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Galway Cathedral
Finally, we went to the cathedral. The cathedral is quite new and was built between 1958 and 1965. They didn't skimp on anything.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4281c09f5e.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...34fec26fe8.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...161a1f557a.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ccc9876586.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d3e98c2e3c.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5bab58e4d1.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...12bceb0014.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...201de0981e.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...eec3552e82.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5e417ae1e5.jpg |
Ashford Castle
On the last evening, we went to the George V Dining Room, the hotel's exquisite fine dining restaurant. Of course, appropriate attire is very important there:
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...490ad8f094.jpg A dinner jacket? For a moment, I considered packing my tuxedo. But I figured that the writer simply didn't know what a dinner jacket is and that it's just the usual nonsense for people who don't know how to dress. This time, it's just people who don't know how to describe clothing correctly. Incidentally, a dinner jacket is not worn with a tie, but with a bow tie. In the evening, the restaurant and the foyer appear significantly darker. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4fd9912056.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9709aba3e2.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b83bea20de.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...10df1158c2.jpg The restaurant has a plate in the Michelin Guide, which is something to celebrate. The prices are set at star level. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9932f13894.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...14d40eeb0a.jpg OK, Tasting Menu. Amuse Bouche and bread - both good. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9b417fc91d.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...592b6ffa8f.jpg Estate Ricotta - Estate Vegetables - Pumpkin Sees - Dukkha - Hawthorn https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3f4af2212c.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...95d8c354a1.jpg A refreshing start, that was just right. Cured Organic Salmon - Cucumber - Kohlrabi - Velvet Cloud Yoghurt - Smoked Salmon Rillettes https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...431083210d.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8fcdf8b966.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ca1f9359c5.jpg Solid Scallop https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b1955f9a06.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...62a30b5288.jpg It tasted good. Grapefruit and Champagne Sorbet https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...19d71cb3bc.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a5acc17d82.jpg Not my taste because of the champagne, but the grapefruit sorbet was good. Pan Fried Cod - Courgette - Killary Fjord Mussels - Pineapple Weed - Shellfish Bisque https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2dd72cf081.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...76f07402d7.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...26ac833433.jpg That was very tasty. Roast Turbot - Artichoke - Gnocchi - Wild Garlic - Summer Greens https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f98f45a1b1.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5f66713172.jpg That was OK too, although I preferred the cod. Chocolate https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8d4fa0b12f.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...70eebae95c.jpg Like the scallops, it wasn't on the regular menu, but it was OK. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...90459da97e.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3d4b0d0f32.jpg Petit Fours https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fc79d325d7.jpg The bill https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4772d4d9cc.jpg The food was of good quality; the George V is a decent restaurant. In my opinion, the cuisine isn't quite up to Michelin star standard, but the prices are in line with that. You're eating at Ashford Castle, after all, and you pay for that. |
Aghadoe Heights Hotel
Now it was time to say goodbye to Ashford Castle and continue on to Killarney. Choosing a hotel in the area was really not that easy. Sheens Fall Lodge was actually the classic choice, but even though it has two Michelin stars, the reviews had not been very good recently. The location is also not great. Another alternative was the Europe. Not bad, really, but I didn't really like the penthouse suites and couldn't quite warm to it. Then there was the Killarney Park Hotel. Very nice, freshly renovated and really beautiful rooms. But I didn't book that either. It's not in the countryside, but in the middle of town. My attention was drawn to the Aghadoe Heights Hotel. According to the photos, it had a very nice view and offered a fairly large penthouse suite at a price I found acceptable. I also got the impression from the photos that it had a particularly nice wellness area. So I decided on the Aghadoe Heights. Thanks to a Black Friday promotion, the penthouse cost €6,240 for four nights.
