TESTIMONIALS
The Times rate Smarmore Castle as one of Ireland’s “20 unforgettable castles”
Smarmore came in at number eighteen in the listing compiled by the prestigious London newspaper on July 31st 2010. In the article Georgina Wilson wrote "you don't have to travel far to live like a king. Ireland is full of romantic places to stay." She went on "Smarmore Castle is in a county steeped in history, myths and legends. It is close to Slane Castle and Kells Heritage Centre, and with only five bedrooms it offers a more intimate experience. Built in 1320, the castle was owned by one family until the 1980s. Now a boutique hotel, it features an Italian restaurant, gym, pool, sauna, steam room and massage centre. There is no bar but guests may bring their own alcohol"
More details and pictures are available on the Times Online website but readers must subscribe in order to view this section.
Web reviews
Read unbiased opinions about us at TripAdvisor.
Tim Lunney, Executive Director – Florida Irish Heritage Center
"This is not a paid advertisement. It is an enthusiastic personal testimonial, based upon my own family’s wonderful stay at historic Smarmore Castle. I can’t think of enough nice things to say about the Castle, it’s facilities, or our hosts, the Mullen Family."
8 July 2010
Read full review at http://floridairishheritage.spaces.live.com:80/
Fodors.com
“We chose this (Smarmore Castle just outside of Ardee) so we wouldn’t have to drive nonstop from Mountrath to Belfast. For 55 Euro each (including breakfast) we booked the Viscount’s room—but didn’t have high expectations of a 6-room castle that was so inexpensive. Surprise: We loved it! The extra 5 Euro for this premium room was well worth it because it included a beautiful 4-poster bed—and the original tower—from 1320! While parts of the property are from the 1300's, the bedrooms and most areas are not centuries old—but are decorated with faux paintings and furniture that made me feel as if I were staying in Versailles. Great fun—especially with the four-poster bed and the marvelous breakfast room with its lovely music. The hosts were exceptionally nice—and we enjoyed that traditional Irish fare—pizza—in the attached Italian restaurant.”
Songdoc’s Irish Midlands Trip Report
Mar 2010
Full text available at http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/songdocs-irish-midlands-trip-report.cfm
Comments from our guests
Here is what some of our guests wrote about their stay this year.
“I just wanted to send along a note to thank you very much for a lovely
stay in your beautiful castle. The rooms were spacious and beautifully decorated, beds comfy, the breakfast was wonderful, the hospitality was warm and friendly, the
pool, hot tub and steam room were an added bonus, the surrounding area
picturesque; what more could we ask for? And all at a quite reasonable price.
I would highly recommend Smarmore Castle to anyone travelling in Ireland.
Thank you for making our stay an enjoyable and memorable experience.”
Susan, Paul and Laurel
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 2010
“Super”
Keld and Pia, Dragoer, Denmark July 2010
“Beautiful place – Great hospitality. Thanks”
Tiziano, Italy, July 2010
“Excellent stay”
Aisling and David, Howth, Ireland, July 2010
“We loved it here, thanks for your hospitality”
Caree, Sharon and Linda, Ottawa, Canada, July 2010
“What a great place – beautiful setting and great service! Thank you.”
Chris and Elizabeth, Kent, UK, June 2010
“Awesome!”
Jim & Sue, Las Vegas, NV, USA May 2010
“It was great to stay with you! We enjoyed it very much”
Leoa and Elike, Wakendam, Holland, April 2010
“Thanks for making us feel at home!”
Adam and Kelly California, USA, March 2010-07-29
Rough Guide to Ireland
The current edition of the Rough Guide to Ireland also describes Smarmore Castle in its section dealing with the route from Ardee to Dundalk . This section reads as follows:
“On the way to Ardee you’ll pass by one of the most atmospheric places to stay in the region, Smarmore Castle , three miles south of the town. Dating back in part to 1320, the castle has undergone recent renovation and offers splendidly-furnished and spacious en-suite accommodation in very pleasant grounds.”
Lonely Planet Guide
Smarmore Castle has been described as one of the top five places to sleep in Meath and Louth in the current edition of the Lonely Planet guidebook. This guide describes the castle as follows:
“One part medieval fortress and one part luxurious country home, this 14 th-century castle has been converted into a very smart boutique hotel. The six rooms, from the four-postered Viscount’s room in the castle tower to the family-friendly Count’s room, all offer a range of experiences, from courtly Knight to country gent. There’s also a pretty decent fitness centre on the premises. It is situated 6km south of Ardee.”
Source: Lonely Planet Ireland , 7th edition January 2006, pgs 523 & 548 .
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