Cashel Palace Hotel
Ireland: County Tipperary: Cashel
What makes Cashel Palace extra special is the owners and their exemplary staff! The house itself was built in 1730 as the bishop's residence and did that bishop know how to live! This Early Georgian mansion is connected to the "rock", originally the "Cathedral on the Rock", by a beautiful private garden path. (The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most enduring tourist attractions.) But Cashel Palace has another even more intriguing claim to fame. Guinness was invented in this building! Of the accommodations, the most glamorous ones are in the main house, while rooms located in the Mews - just adjacent to the main house - are more modestly priced. The Mews is also where there are connecting rooms for families. Two junior suites in the main building are exceptionally large, elegant accommodations with a view overlooking the garden. The ground floor features comfortable sitting rooms as well as the breakfast room. Light snacks can be served in the garden in warm weather. On the lower level, there is a bar as well as a restaurant where Seamus, the hotel's amazing maitre d', is in charge. Not only does the restaurant boast fine cuisine, Seamus makes a lunch or dinner there a must. On the weekends there is a pianist for more traditional entertainment. The hotel is located right in the center of Cashel, but because it is set back some distance from the main street, the rooms are very quiet inside. County Tipperary is an important horse center and home to what is reputedly the largest stud farm in the world for "flat" horses.