This ivy-clad former manor house dates back to the 18th century and, set in its own gardens, is an oasis of calm in the bustling centre of Ennis. The Old Ground was bought by the Flynn family of hoteliers in 1995 and has been sensitively extended and renovated by them, with due respect for the age and importance of the building.
Despite the challenges of dealing with very thick walls in an old building, major improvements were made to existing banqueting/conference facilities in the mid '90s, and extra storeys have since been added to provide fine new rooms; as the famous ivy-clad frontage continues to thrive, the external changes are barely noticeable to the casual observer, and major refurbishment has also taken place throughout the interior of the hotel, including all of the older bedrooms.
Guests who had found some of the older bedrooms and bathrooms rather cramped when occupied by two people will be pleased to know that 24 rooms have recently been extended and redecorated.
A traditional style bar, Poet's Corner (bar menu 12-9), is well known for its good food and features traditional music on some nights.
*Town Hall Café is an informal contemporary restaurant in an historic building adjacent to the hotel (see separate entry).
Brendan O'Regan Room Restaurant:
The hotel's formal dining room is at the front of the hotel and has warmth and charm, in an elegant old-fashioned style.
Along with the hotel's other dining options - The Town Hall Cafe and the Poet's Corner bar - the main restaurant has a long tradition of good food and service. Today's kitchen team has been part of the hotel for many years, and head chef Freddy Rynne takes pride in using the best of local produce such as Inagh goats cheese and Clare crab, in season. Enduring speciality dishes include Carrigaholt mussels with shallots & garlic in a chive cream sauce, and Burren lamb with rosemary & honey glaze, and guests love the homely desserts like seasonal fruit crumbles.