The journey there is as usual via narrow roads. But then you arrive at the hotel and the surroundings are really beautiful. The hotel itself isn't really that great. You can already see the penthouse. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e788bbbdb2.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...486d03b7af.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...aff7eb4a3f.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f3d263c63a.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4a7fa1ec89.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...39b12e6fb6.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...abd011a5d6.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8799246b61.jpg From the parking lot. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1f01b578c5.jpg Yes, there was something... Here is the legendary Aghadoe Stone in the parking lot. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...33dbf2f40a.jpg Cars love it! Equal rights for all! Why should only humans have a stone to kiss (more on that later)? https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...86defc1a13.jpg The entrance area. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cea45d778d.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...aae2d0c13d.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5eaffb0026.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...24836b0483.jpg |
Aghadoe Heights Hotel
When we arrived, the doorman was busy unloading a minibus, and a group of Americans was just arriving. We were hardly noticed. When you enter the hotel, you immediately notice that you are in a slightly different environment than in Ashford. Everything is bright, but the concierge desk with its luggage trolley is not exactly going to win any design awards.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fd3cb86da4.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3bf1372278.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c93e2aa3bb.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2c23d60a16.jpg We had to wait a bit at the lobby desk, but it was fine. The lobby itself is very low, and even though they've tried hard with the decor, it all looks rather modest. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dd9ae5b002.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c31331dc16.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a9abcf5e0f.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0495d741bd.jpg Check-in was quick, and the lady helped us with our suitcases. Fun fact: the loaded luggage trolley barely fit through the doors. To get to the penthouse, you have to walk down a hallway until you reach an elevator. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...443182f8b2.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5d76b69a80.jpg |
Aghadoe Heights Hotel
But let's move on to the penthouse. According to the website, it has been newly renovated and is 278 square meters in size. That should be enough for two people, as the floor plan suggests.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c98a17fce0.jpg Apparently, it offers special services such as afternoon tea on arrival and free ironing service, but I didn't notice anything of the sort, nor did I ask. Access is via the stairs, as I later found out. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...aaee7d77af.jpg There is also supposed to be a “private elevator.” Well, that's not entirely true. It's just a normal elevator. But since the penthouse is on the 5th floor and there is no button for it, you need a key card. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...52bfd9639a.jpg On the 5th floor, you find yourself in an antechamber, but you can no longer lock the suite from the outside. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...45a85e2dcb.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cbdd32165d.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...21af2ff9f7.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0f596e6dcf.jpg The toilets are off the entrance hall. No, not the actual ones—the suite has its own “public toilets.” And before anyone asks: Yes, I really needed them urgently and it was the reason I booked this particular room. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1d87dc3879.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...faf27160aa.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5c404054fc.jpg All joking aside, this shows that the penthouse is well equipped for hosting smaller events, as is often the case with large suites. But then there's the entrance to the actual suite. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...58be1f1f74.jpg The door can be locked from the inside. Passing through the door, you enter another foyer with a bar and a tap system. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7b7dc0d91a.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...40956cd732.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...caa157c769.jpg There is also a free minibar here. Great idea, but unfortunately it wasn't restocked and was poorly stocked (6 tonics, 2 colas, 2 bottles of water, I think). Behind the bar, there was a small kitchen on the left (without a stove, etc.). https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c6c7ed8ddf.jpg And an office. Not really the place to be, if you ask me. But the globe is cool. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f9365dad44.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1de185adbe.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d447345766.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1cec6334b6.jpg The cables available do not fit the equipment I brought with me. Perhaps if you obtain a few devices from the museum... https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9e5e626ce1.jpg OK, I know. Some devices still use them. But who carries a monitor around with them? |
Aghadoe Heights Hotel
The living room was really nice and furnished with fairly new furniture.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2dae4abf32.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a7e10f7efa.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d7b49fec58.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0fdf1b00fe.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2b877a0cee.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ceefc449e3.jpg There were also flowers, art and entertainment technology. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fe4be1c353.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ad28b50d2f.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d29559d21a.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f1a7e46a67.jpg But the best thing is to enjoy the view (difficult to capture). https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c7641f9b54.jpg The artificial fireplace was quite atmospheric. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...146519e9f4.jpg |
Aghadoe Heights Hotel
The master bedroom was much nicer, we really liked some of the furniture, and you had a view to the front.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1b98f44af0.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f8a1bd4b73.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f2075db4fc.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9e03876ebc.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7b2720bc86.jpg The master bathroom was off the bedroom. In the entrance hall was the dressing area with rather modest closet space. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ae94eaed06.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...55c4bb413e.jpg The shower was also located here. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5cbcc8088f.jpg The bathroom itself was large enough and brightly furnished, but why there was no hand shower next to the bathtub remains a mystery. Nevertheless, I think you would expect a little more from a penthouse of this size. Also it missed a cosmetic mirror. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f5587ff159.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0d7bfe2b29.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d545f8afc3.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...245fb22a86.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f11a7f6a63.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d5153b54ec.jpg |
