seaweed Baths in Sligo - it all adds up to what is accurately described as a unique “Irish Spa” experience.
With a dedicated car park and the railway station just a little distance away, this makes a fine place to stay – in the heart of the city yet quiet and harmonious, and with top-class dining to boot in The Long Room or, for private parties, Sash restaurant.
The Long Room
Opened in 2019, The Long Room soon became the heart of No 1 Pery Square. Running the length of the original building, and facing onto the People’s Park, this aptly named room is painted in a deep, velvet green, with lush, thick-piled carpet and warming (electric) fires, the room exudes comfort and relaxation.
Patricia Roberts's aim was for the new space to be "...All about simplicity and pride, inspired by our wonderful producers, not just from Limerick and its environs but from the whole island - to present the best ingredients simply, to showcase their flavour and the love that has gone into making them." And The Long Room menus reflect that very well. Prepared by Head Chef Alex Timmons, they are extensive, but exceptionally well-designed, incorporating local producers and traditional dishes throughout. There are hearty mains, including a rib-eye steak and beef burger from O’Connors, as well as a range of soups and sandwiches, imaginatively named after Georgian buildings and families. A range of small plates highlight Limerick’s ‘pigtown’ history, with delicious Scotch eggs, ham hock terrine, homemade sausage rolls and delightfully crispy baked Limerick ham and Cahill’s cheddar croquettes.
A particular highlight on this innovative menu is the choice of four supper plates. These include a Georgian Quarter platter, an Irish cheese board, a seafood platter and a charmingly traditional - and very appetising - No. 1 supper plate, consisting of soda bread with baked Limerick ham, roast chicken, local cheese, free-range egg and scallion mayo. All guests, whether hailing from near or far, will find great comfort in such a dish on a cold winter’s night or after a long day of travel, while the equally seasonal summer menus are lightened accordingly to refresh and restore.
Drinks include a range of specially-blended teas from Cahill’s of Wickham Street, as well a considered selection of wines (20 wines by the glass, and also tasting measures to encourage more adventurous choices) champagnes and cocktails, in addition to local ciders and craft beers.
The Long Room offers a welcome respite from busy city life, a magical recreation of Georgian times past and a triumph of excellence in renovation. The creative, considered menu is a worthy homage to the building's 19th century heritage, and the rich produce of its home county of Limerick and Ireland as a whole. It’s a highlight of the Limerick food scene, and another string to the Roberts’s very full bow.
