Enniskeen Country House Hotel

I have been in many times over the years for Pints of Heineken and the bar snacks and good price in the bar and dining room for all the courses. I must say it’s a good experience watching a good film and the beer is the best I’ve had. End of season usually but going to go more often this year when it’s open. Bar opens 11.30 am so it’s a good start to the day usually wine drinkers early but seems to be quiet which is good for business. The food is good and also a good selection of meats. It is filling chicken,lamb, pork duo and the dining room is grand but seems to be a hidden gem. Busy place in the morning, weekends are busy but it’s best to go during the week for business and it’s seems to be all about special occasions nowadays. A must visit for the traveller, business trippers and getaways. It’s beside Tollymore Forest Park and is on the Mourne Scenic Loop with outstanding views on the road to Hilltown and you can branch off at will. To go deeper in the outstanding Mourne Mountains.

Well… what can I say. From the moment we entered the hotel… it was like stepping back in time. We got the art deco deluxe suite ….that had me in stitches….. apparently the most popular room in the hotel. It had an outdated pink bath and toilet that looked like they had been installed in 1900 and the Lino floor covering reminded me of an old hospital. The taps were corroded and felt really unhygienic and the bathroom window was clear glass that overlooked the main car park. I could sit on the toilet and watch the unfortunate guests pull up for their disappointing stay….The bathroom was also bigger than the bedroom ( which was tiny and cramped)…Everything smelt musty like it had been stored for years and never updated. There were 2 members of staff who seemed to do everything … I even think these two people also did the cooking as it was bland and inedible…. I just could not stop laughing at the whole experience. It was also very very expensive. I approached the lady in reception and stated there must have been a mistake since we ordered the deluxe room…. She said that is our deluxe room. Then offered me an alternative room to look at…. It was like a hostel room. They need to order a big skip and gut this place. Also hire a chef.

The outside of this hotel is fabulous. A grand’ old house in appearance. The view from our room over the Mournes is spectacular. Sadly the rest of our experience leaves a lot to be desired. The fireplaces on the ground floor of the hotel have beautiful sandstone surrounds however they have cheap tacky electric fires installed which really ruin the character of the place. The dining room has lovely oak paneling on the walls but is ruined by the cheap polystyrene roof tiles on the ceiling. The food for dinner was poor. The roast lamb was grey on arrival. The braised beef was chewy. The vegetables were boiled dry unseasoned . A bit of butter would have gone a long way. Our room has a beautiful aspect with views over the mountains but there is a damp smell. The whole hotel is dated, damp and cold. The residents lounge feels like an old peoples home. In summary whilst this hotel is in a beautiful setting it is overpriced, understaffed and is in dire need of significant updating and investment. A few small changes would make an enormous difference. Like open turf / coal fires or even gas but a real flame at least. A new chef with a more exciting approach to food with flavor and texture. A rethink of the residents lounge. The TV is from the 1970s This place has so much potential but really needs a fresh eye to improve its standards. I do hope that this is helpful because this place could be fantastic but in todays competitive market I am not sure it can survive in its current state.

The hotel is in a beautiful and quiet location with views of the sea and mountains. Breakfasts are excellent and served to order, no buffets here. Staff are very helpful and friendly. Decor is a little tired but there are some attractive wood panneled public rooms

Location of hotel was excellent. Receptionist and staff were very helpful. Room was clean and tidy, bed comfortable. Views from the room were excellent. The only downside was the food was quite medíocre quality, we had an evening meal. Great walk down to the river and lovely grounds. The hotel could do with being updated slightly. A Very good breakfast. Overall the hotel was clean and situated on lovely garden with excellent views. Staff pleasant and very helpful.

This is a super base for hiking in the Mournes. It was our third visit and we will definitely be back. The rooms are spacious and well furnished with wonderful views from mountains to sea. Eileen and Chris are so welcoming and we enjoyed being their guests. The hotel grounds have an amazing river walk which is well worth doing.