Aghadoe Heights Hotel
Let's move on to the best part of the suite, the terrace. Yes, it does have a few flaws. I wasn't quite sure why there were dead plants and junk lying around. The area behind the whirlpool could have done with a tidy-up. The whirlpool itself was obviously completely overchlorinated; at least, after using it, all my body hair was sticking together in clumps. I've never experienced that before. Nevertheless, the amazing view somehow makes up for it and you're forgiving.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e3bfeedfc1.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c09d94cfce.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f39557e591.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b5fa099199.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...01adc4a638.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7cee416784.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ef8082868c.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4badb9c262.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...799785aba8.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7ccd2257b9.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...eabaa2f73c.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9dd0109f72.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f2bf21c513.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e2d0bd91ec.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f6aec3b09d.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...853575156d.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...06794f4238.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4f7a3414d7.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...250cf1203d.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f3b9fc62c2.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7a14a44cb8.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...042c9ffb88.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d8204231ae.jpg Also nice when it gets dark. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fff069c57b.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6577a1c60f.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cfefc590dc.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...624cf71e2c.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1148c2f822.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b21ead56c1.jpg |
The broken chair is a nice touch. I feel you are too forgiving
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Aghadoe Heights Hotel
The hotel had already earned a reputation with me as a hotel with a great pool area. To get to the pool, we first had to walk through the corridor to the entrance door.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...27cd551fb6.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c6ff8feba9.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2c2147cf5c.jpg To get to the pool, you go through the changing rooms and the rather remarkable shower, then up a spiral staircase to the pool. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7927fdebb4.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...142189f6d0.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9cf9842ce9.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...09c63f266d.jpg The pool itself is quite nice, but shows its age in many places. The pool bar (very 90s) was converted into a flower bed a long time ago, and somehow it just didn't spark my love. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...eb098b9d67.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a9dabbd29c.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8aa9fa76d3.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1d9aeb6799.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...475a0f0d7c.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...40b30433bc.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3c9c8f9575.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...da75e0c13c.jpg |
Aghadoe Heights Hotel
We ate at the hotel restaurant on our first evening. I would describe the dining room as adequate; it wasn't particularly exciting.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fa9d444a54.jpg The menu. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9f15902094.jpg A solid non-alcoholic wine, I've had it at home before. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f17359b496.jpg Amuse Bouche https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...de7462c431.jpg The Beetroot - ardsallagh goat cheese, coffee, cocoa soil, beetroot purée https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e190d1b456.jpg Balfego Tuna - kiwi, pickled ginger, lime https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f2849aa4b2.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...09fc069a44.jpg Monkfish - chick peas, tomato concassé https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e41748c524.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fceb399bec.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...db45e5de27.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6d7f80efc2.jpg Yuzu - white chocolate, coconut crumb, blueberry https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5ab56be38b.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...800a45b636.jpg Iced Nougat - violet candy floss, raspberry sauce https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6201783694.jpg The bill https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...79b7f81617.jpg A solid meal with interesting dishes. |
What in the name of all that is holy was the sauce with the monkfish?
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Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 37223374)
What in the name of all that is holy was the sauce with the monkfish?
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Aghadoen Heights Hotel
Breakfast was served in the restaurant in the morning. The food was good overall, but the selection didn't change over the course of our stay.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3c62428ee2.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...459afb16c8.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2ca97b3165.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dbc70f6081.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...92f279e970.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bac9775544.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3b124e2d5a.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5f666b891a.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...15d205e8ed.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...474c3abb5a.jpg You could also order from a menu. The food was good, though not outstanding. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2e5298639f.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4bee37f079.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...841ab18bd1.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f62a9d111a.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...470eff42d6.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5afcbb06af.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f87b6b1596.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...eeabe96980.jpg All in all, a decent breakfast. After a few days, however, it gets boring. I particularly liked the spreads. |
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