This pleasant privately-owned hotel just outside Tralee presents a neat face to arriving guests and also has extensive landscaped gardens at the back; although it's on the main Tralee-Killarney road, a slip road makes it easy to access and eases traffic noise.
Now in the third generation of ownership by the McGillicuddy family, the hotel’s 50th anniversary fell in 2008, and it’s greatly to the credit of the management that so many features of the original 18th century Ballygarry House, and the traditions of hospitality that were established in the early days, have been maintained.
It is held in affection locally and recent refurbishment, which has brought a more contemporary tone to the furnishing style, has been undertaken with due respect, with warm colours creating a welcoming atmosphere in the smart public areas.
Accommodation is very pleasing, with many thoughtful details adding to the comfort of a stay - rooms overlooking the gardens at the back are particularly attractive and should be quieter.
This is an appealing hotel, with exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, and it is moderately priced for the high standard offered. It is understandably popular for weddings.
Conferences/Banqueting (200/400); secretarial services, video conferencing, free broadband wi/fi. Children welcome (under 4s free in parents' room; cot available without charge, baby sitting arranged). Spa (jacuzzi, steam room, beauty salon, hairdressing, massage, treatments). Walking, garden. Golf & fishing (sea angling, coarse) nearby.
Rooms 64 (2 suites, 9 junior suites, 11 family, 12 ground floor, 2 disabled, all no smoking). B&B €65-95pps, ss €35, no sc. Lift. 24 hour room service. Turndown service. No pets. Heli-pad. Closed 21-28 Dec.
Brooks:
This well appointed restaurant is pleasingly set up overlooking the gardens at the back of the hotel and the modern classical food is appealing. Quite an extensive à la carte menu is offered, and its strength is in the presentation of traditional dishes with a successful modern twist.
Cooking is sound, presentation attractive - and, best of all, staff are attentive and hospitable.
