Clontarf okay but maybe a bit overpriced

During a September 2004 trip, my husband and I began our Dublin stay at the Clontarf Castle Hotel. The building itself is very impressive as are the common rooms and the restaurants. The rooms, however, are just like regular hotel rooms. There was nothing special or different about them.

We had some slight issues with our reservation. They had mixed up first and last names even though I presented them with a confirmation print out from the booking website.

The hotel is located quite outside of the city and there is not much to do in the general area.

We moved into Dublin for our next two nights.

I do not think this hotel is a good value for the money.

We've had a lovely weekend...

We found the Clontarf Castle hotel to be as we expected. A lovely setting, not too far from town but far enough to be away from the hussle and bussle. The staff are efficient and helpful even when very busy.

The only advice we could give is, if you are staying over a weekend, check whether a wedding or other social event is being held. If so, ask for breakfast in bed as you may find it difficult to get in the restaurant the following morning. Most guests decided to come down for breakfast at the same time. The staff dealt with the situation very well but you had to wait until tables came available.

Apart from this hiccup we had a wonderful stay.

Wonderful All Around

Had the pleasure to stay for one night only this past Saturday Nov 6, 2204. From the moment we checked in to the moment we checked out we had a great time. The front desk people who checked us in and out were both extremely friendly and helpful. Had a King size bed on the third floor. Very clean and comfortable. Coffee and Tea and shortbread biscuits in the room were provided for a quick breakfast prior to leaving the hotel. Had a pub dinner in the Knights Lounge. Had Bangers and Mashed potatoes and some of the best Liver Pate I've ever tasted anywhere. Service was great even though the place was packed. Prices were reasonable even though the dollar is currently being slammed by the EURO. All the meals going by looked great and I was sorry we only had the one night. I'd recommend this special hotel to anybody. We guess their nightclub lounge must be really good also as we were leaving to check out at 7A in the morning there was a group of about 4 couples sitting outside the lounge doors in front of the fireplace finishing off the last of their beverages laughing and having a grand time. LOL, I was glad I wasn't one of them as I've left those days behind and had to fly back to the states that morning. We left relaxed and well rested and hope to return to this hotel someday. If we ever make it back to Dublin we'll be sure to check in.

Great Stay...not to far to play!

We came from the Train Station (Heuston) and took a bus to Connelly Station (short 10 minute ride with good view of the city). There take a bus (#130) right to the hotel or taxi (8 Euro).

The castle was beautiful, in a safe quiet location. The staff gave excellent service- with wake up calls, taxi and dinner reservations. It was soo relaxing with no true compliants at all. We had a triple room (child 8) but beds were confortable and they provided turn down service - closing curtains, turning down bed and leaving us a delicious chocolate - nice touches. Bath was large and clean. Taxi to airport was right on time. This hotel is convenient to Dublin airport & cost us only 15 Euro for 3 people. We'll be back.

Only down point is that breakfast is too expensive (ate at airport) and our room had no fan in the bathroom - which is needed.

Shame about the room

I stayed at this Hotel from June 25th to June 28th as I was in town to see Metallica, sad old rocker that I am.

On the face of it the Hotel is very well presented, taking the old castle theme into reception, the bars and restaurants. It's such a pity that the same couldn't be said about the rooms which were your bog standard sterile hotel room.

On closing the room door I could have been in any Hilton, Holiday Inn, Best Western, etc. anywhere in the world. There wasn't anything particularly "Irish" or even Castle themed about the rooms, they were just frankly boring, if you're expecting four poster beds forget it. Granted they were clean and comfortable but instantly forgettable.

The area of Clontarf seems to be pretty affluent and it's pleasant enough to walk around if the weather is in your favour. Getting into town is €1.50 on the bus or about €8 in a cab. You'll spend more time in town I suspect, plenty to do especially if you like a wee drop to drink!!

Nice enough frontage and facilities to the hotel, shame about the rooms. No more than pleasant I'd say but by no means bad. So if you lower your expectations a little and take the "Castle" them e with a pinch of salt you'll be in a nice enough hotel, in nice grounds in very quiet area.

Expected more

Stayed here for just one night and was abit disappointed. The room was very clean and comfortable but just average. Not as nice as many other 4 star hotels we stayed at. I suppose, when you say you are staying in a castle, you expect alot more. The restaurant where we hoped to dine was closed for a private function and the other restaurant was booked out until 9.30 so we ended up eating in the bar. The food was still good but very limited.

All that glitters is not Gold

Not the traditional stay I had anticipated. A number of staff were fresh from school/foreign and apathetic to problems. Room service was ordered by myself and a colleague who was in a separate room, neither of us received the breakfast. When we reported this to the reception a half hearted apology was made with no intention of seeking the problem or offering a goodwill gesture. Food in the main restaurant was overly expensive and average though the bar food was v tasty. Taxis were ordered via the hotel but these were 30minutes late on both mornings. I would look for an alternative next time.

Stayed there twice love it!

Stayed in a number of hotels while traveling in Europe, and for value and comfort level this place is great. The staff is very helpful, rooms are comfortable, beds are very comfortable. The atmosphere is great. It is a taxi ride from city though, but if you dont want to be directly in city, and prefer the quiet, the 10 euro for a taxi is worth it. Also it is a good location to airport.

Great hotel

My husband and I stayed here for a weekend trip and were quite pleased. It is in a beautiful location near the coast, but was close enough to the city centre to enjoy everything you want. Highly recommend!

Great Staff

I recently returned home after a nice week in Dublin. We stayed at the Clontarf Castle, great location, great roon and a really great Staff. The public areas were a little busy with holiday activity but I would highly recommend this location for any one visiting Dublin that wants to stay just outside of the main city